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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.

Typical route

Helpful A-levels

Physics + Maths (+ Chemistry useful)

Typical qualification and training

  • Nuclear, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering degree
  • Graduate scheme with a nuclear licensee or consultancy

These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.

Indicative UK salary

Starter
£28,000-£35,000
Experienced
£45,000-£65,000
Senior
£80,000+

Security-cleared and specialist reactor roles can pay more.

Salary range checked against Prospects.ac.uk: Nuclear Engineer.

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

Fusion Scientist / Engineer

Study and develop nuclear fusion as a future low-carbon energy source, from plasma physics to reactor engineering.

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Radiation Protection Adviser

Ensure radiation is used safely and legally in hospitals, industry, research and nuclear facilities.

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Mechanical Engineer

Apply physics and mechanics to design machines, tools and moving systems used across every industry.

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Sources and further reading

External links open in a new tab.

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