Engineering
Energy & Environment
Degree
Nuclear Engineer
Design, operate and improve nuclear systems for power generation, medicine, research and defence.
A day in the life
Model reactor physics, plan maintenance, ensure radiation safety, and work with regulators on waste and decommissioning.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths (+ Chemistry useful)
- Nuclear, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering degree
- Graduate scheme with a nuclear licensee or consultancy
Typical salary
£28,000-£35,000 to £80,000+
Mid-career: £45,000-£65,000
Security-cleared and specialist reactor roles can pay more.
UK employers
- EDF Energy
- Rolls-Royce SMR
- UKAEA
- Sellafield Ltd
Worldwide employers
- Westinghouse
- Orano
- IAEA
- GE Hitachi
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
UCAS course search: nuclear engineering
Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures.
ucas.com
Working for UKAEA
Fusion and nuclear engineering roles, graduate routes and apprenticeships.
gov.uk
Engineering apprenticeships
Search current engineering apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies.
findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
National Careers Service: Green careers
Explore routes into jobs that support net zero and the environment.
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
UCAS Physics and astronomy courses
Search UK undergraduate physics, astrophysics and related degree options.
ucas.com
Prospects: what can I do with a physics degree?
Independent overview of careers that physics graduates enter.
prospects.ac.uk
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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