The environmental impact from the use of fossil fuels and the uncertainties in their sources of supply has led to many alternative energy sources being investigated. But of these, only nuclear fission power is at present sufficiently developed to provide an economically viable alternative to fossil fuels.
This programme began in 1956 with the build of the first nuclear reactor in Britain. Since then the University of Birmingham has continually updated the areas of study and degree of specialisation to reflect the increasing sophistication of the field. At the same time, the University of Birmingham has maintained the overall breadth of the course, because they feel this allows new entrants to the field to gain a perspective that will be of continuous help in their future careers.
The taught element consists of 180 credits. Students will study 120 credits of taught modules and also undertake a 60-credit research project. This project may be conducted at the University, but more frequently in recent years it has been arranged for projects to be undertaken within industry, giving students an opportunity for direct interaction and enhancing their employment prospects.
