Program Requirements
The Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Science and Technology requires completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
6 units from completion of the following nuclear science courses:
PHYS6601 Nuclear and Radiation Physics (6 units)
PHYS8201 Fundamentals of Nuclear Science (6 units)
A minimum of 12 units and a maximum of 18 units from completion of the following nuclear science and technology courses:
PHYS8202 Reactor Science (6 units)
PHYS8203 Accelerators and Their Application (6 units)
PHYS8204 Fundamentals of Nuclear Radiation (6 units)
PHYS8205 Nuclear Fuel Cycle (6 units)
PHYS8212 Advanced Reactor Science (6 units)
A maximum of 6 units from completion of the following contextual courses:
ENGN8100 Introduction to Systems Engineering (6 units)
LAWS8316 International Nuclear Energy Law (6 units)
REGN8024 Regulating Nuclear Capabilities (6 units)
REGN8026 Nuclear Safeguards Regulation: Frameworks, Institutions and Standards (6 units)
SCOM6001 Fundamentals of Science Communication and Engagement (6 units)
STST8026 Nuclear Strategy (6 units)
Admission Requirements
Applicants must present one of the following:
- A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7, or
- A Bachelor degree with honours or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7, or
- A completed Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters or PhD degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7 , or
- 24 units of completed postgraduate courses with a minimum GPA of 4/7, or
- 5 full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.
The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.
Mathematics - assumed knowledge
- Background knowledge equivalent to high-school maths study is recommended.
- Prospective students may wish to take a Mathematics diagnostic test to ascertain their current level of Mathematics.
- Prospective students who do not have the recommended background knowledge in high-school maths may wish to enrol in suitable preparatory courses prior to commencing the Graduate Certificate program. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Program Convenor for guidance at the earliest opportunity.
Ranking and English Language Proficiency: At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
In line with the University's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:
- a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or
- demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency
Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.
Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support
Diversity factors: As Australia’s national university, ANU is a global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe.
Assessment of qualifications: Unless otherwise indicated, ANU will accept all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or international equivalents that meet or exceed the published admission requirements of our programs, provided all other admission requirements are also met.
Where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will base assessment on the qualification that best meets the admission requirements for the program. Find out more about the Australian Qualifications Framework: www.aqf.edu.au.
Unless otherwise indicated, where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will calculate the GPA for each qualification separately. ANU will base assessment on the best GPA of all completed tertiary qualifications of the same level or higher.
ANU uses a 7-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. All qualifications submitted for admission at ANU will be converted to this common scale, which will determine if an applicant meets our published admission requirements. Find out more about how a 7-point GPA is calculated for Australian universities: www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/tertiary-qualifications.
Indicative fees
Domestic Tuition Fees (DTF)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $28,060.00
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
Fee Information
All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)
The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.
For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Knowledge of nuclear science and technology is increasingly important across diverse fields, from pure scientific endeavours through to medical physics, industrial processes, mining, security, defence and policy development. The Australian National University has been at the forefront of nuclear research and education for over 70 years, and is the ideal location to pursue a postgraduate degree in this growing field.
This Graduate Certificate supports professionals who work with diverse stakeholders, including research organisations, business and industry, Territory, State and Federal government agencies, the legislature, community actors and the media. It combines foundational knowledge in nuclear and radiation physics with courses on nuclear reactors and particle accelerators. It also provides opportunities for students to learn about approaches to regulation and nuclear law, as well as systems engineering and science communication, as part of their program.
In this Graduate Certificate, you will study the fundamentals of nuclear science and its applications in materials analysis, environmental monitoring, medicine, and energy security. You will also develop the scientific background needed for informed debate on nuclear topics, with opportunities available to learn about legal and regulatory frameworks applied to nuclear technologies in the Australian context. Our students have access to the cutting-edge equipment in the laboratories of the Australian Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility, with many opportunities to undertake laboratory-based practical training, and our courses are taught by academics who are internationally recognised for their cutting-edge research in fundamental and applied nuclear science.
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Science and Technology may be eligible for admission to the Master of Nuclear Science, with up to 24 units of credit granted toward the program.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
This program is available for applications to commence from first semester, 2026
Employment Opportunities
Commercial industry involving nuclear technology applications; Australian Commonwealth and state governments; Australian and international scientific research organisations; international agencies.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core nuclear science concepts.
- Explain the principles and properties of nuclear physics of relevance to diverse applications of nuclear technology.
- Demonstrate theoretical, computational and practical skills relevant to foundational and applied techniques in nuclear science.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of nuclear science and technology in the Australian context.
- Communicate the principles and challenges of responsible nuclear stewardship within existing domestic and international legal and regulatory frameworks, both orally and in writing.
Other Requirements
Mathematics - assumed knowledge
- Background knowledge equivalent to high-school maths study is recommended.
- Prospective students may wish to take a Mathematics diagnostic test to ascertain their current level of Mathematics.
- Prospective students who do not have the recommended background knowledge in high-school maths may wish to enrol in suitable preparatory courses prior to commencing the Graduate Certificate program. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Program Convenor for guidance at the earliest opportunity.
Further Information
Students with prior knowledge in nuclear physics may apply for an exemption from PHYS8201 Nuclear Fundamentals or PHYS6601 Nuclear and Radiation Physics. If a student is exempt from this course, another PHYS coded course from the program orders must be taken instead.
Mathematics - assumed knowledge
- Background knowledge equivalent to high-school maths study is recommended.
- Prospective students may wish to take a Mathematics diagnostic test to ascertain their current level of Mathematics.
- Prospective students who do not have the recommended background knowledge in high-school maths may wish to enrol in suitable preparatory courses prior to commencing the Graduate Certificate program. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Program Convenor for guidance at the earliest opportunity.
Mode of delivery:
This Graduate Certificate can be only be completed in person.
Workload:
- This program can be completed full-time with Semester 1 commencement (domestic and international students)
- This program cannot be completed full-time with Semester 2 commencement (domestic only).
International students seeking admission to this program can apply for Semester 1 intake only and enrol in courses scheduled in Semester 1 or Autumn session to achieve a full-time study load.
Applicants should note that courses listed in the program requirements include Autumn and Winter Session courses. When applying for admission, please ensure the correct admit term is selected.
General program information:
This program is a standalone qualification but can also be used as pathway to further postgraduate study. For detailed information on potential destination Masters programs offered by the Australian National University please check Programs and Courses or, for quick links to programs offered by the College of Science visit https://science.anu.edu.au/study/masters
GC Nuclear Science and Technology - pathway to Masters
The Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Science and Technology can be used as pathway to Masters study. For information on potential destination Masters programs please check Programs and Courses. Students using this program as a pathway to a destination Masters program are encouraged to seek academic advice from the relevant College's Students Services Office prior to finalising their application for admission, or at any time during the program.
Pathway 1: Direct application to the destination Masters program upon completion of the Graduate Certificate
Students can apply to progress to a destination Masters degree if they satisfy the following conditions:
- They are about to complete or have completed the Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Science and Technology.
- They are on track to satisfy the admission requirements for the intended Master program including all GPA and cognate requirements (8 relevant courses which may be achieved from multiple complete or non-complete qualifications).
Note:
- Student should re-apply for admission to ANU through the relevant application portal.
- Students may be eligible to receive up to 24 units of credit from the Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Science and Technology towards the destination Masters degree. This will depend on the program requirements of the destination Masters program and a case-by-case assessment by the program convener. Students should discuss credit with the convener of the destination Master degree when making enrolment choices for the Graduate Certificate.
Pathway 2: Degree transfer from the Graduate Certificate before completion of the Graduate Certificate
Students also have the option of applying for degree transfer into the destination Master program if they satisfy the following conditions:
- The overall GPA requirements for admission to the destination Masters degree are satisfied from a previous qualification, and
- The cognate requirements are satisfied, including any GPA requirements, and
- Any other requirements listed in the admissions requirements of the destination Master degree are also satisfied.
Note:
- Students may be eligible for credit for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate. This will depend on the program requirements of the destination Masters program and a case-by-case assessment by the program convener. Students should discuss credit with the convener of the destination Masters degree when making enrolment choices for the Graduate Certificate.
- Students that progress to Masters through degree transfer will not be awarded nor receive a testamur for the Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Science and Technology. They will be invited to attend a conferral of award ceremony upon successful completion of their Masters degree and will receive a testamur for this qualification.
Credit for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate
The amount of credit awarded will depend on an assessment of prior study, relevant to the destination Masters degree and program orders of the destination Masters degree. This is done on a case-by-case basis by the program convener. Any credit applied will reduce the overall duration of the destination Masters program by an equivalent number of units.