Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering

Master’s Thesis

The Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering is concluded by completion of a scientific thesis. The thesis is aimed at enhancing your capability to work independently towards the solution of a theoretical and/or experimental research and development problem in nuclear engineering.

Before you can start the Master’s thesis you must have obtained at least 50 of the 60 course work credits (including the 6 credits for the semester project). The subject of the Master’s thesis and the project plan are proposed by your tutor and further elaborated by you under guidance of the responsible professor, who could be your tutor, but not necessarily so.

The Master’s thesis involves a workload of between 17 weeks and 6 months, full-time. The successful completion of the thesis earns you 30 credits.

In general, the Master’s thesis is pursued in one of the research laboratories of the Nuclear Energy and Safety Department (NES) at PSI, the ETH Domain’s research institute which is Switzerland’s main player in nuclear (fission) energy related R&D. A senior NES scientist, under academic mentorship of the responsible professor, is identified for direct supervision of your Master’s research.

Alternatively, Master’s projects can be accomplished in the Laboratory of Nuclear Energy Systems at ETH Zurich or in the Laboratory of Reactor Physics and Systems Behaviour at EPFL. The definition of the work plans for each Master’s project, as also its accomplishment, is monitored by the responsible professor.