Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering

Qualification Profile

Unloading the reactor core for revision in NPP Goesgen

Graduates from the Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering program will have a high-level qualification, which enables them to act during their professional careers as:

• Development, operation and maintenance engineers or managers in industrial companies in the field of nuclear energy conversion, fuel production and waste disposal. The interdisciplinary nature of the Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering also allows the graduates to choose careers in the field of conventional and renewable energies as they will be aware of how to improve and/or substitute existing technology, taking environmental, safety, societal and human constraints, as well as economic considerations, into account. Whether engaged in nuclear or non-nuclear energy production, they will aim to offer complete solutions.
• Academic personnel for research and development projects in the field of nuclear energy conversion. The graduates will be equipped with the basis knowledge necessary for an activity related to the development of new reactor types, novel fuel technologies, and advanced waste disposal methods. Research careers will often start with a PhD position at one of the two universities or at the Paul Scherrer Institute, or at similar institutions abroad.
• Academic personnel for surveillance and supervision of nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations, under the jurisdiction of safety and licensing authorities. The Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering degree holders will have a deep understanding of nuclear safety technology and culture. They will know the basis of licensing regulations and be familiar with methods and tools for the safety assessment of nuclear installations. This will enable them to take up careers in national and international nuclear safety organisations.
• Political leaders, administration officers and opinion makers. The graduates should be able to advise governments and international institutions and to act as catalysts for society through their competent and multi-faceted approach to energy problems, future challenges, and technical and/or organizational opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary research in other fields. Successful completion of the NST Master’s program will qualify the graduates to embark on PhD research in other areas, in which they can make use of their knowledge of methodologies in several different branches of engineering and basic sciences.