Master of Science (Advanced) in Nuclear Science

Knowledge of nuclear science is increasingly important across diverse fields, from pure scientific endeavours through to medical physics, industrial processes, mining, security, defence and policy development. The Australian National University is the only university in Australia that offers postgraduate education in nuclear science and is the ideal location to pursue an advanced degree in this growing field.

Over two years, you will study the fundamentals and applications of nuclear science, including materials analysis, dating techniques, nuclear medicine, and nuclear energy. The degree is a mix of coursework and projects, comprising individual and group-based research. You will develop the scientific background you need for informed debate on nuclear issues, without advocating a particular position.

You will have access to the cutting-edge equipment in the laboratories of the Australian Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility, with many opportunities to undertake laboratory-based training, as well as access to academics who are at the forefront of research in basic and applied nuclear science. 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.

This Advanced program incorporates a research project and thesis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent

The GPA requirement for this program must be met by both the program as a whole, as well as by the 6 courses in the cognate disciplines. Where more than 6 cognate courses have been completed by the applicant, ANU will take the best 6 courses when assessing the cognate GPA.

The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.

Mathematics - assumed knowledge : Background knowledge equivalent to high-school maths study is recommended but not essential. Prospective students may wish to take a Mathematics diagnostic test to ascertain their current level of Mathematics. A Maths Diagnostic Test is available at https://maths.anu.edu.au/study/choosing-your-first-year-first-semester-mathematics-course but prospective students may elect to use tests offered by other providers.

Prospective students who do not have the recommended background knowledge in high-school maths may wish to enrol in suitable preparatory courses prior to commencing the Masters program. Information on the Maths Bridging Courses offered by ANU is available at https://maths.anu.edu.au/study/bridging-course . Prospective students may also wish to undertake bridging courses by other providers.

Ranking and English Language Proficiency: At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

In line with the University's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.