Nuclear engineer

You can do a degree in a subject like:

• nuclear engineering
• chemical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• maths
• physics with nuclear technology
• materials and nuclear engineering

You could also do a postgraduate course if your first degree is in a relevant subject.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

• Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Nuclear Reactor Desk Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You can start on a 2-year graduate training scheme called Nuclear Graduates, which is run by nuclear industry employers.

On the scheme, you'll receive professional development training in different areas of the nuclear industry.

You'll normally need a degree in a science or engineering subject to apply for a place.

Career Tips

You may need to relocate for work, as Britain's nuclear power stations are spread around the country. This includes ones in operation, those being decommissioned and proposed new sites.

You can find employers in each part of the country on the Nuclear Industry Association jobs map.

Further Information

You can get details about working in the the nuclear industry through:

• Destination Nuclear
• Not Just Labcoats
• UK Atomic Energy Authority

As a nuclear engineer, you might:

• design and build new nuclear plants and equipment
• monitor radiation levels
• plan and carry out maintenance work
• help to decommission old power stations
• research ways to dispose of nuclear waste
• design medical equipment that uses nuclear technology
• work on nuclear propulsions systems for ships and submarines

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a nuclear engineer to be a green job, you could:

• build power plants to help reduce greenhouse gasses
• design energy efficient medical scanners and imaging equipment
• work on research into nuclear fusion that has the potential to produce large amounts of cleaner energy

Find out more about green careers

You could work at a power station, in a laboratory, in an office or in a control room.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.