Imperial College London with the University of Cambridge and the Open University are to set up a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Nuclear Energy

The Centre for Nuclear Engineering (CNE) based in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London with the University of Cambridge and the Open University has been awarded nearly £4M by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to set up a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Nuclear Energy: Building UK Civil Nuclear Skills for Global Markets.

Building on world-leading modelling and experimental capabilities the research performed in the ICO (Imperial Cambridge Open universities, pronounced ‘ECO’) Nuclear Energy CDT will enable future reactors to be developed, new reactors to be built and operated more safely and current reactors to operate for longer. At the same time, ICO research will support the clean-up and decommissioning of the UK's contaminated nuclear sites and moves towards Geological Disposal in the UK and worldwide. ICO research aims to place the UK at the forefront of international programmes on future reactors for electricity and civil marine power. By so doing it will provide highly-skilled and trained cohorts of PhD students with a global vision and international outlook for the UK nuclear industry, regulators, government and academia.

The announcement of the building of first new nuclear reactors in the UK since the 1980’s is reinvigorating the UK’s nuclear industry. The first reactors will be built by EdF at Hinkley Point and will provide energy to around 5 million homes. There are already plans for other reactors to be built by Horizon Nuclear Power, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd, powering a further 10 million homes.

In addition increased funding for nuclear research and development from industry, research councils and universities means opportunities in the field of Nuclear Energy are burgeoning.

The UK’s on-going decommissioning programme and development of Geological Disposal Facilities, and the need for more regulators and government experts in nuclear, mean job opportunities are many.

At Imperial, the Centre will offer cohorts of first-degree graduates the opportunity to acquire both technical and research skills and techniques through the MSc in Nuclear Engineering and then a PhD in a wide range projects across the nuclear fuel cycle. We offer opportunities to students from a wide range of backgrounds in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Earth Science and Engineering or Mathematics.

If you already have a first degree in Nuclear Engineering or Nuclear Energy (MEng/MSc or international equivalent) get in touch with us to discuss your options.

If you are interested in finding out more about the programmes offered in this new CDT, how to apply and fees and financial support, please contact Emma Warriss via phone +44 (0)20 7594 9916 or email: e.warriss@imperial.ac.uk or studynuclear@imperial.ac.uk