Master of Nuclear Science and Technology

Become a leader in Australia’s growing nuclear sector. Study 100% online and build advanced expertise across safety, radiological science, governance and manufacturing for roles in defence, energy and advanced technology.

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Why study the Master of Nuclear Science and Technology at Flinders?

Gain the depth and breadth to lead in one of the world's most complex and highly regulated industries. This master's builds on Flinders' suite of nuclear graduate certificates, allowing you to stack qualifications and progress your expertise. Develop the skills to guide safe, ethical and sustainable nuclear operations in defence, energy and industry.

Flexible, stackable and career-focused

Combine up to three nuclear graduate certificates to build advanced expertise and tailor your learning to your career goals.

Learn from world-class experts

Study with leading academics and professionals from Flinders University and industry partners, including ANSTO

Designed for professionals

Study 100% online, balancing flexible study with your work and life commitments.

Pathway to leadership

Develop the strategic, technical and ethical understanding required for senior roles in Australia's evolving nuclear sector.

Learn from Nuclear Experts

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.

What you will study

You'll gain comprehensive knowledge across nuclear safety, compliance, radiological protection, manufacturing and workforce governance. The program is built around Flinders' stackable postgraduate model — combining graduate certificates into a single master's qualification that reflects your interests and professional needs.

All topics are delivered online by a global teaching team combining academic excellence and real-world experience.

Course handbook

Topics Include

Select 12 topics from our range of nuclear topics including:

Nuclear Submarine Construction and Commissioning
Regulation Codes and Standards for Nuclear Science and Technology
Criticality Safety Management
Project Mangement
Innovation and Industry 4.0
Radiation and Radiological Protection

Your career

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

Graduates are equipped for leadership, regulatory and technical roles across Australia's emerging nuclear sector.

With expertise spanning safety, radiological science, manufacturing and governance, you'll be prepared to drive innovation and ensure safe, compliant operations in high-stakes environments.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$160,000^*

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$135,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$160,000^*

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$135,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Potential employers

Defence industry
Submarine and shipbuilding industry
Government agencies
Advanced manufacturing
Research organisations
Educational institutions

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

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

You can begin your studies with one or more nuclear graduate certificates and build toward the Master of 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.

How do I qualify for the Master?

You'll complete three nuclear graduate certificates (or equivalent topics) to achieve 54 units in total.

Can I use my existing graduate certificates for credit?

Yes. Up to two eligible nuclear graduate certificates can be credited toward the master's program.

What are the study options?

The course is delivered 100% online, with flexible pacing for working professionals.

Can I exit early with a qualification?

Yes. You can exit with a Graduate Certificate (18 units) or a Graduate Diploma (36 units) depending on your progress.

Who is this program designed for?

Professionals in defence, energy, construction, policy or industry seeking to develop advanced nuclear capability.

Do I need a science or engineering background?

Not necessarily. The course is suitable for both technical and non-technical professionals.

What industries employ graduates?

Defence, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, mining and government regulation.

Who teaches the course?

A team of academics and professionals 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.