The Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering is an academic programme designed to train professionals capable of addressing the complex challenges of the nuclear sector, which is now more strategic than ever from both a scientific and technological perspective, in energy and non-energy applications alike. The program provides strongly interdisciplinary expertise, ranging from the design and management of complex systems — including fission and fusion nuclear plants — to the safety of high-risk systems, from innovative materials to the nuclear fuel cycle. Significant attention is also devoted to non-energy nuclear applications, such as medical and industrial uses of radiation, the development of systems and instrumentation for radiation detection, radiochemistry and radiation protection applied to environmental issues, as well as the study of matter physics, plasma physics, and nanotechnologies, in close connection with their implications for the nuclear field. Through an approach that integrates theoretical education, laboratory activities, applied projects, and strong links with research and industry, the program prepares graduates to pursue careers in high-technology international environments or to continue their studies with a PhD programme.
The nuclear engineer is required to integrate advanced knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry, applying it effectively across the many fields of engineering. The study program is designed to progressively support the acquisition and integration of the scientific and technological expertise necessary for this professional role.
The first year is dedicated to consolidating fundamental knowledge and introducing advanced topics common to the various areas of nuclear engineering, while also providing the tools to begin defining a personal academic orientation through more specialized courses.
The second year focuses on core nuclear specialization, with the opportunity to choose among three different study tracks: Nuclear Power Plants, Nuclear Technologies, and Physics of Nuclear Systems. At this stage, the program becomes highly customizable, thanks to a wide range of elective courses that allow students to build a study plan aligned with their interests and professional goals.
A useful link to consult the study plan and the Academic Regulations is available here .
Admission to the program is reserved for students holding a Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent university qualification, with adequate preparation in the fundamental and core engineering disciplines. For students who have graduated in Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano, admission is granted according to the criteria defined in the Academic Regulations, which take into account the educational background and curricular requirements. For students who have graduated from other Italian universities, applications for admission are evaluated by a dedicated Committee on the basis of the candidate’s previous academic career and curricular requirements. Full details on the admission requirements are available in Section 6 of the Academic Regulations here .
Applicants holding a foreign academic qualification equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree, with adequate preparation in the fundamental and core engineering disciplines, may apply for admission.
The application is first evaluated by the university’s International Admissions Office and subsequently examined by a dedicated Committee of the Degree Program, which assesses the student’s academic background and previous studies.