Graduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology

Combine two nuclear graduate certificates and build the safety, governance and technical expertise to lead in Australia's growing nuclear sector. Study 100% online and gain skills for roles across defence, energy and advanced manufacturing.

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Why study the Graduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology at Flinders?

Step into the next phase of your professional development in nuclear science and technology. This fully online diploma is designed for professionals seeking deeper technical and leadership capability across defence, energy and advanced manufacturing. Combine two nuclear graduate certificates to strengthen your expertise in safety, governance, manufacturing, or radiological science — and progress toward the Master of Nuclear Science and Technology.

Build on your graduate qualifications

Combine two nuclear graduate certificates to deepen your expertise across key nuclear disciplines and qualify for the Graduate Diploma.

Learn from global experts

Gain insights from specialists across Australia and international partners, including professionals from ANSTO and the Flinders University teaching team.

Study flexibly, 100% online

Balance study and work through interactive, self-paced modules designed for busy professionals.

Pathway to the Master

Use your Graduate Diploma to progress directly into the Master of Nuclear Science and Technology.

What you will study

You'll select two of the five available nuclear graduate certificates, or 8 individual topics from our Nuclear offering, building an integrated understanding of nuclear science, governance, safety and advanced technologies. Each component includes applied topics co-designed with industry to reflect national and international nuclear standards.

Course handbook

Topics Include

Choose two graduate certificates:

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing
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

Or, choose any 8 topics from our Nuclear offering.

Your career

Australia’s nuclear capability is expanding, and demand for professionals with nuclear literacy and compliance expertise is growing.

Graduates of this diploma are prepared for advanced technical, operational and policy roles - equipped to lead complex projects, manage risk and contribute to the responsible growth of nuclear capability.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$135,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$135,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Potential employers

Defence industry
Submarine and shipbuilding
Government agencies
Medical industry
Research institutions
Advanced Manufacturing

Award winning

Flinders is proud to have been acknowledged as the Best Future Skills Provider for 2024, 2025 and 2026 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 master's program is developed in collaboration with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and international nuclear partners.

Through case studies, project-based learning and insights from practising professionals, you'll gain a global perspective on how nuclear technology, safety and governance operate across multiple industries.

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 Advanced Manufacturing
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.

How do I qualify for the Graduate Diploma?

You'll complete two nuclear graduate certificates or 8 Nuclear topics from the approved list to earn the diploma.

Do I need to apply separately for the Graduate Diploma?

Yes. You must be admitted to the Graduate Diploma course to graduate with this award.

Can I choose which nuclear certificates to study?

Yes. You can select any two graduate certificates that best align with your career interests and background, or choose any 8 topics that interest you to create your own curriculum.

How is the course delivered?

The program is delivered 100% online, with flexible options for part-time or full-time study.

What industries are relevant to this qualification?

Defence, submarine and shipbuilding, energy, construction, mining, research and advanced manufacturing.

Can I continue to a master's degree?

Yes. Completion of the Graduate Diploma provides direct entry to the Master of Nuclear Science and Technology.

Is prior nuclear experience required?

No. The course is suitable for both technical and non-technical professionals.

Who teaches the course?

You'll learn from a global teaching team including academics from Flinders University and industry partners such as ANSTO.

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.