MPhi Nuclear Engineering: The University of Manchester

Course description

Nuclear Group

Nuclear energy is the only large-scale provider of low-carbon electricity in the UK, accounting for 22% of their current electricity production. In 2006 there were 23 nuclear reactors operating the in UK including: eight Magnox reactors, the last due to close in 2010, fourteen Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors (AGRs), the last due for decommissioning in 2023, and one Pressurised Water Reactors due for decommissioning in 2035.

Before and beyond this the UK Government must not rule out the possibility that new nuclear build might be necessary at some point in the future in order to meet their ambitions on reducing carbon emissions.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the country continues to sustain its existing nuclear power stations, and deal with historic liabilities through the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Internationally, the Generation IV Forum (GIF) has been established with the objective to identify and pursue research and development needed to develop reactors which could be commissioned from 2030 (or earlier) and which could provide: competitively priced electricity; improved proliferation resistance; exceptional safety performance; and waste minimisation advancing on current technology. The GIF collaboration includes the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Korea, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, and UK.

Nuclear Decommissioning Engineering is a major research theme in MACE and is well supported by EPSRC and the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency.  The UK has a number of nuclear facilities, fuel reprocessing plants, reactors and research facilities that are now no longer required.  A number of 'end of life' options have been considered and a total systems approach to determine the optimum decommissioning strategy for the diverse range of legacy nuclear plants is being undertaken.

Course aims

An MPhil Degree provides research opportunities if you wish to qualify for a master's degree by the submission of a research thesis. This should detail the results of original work in any one of the Schools' research fields.

The total time required to complete this programme is a minimum of 12 months full-time or the equivalent part-time study. You will also be permitted to register as writing-up student for 12 months at the end of the degree to complete your dissertation.  Subject to satisfactory progress, it is possible to transfer to PhD at the end of the degree, requiring a further two years full-time study, or four years part-time.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

Applicants for admission will normally hold a Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification, a Masters Degree or equivalent qualification, or both. The level of attainment for the Bachelor's degree will normally be equivalent to that of a First or Second Class Honours UK Bachelor's degree.

Professional qualifications other than a Bachelor's Degree and/or relevant and appropriate experience may be taken into account for entry to an MPhil degree.

English language:

In addition, all applicants will need to demonstrate competency in the English language. Applicants who do not already posses a recognised English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test such as IELTS or TOEFL and attain a minimum of IELTS 6.5 ( with no sub test less than 5.5), TOEFL 570 usually with 5.0 in the TWE (Computer-based 230 or above or Internet-based 88-89 or above).