Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Workforce and Governance

Lead the future of Australia’s nuclear workforce. Study 100% online and gain the leadership, management and compliance skills to shape a safe, capable and sustainable nuclear sector.

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Entry requirements

Key information

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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification or relevant work experience.

See entry requirements Download brochure

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

0.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2026 : $20,000 (FFP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study the Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Workforce and Governance at Flinders?

Build the skills to lead, manage and govern Australia’s emerging nuclear workforce. This fully online course develops your understanding of nuclear safety, regulation and project management while preparing you to design governance frameworks that ensure safe, ethical and compliant operations across defence, energy and industrial sectors.

Lead Australia’s nuclear capability

Develop strategic leadership and governance skills for managing people, compliance and operations in nuclear and high-technology industries.

Study around your career

Balance work and study with a 100% online, flexible course designed for busy professionals.

Learn from global experts

Gain insights from ANSTO professionals and leading Flinders academics with international experience in nuclear governance and workforce management.

What you will study

You’ll gain the knowledge and leadership capability to support the safe and effective development of Australia’s nuclear workforce. The course covers safety, compliance, governance, regulation and workforce management through a blend of technical and leadership-focused topics.

Course handbook

Topics include

Nuclear Safety and Compliance
Leading a Future Workforce
Regulation, Codes and Standards for Nuclear Science and Technology
Project Management

Your career

As Australia expands its nuclear capability, professionals with governance, compliance and leadership skills will be vital to shaping the sector’s future.

Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles that combine policy, management and technical oversight across government and industry.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Average salary
$145,000^*

Average salary
$130,000^*

Average salary
$135,000^*

Average salary
$125,000^*

Average salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Average salary
$145,000^*

Average salary
$130,000^*

Average salary
$135,000^*

Average salary
$125,000^*

Average salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Potential employers

Defence and national security
Energy generation and renewables
Advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding
Mining and resources
Medical and radiological services
Government regulation and policy

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

This course is shaped by leading experts from Flinders University and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

You’ll gain access to real-world perspectives from professionals driving Australia’s nuclear capability and learn how safety, regulation and workforce governance are managed across defence, energy and industrial projects.

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)}

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Professor Ingo Koeper

Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching

See full profile

Ingo is a physical chemist with expertise in nanotechnology and materials at the interface of biology, chemistry and nuclear science. His research focuses on membrane systems, nanoparticle design and material behaviour — all highly relevant to safety, containment and sensor technologies used in nuclear contexts.

With international research experience across Europe and Australia, Ingo leads work in the Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and contributes to Australia’s nuclear workforce development through education, collaboration and innovation. He brings deep technical insight to the course, helping professionals understand how advanced materials contribute to safety, monitoring and long-term reliability in nuclear environments.

Dr Darryl Jones

Senior Research Fellow, Physics

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Darryl is a physicist who explores how electrons and photons interact with atoms, molecules and materials. His research supports innovations in medical imaging, radiation therapies and nanotechnology.

With expertise in spectroscopy, quantum chemistry and advanced instrumentation, Darryl helps students understand the physics behind real-world technologies - from energy systems to materials at the atomic scale.

Entry requirements

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

Hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification.

Admission may also be granted to applicants with at least three years of relevant professional experience, supported by:

A current CV;
A description of job roles and skills; and
Two professional referees.

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.

Have a question?

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

Who is this course for?

Professionals seeking to develop governance and leadership capability in the defence, energy, construction or policy sectors.

Do I need technical or engineering experience?

No. The course is designed for both technical and non-technical professionals, including managers, policy advisors and administrators.

How is the course delivered?

It’s 100% online, allowing you to study flexibly while working full- or part-time.

Can I work in defence after completing this course?

Yes. Graduates will be equipped with nuclear governance knowledge valued in the defence sector. Eligibility for a Defence security clearance may be required.

Is this course suitable for government employees?

Yes. The course is ideal for public sector professionals involved in regulation, safety, compliance or policy design.

Can I continue to further study?

Yes. Graduates can progress to the Graduate Diploma or 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.