The UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Nuclear Engineering) is designed for students who want to understand nuclear concepts that form the foundation of our universe. Through this degree you’ll develop the skills to apply these concepts to a variety of industries today and the technologies of the future. This postgraduate degree teaches you the underpinning theory behind nuclear engineering techniques, technologies and processes.
This degree also provides a stream that allows graduates from traditional engineering disciplines to pursue a career in high-tech industries including nuclear science, nuclear medicine, mining and resources, energy, manufacturing, aerospace, space exploration and defence. You’ll learn from national and international experts in the sector, including nuclear researchers from UNSW Sydney and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, plus shared courses with the UNSW-ASU-King’s College PLuS Alliance.
The two-year postgraduate degree, taught by the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, features complex, open-ended, enquiry-based projects. You’ll develop knowledge and skills in topics such as:
UNSW School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is the largest Mechanical Engineering school in Australia. We're ranked #2 in Australia for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026). With the school offering the only nuclear engineering program in the country.
On top of this, we're ranked #1 in Australia and #33 globally for Engineering and Technology. As well as this, 7 of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with one school ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
We’re a leading provider of world class education and research, working closely with industry and government across the globe.
By studying at UNSW, you’ll have access to many cutting-edge laboratory facilities. These include a combustion laboratory and an energy storage laboratory and a network of Maker Spaces where you can get hands-on with your learning.
We have partnerships with industry and research organisations, both in Australia and internationally, to provide students with opportunities for industry placements, career development, and research projects. In the nuclear energy and medical sectors, these strong partnerships include organisations such as the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable students for seven years in a row (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026).
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.
A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after successfully completing the Graduate Certificate. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards your program from previous study. If you have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study.