Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Science and Technology

Build technical and strategic capability for Australia’s nuclear future. Study 100% online and gain the scientific, regulatory and leadership skills to support defence, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

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Why study the Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Science and Technology at Flinders?

Develop the skills to power innovation in Australia’s growing nuclear sector. This fully online course explores the science, safety and technology behind nuclear systems, giving you the knowledge to engage in safe, ethical and sustainable nuclear operations. Learn from global experts and prepare for advanced study or leadership in defence, energy, research and manufacturing.

Study the science driving the next generation of energy and defence

Gain a deep understanding of nuclear principles, materials and technologies from experts leading international research.

Learn flexibly, from anywhere

Study 100% online with interactive learning tools and academic support designed for professionals.

Customise your study

Choose topics that match your career goals—from radiation safety and reactor design to leadership and compliance.

Pathway to advanced qualifications

Progress to the Graduate Diploma and then the Master of Nuclear Science and Technology as you grow your expertise.

What you will study

You’ll explore how nuclear processes, radiation, and advanced materials are applied in modern science and industry. This course allows you to select topics that align with your professional interests across safety, leadership, regulation and technology.

Course handbook

Choose 4 topics

Radiation Shielding
Chemical Aspects of Nuclear Technology
Radiation and Radiological Protection
Introduction to Radiation Physics & Dosimetry
Nuclear Safety and Compliance
Leading a Future Workforce
Regulation, Codes and Standards for Nuclear Science and Technology
Project Management
Innovation and Industry 4.0
Primary Circuit Materials and Manufacturing
Reactor Materials and Lifetime Behaviour
Production Engineering GE
Criticality Safety Management
Nuclear Fundamentals
Nuclear Reactor Design and Safety Analysis

Four topic total: 18 units | Duration: 0.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Your career

Nuclear science and technology are key to Australia’s energy, defence and medical innovation.

Graduates will be equipped for roles that apply nuclear principles, safety frameworks and materials knowledge to complex technical and strategic environments.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$135,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$115,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$135,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$115,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000*

Potential employers

Defence industry
Energy sector
Advanced manufacturing
Shipbuilding industry
Government and regulatory agencies
Medical industry
Educational institutions

Award winning

Flinders is proud to have been acknowledged as the Best Future Skills Provider for 2024 and 2025 in the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards.

The awards showcase the depth of talent in the defence and national security sectors, as well those workforce initiatives that are transforming the way security professionals operate as Australia prepares to embark on a period of rapid technological transformation.

Find out more

Defence & National Security Workforce Awards Winner - Best Future Skills Provider 2024

Connect with industry

Connect with Industry

Developed in collaboration with experts from Flinders University, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the University of Manchester and the University of Rhode Island, this course reflects international best practice.

You’ll gain insights from real-world case studies and learn from professionals shaping nuclear research, policy and innovation across Australia and abroad.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment*.

Your skills will be in high demand, with 4,000-5,500 direct jobs expected to be created for South Austrlia through the AUKUS trilateral partnership**.

Flinders University is ranked No. 1 in Australia in Engineering & Technology for overall educational experience***.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

^{*QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal **Source: Australian Submarine Agency Press Release, October 2024

***The Good Universities Guide 2025 (postgraduate)}

Entry requirements

To enter this course, applicants must have at least one of the following:

An approved degree or equivalent qualification; or
Applicants with relevant work experience in defence, engineering, construction, energy, or government policy may also be considered under special admission.

No prior nuclear experience required. The course is suitable for professionals from both technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Participants must be Australian citizens and eligible for Australian Defence security clearance to work in certain defence roles.

Start with the Grad Cert, finish with a Master

After completing the graduate certificate, you can combine with another of our Nuclear Graduate Certificates to credit towards a Master in Nuclear Science and Technology.

Choose from:

Graduate Certificate in Manufacturing, Testing and Commissioning
Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Safety and Compliance
Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Science and Technology
Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Workforce and Governance
Graduate Certificate in Radiological

A Graduate Certificate is 18 units, a Graduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology is 36 units, and the Master is 54. The sequentially developed topics enable progression through the three awards.

After an additional year, you'll have completed a Master in Nuclear Science and Technology.

6-months

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in
Nuclear Safety and Compliance

12-month

Complete 8 topics to earn
Graduate Diploma in
Nuclear Science and Technology

24-month

Complete 12 topics to earn
Master of Nuclear Science and Technology

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Do I need prior nuclear experience to apply?

No. The course is designed for professionals from both technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Is this course available to international students?

Currently, this online program is open to domestic students only.

Will this course help me work in the defence sector?

Yes. Graduates gain technical and compliance knowledge valued in nuclear and defence-related projects.

What kinds of industries employ graduates?

Defence, energy, construction, mining, medical technology, and government regulatory agencies.

Can I continue to further study?

Yes. Graduates can progress to a Graduate Diploma and then a Master of Nuclear Science and Technology.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.