Overview
The Australian National University is the only Australian university that offers postgraduate education in nuclear science, an increasingly important area of expertise for defence, medical physics, industrial processes, mining, security, and policy development.
The University also runs the country's highest energy heavy ion accelerator - the only facility in Australia dedicated to nuclear physics research, enabling hands-on training.
The Master of Science in Nuclear Science is taught by academics at the forefront of basic and applied research and covers all aspects of nuclear science, including reactor science, nuclear fuel cycles, and how to ensure policy debates on nuclear issues are informed by science and best practice. You will also explore broader topics covering nuclear strategy, science communication, human ecology, and environmental policy.
Advanced program
The Advanced program provides you with the opportunity to extend your practical, coursework experience in nuclear science with the development and implementation of a research project supervised by an academic. You will be required to develop expertise in a nominated area through independent research and completion of a dissertation. It is particularly relevant to those who wish to benefit from the research strengths of ANU.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for the Advanced version of this program.
Key facts
- #1 in Australia for Physics and Astronomy (QS 2024)
- #1 in Australia for Physics and Astronomy (THE 2023)
- 2 years full time
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
- #1 in Australia for graduate employability (Times Higher Education)
- Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for the Advanced version of this program
Careers
The Master of Science in Nuclear Science will equip you with the skills you need to meet the growing demand for a high-tech nuclear workforce, both in Australia and globally.
Some examples of where our graduates have found themselves include: research roles, both fundamental (university) and applied (medical/industrial); regulatory roles in the commercial (mining) and government (radiation protection, customs, security) sectors; and analyst and policy roles in government. Our graduates occupy senior roles across a range of private companies and government departments.
The Master of Science (Advanced) in Nuclear Science is a pathway to further academic research, such as a PhD.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2022. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Ken Maxwell, CEO xAmplify
"The Master degree in nuclear science was fantastic and catered to students from all backgrounds, whether they’re professionals like me, or from government departments, or they want to be a nuclear physicist. It covers the whole spectrum from practical expertise to pure theory.”
Learning experience
Access to our world-class facilities
“Our students are very, very sought after by international labs, because of our wide-ranging hands-on training. You can stand them in front of almost anything in a laboratory, and they will solve the problem.”
Meet the Director of the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility
Make the most of industry expertise
Tony Irwin has commissioned and operated nine nuclear reactors, including Australia’s only nuclear reactor, OPAL. He's also your lecturer.
Meet Australia's go-to guy for nuclear reactors
Going nuclear for Nemo: how ANU scientists are helping save the Great Barrier Reef
ANU is home to one of the world’s most innovative nuclear science facilities and programs. This work is helping protect environmental treasures like the world’s largest coral reef, understand the origins of life on our planet and launch tech into space.
Read the storyFees & scholarships
Fees
Please visit the Programs and Courses website for information about fees.
View fees View fees for advanced programScholarships
Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.
Convenors
Professor Gregory Lane
Greg’s primary research interest revolves around attempts to understand the structure of exotic nuclei far from stability, particularly the discovery and characterisation of metastable nuclear excited states and investigations into collective modes of excitation in nuclei.
How to apply
Understand the how to apply steps
Visit the international postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
International postgraduate applicationsUnderstand the how to apply steps
Visit the domestic postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
Domestic postgraduate applications