Nuclear Physics Courses in UK

Nuclear Physics Courses in UK

Nuclear physics is a branch of physics that studies atomic matter, its components and interactions. It includes the study of various challenging concepts in physics like nuclear decay, nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear physics plays a vital role in the scientific field as the study serves as a backbone for various discoveries. The importance and demand in this field have contributed to the rising interest in the course among international students. Here's everything you should know about nuclear physics courses in the UK.

Nuclear physics degree in the UK: Highlights

Course typeFull-time
Course duration

Undergraduate degree: 3-4 years

Postgraduate degree: 1-2 years

Doctorate: 3 years

Nuclear physics entry requirements

Undergraduate degree: Students with an academic background in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

Postgraduate degree: A student with an undergraduate degree in nuclear physics or other-related physics courses.

Doctoral degree: A student with a postgraduate degree in nuclear physics or other-related physics courses.

English proficiency

IELTS: 6.0-6.5

TOEFL: 79

Duolingo: 105

Fees range£15,000-£30,000

Data updated as of June 2023

Nuclear physics: An overview and why you should study it

  • Nuclear physics involves the study of the structure and various phenomena with respect to atomic nuclei. The subject includes learning about the protons and neutrons inside the nucleus (the centre of an atom) and nuclear reactions like nuclear fission (break-down of the nucleus), fusion (merging of the nucleus), and radioactive decay.
  • Nuclear physics is a vast field involving discovering, exploring, and understanding nuclear matter. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields of physics in the scientific industry.
  • The world is currently more inclined towards sustainable resources for development, increasing demand for nuclear physics graduates in the global market.
  • There is a common misunderstanding that nuclear physics is a dangerous field of study to pursue. Uranium is a highly toxic and destructive element used in nuclear reactors. Although extracting energy from nuclei matter is highly complex, the courses train students to analyse and avoid risks efficiently. The nuclear industry also has remarkable safety measures, providing a protective workplace for professionals.

Subjects to expect in nuclear physics

  • Nuclear physics
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Radioactive decay
  • Nuclear structure
  • Energy levels
  • Nuclear Science

Why study nuclear physics in the UK?

  • The UK is one of the top countries in the world to support and use nuclear power for generating electricity. According to the UK Government, around 15% of the country's electricity is through nuclear power, and production and usage are expected to increase in time.
  • The country is effectively reducing the use of fossil fuels to decrease pollution and conserve non-renewable resources. So there is a rising demand for nuclear physics graduates in the UK market.
  • Universities in the UK have a good reputation for providing excellent education, facilities, and hands-on experience for international students to prepare for their careers.

Data updated as of June 2023

Best countries to pursue nuclear physics

Different study levels in nuclear physics courses in the UK

Eligibility criteria for a nuclear physics degree in the UK

UK universities providing nuclear physics courses give students excellent knowledge and practical experience to improve their academic skills and prepare them for their careers. When applying for a course, check if you satisfy the eligibility criteria before sending your application. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for nuclear science courses in the UK.

Eligibility criteria for nuclear physics courses in the UK

FactorEligibility criteria
Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: Students with an academic background in Maths, Physics and Chemistry with a total score of at least 60%.

Postgraduate degree: A student with an undergraduate degree in nuclear physics or other-related physics courses.

Doctoral degree: A student with a postgraduate degree in nuclear physics or other-related physics courses.

English proficiency

IELTS: 6.0-6.5

TOEFL: 79

Duolingo: 105

VisaUK student visa

Data updated as of June 2023

Note: The minimum grades, educational requirements, and English proficiency scores differ with every university. Make sure to check if your scores meet the institution’s standards.

Student requirements for nuclear physics courses in the UK

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the university will request some documents to proceed with your application process. Here are some of the standard documents required by educational institutions.

  • Academic transcripts
  • Application form
  • CV
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Statement of purpose
  • Admission exam results

Visa requirements for international students to study in the UK

VisaCost
UK student visa (outside UK)GBP £363

Data updated as of June 2023

Documents required for international students to apply for a visa in the UK

  • Your passport
  • Your tuberculosis test results
  • Proof of financial support
  • Written consent from the financial sponsor
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
  • Parental or legal guardian consent (if the international student is under 18)
  • Proof of parental or legal guardian relationship (if the international student is under 18)

Universities to study nuclear physics in the UK

UniversityTimes Higher Education Ranking 2023
University of Glasgow82
University of Birmingham108
University of York139
University of Liverpool176
Nottingham Trent University501-600
University of Brighton801-1000

Data updated as of June 2023

Top nuclear physics courses in the UK

  • MSc Fusion Energy
  • PhD Nuclear physics
  • MSc Nuclear & Environmental Physics
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Science
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Technology
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Science with a Year Abroad
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Technology with Placement Year

Cost of studying nuclear physics in the UK

Fees for nuclear physics courses in the UKAverage fees
Minimum fees£15,000
Maximum fees£30,000

Data updated as of June 2023

What is the annual cost of living for international students in the UK?

The average annual cost of living for an international student in the United Kingdom is around £16,000.

Data updated as of June 2023

Scholarships for nuclear physics courses in the UK

Scholarships ease international students' financial burden while studying abroad. These aids are awarded to students based on several criteria. Edvoy has partnered with educational institutions in the UK to provide scholarships for international students pursuing higher education. The scholarships are:

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded to international students with exceptional academic performance. Institutions choose students with remarkable academic achievements and reward them with scholarships with respect to their grades.

Early Bird Scholarships

Early Bird scholarships are for international students who accept the institution’s offer and pay a certain amount of tuition fees within a given time. These scholarships reduce students' financial burden by waiving a certain amount of tuition fees

Note that Edvoy acts as a platform for you during the application process. Only the University deems your profile eligible and determines the final amount.

Job opportunities for nuclear physics graduates in the UK

The nuclear industry is gaining importance and fast-developing, introducing various job opportunities for international students. The courses provide students with the knowledge, improve their skills, and prepare them for an insightful career.

How much does a nuclear physics graduate earn in the UK?

The average annual salary of a nuclear physicist in the UK is around £50,173.

Graduates in entry-level positions earn about £44,590, while experienced physicists earn over £58,950 per year.

Data updated as of June 2023

What are the career opportunities for nuclear physics graduates in the UK?

  • Nuclear Physicist
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Academic Researcher
  • Radiation Detection Physicist
  • Experimental Physicist
  • Physicist
  • Nuclear Decommissioning Engineer
  • Safety Case Engineer
  • Nuclear Waste Engineer
  • Academic Lecturer

Post-study work permit for nuclear physics graduates in the UK

CountryName of post-study work visaTime of stay in the country
UKGraduate visa2 years

Data updated as of June 2023

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Nuclear physics courses in the UK

Nuclear physics is a popular course in the UK, helping students obtain the required knowledge and skills for scopeful opportunities. Here are the top nuclear physics courses in the UK:

FAQ

Whether something is easy or hard is relative to your experience and skills. If you are well prepared and work hard, whilst there may be difficult times, you should be able to see the degree through. Always make sure you ask for help from tutors or other university staff if you are finding things too difficult, and they should be able to help.
Absolutely! Studying abroad opens the doors to meeting new people and new opportunities. You can get many experiences that can benefit you in the long run, such as your future career and well-being.
You will have access to a greater variety of courses, some from reputable universities, that will open up your opportunities. It also allows you to live in United Kingdom once you’ve graduated.

This can vary depending on the intuition, so ensure that you check. However, in general, you will need the following: 

  • Academic transcripts
  • Application form
  • CV
  • Letter of recommendation
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Statement of purpose 
  • Admissions test results 

The UK has some of the finest educational institutions for nuclear physics courses.

UniversityTimes Higher Education Ranking 2023
University of Glasgow82
University of Birmingham108
University of York139
University of Liverpool176
Nottingham Trent University501-600
University of Brighton801-1000

Data updated as of June 2023

Several countries abroad have well-established nuclear industries to follow sustainable energy production. Here are the best countries to pursue nuclear physics:

  • The United States
  • The United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • New Zealand
  • Ireland
FactorEligibility criteria
Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: Students with an academic background in Maths, Physics and Chemistry with a total score of at least 60%.

Postgraduate degree: A student with an undergraduate degree in nuclear physics or other-related physics courses.

Doctoral degree: A student with a postgraduate degree in nuclear physics or other-related physics courses.

English proficiency

IELTS: 6.0-6.5

TOEFL: 79

Duolingo: 105

Note: The minimum grades, educational requirements, and English proficiency scores differ with every university. Make sure to check if your scores meet the institution’s standards.

Nuclear physics is rising in demand and has introduced various employment opportunities for international students. The average annual salary of a nuclear physicist in the UK is around £50,173.

Nuclear physics has a broad scope in the global market, with plenty of opportunities for international students. Nuclear physics graduates can work in industries and universities or assist or carry out research.

Highlights

  • Institutions offering the courses
    Institutions offering the courses
    100
  • Count of UG courses
    Count of UG courses
    4
  • Count of PG courses
    Count of PG courses
    2
  • Count of Doctorate courses
    Count of Doctorate courses
    1
  • Fee range (min-max)
    Fee range (min-max)
    £15,000 - £30,000