Physics with nuclear Technology

Physics is the most fundamental of the natural sciences, seeking to understand the laws that govern everything from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe. Nuclear technology takes those fundamental principles and applies them to the design, operation and safety of nuclear reactors, radiation measurement, medical imaging, radiation protection, and nuclear materials. As the world grapples with the challenge of decarbonising its energy supply, nuclear technology is attracting renewed attention as a source of low-carbon baseload power, and the demand for graduates with deep knowledge of nuclear systems is rising.

At the University of the West of Scotland you will study this programme part-time, developing your understanding of physics from the foundational principles of mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum theory through to the specialist concepts of nuclear and particle physics. The nuclear technology component gives you grounding in reactor physics, radiation physics, health physics, nuclear instrumentation, and the engineering and safety principles that govern nuclear facilities. The programme includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, allowing you to gain professional experience in a nuclear or physics context and to study in an international environment.

A work placement is also part of the course, connecting your theoretical knowledge to real industrial or research settings.

Graduates with a background in physics and nuclear technology are in demand in the nuclear energy sector, in regulatory bodies responsible for radiation protection and nuclear safety, in defence and security, in medical physics and radiotherapy, and in research institutions. The quantitative and analytical skills developed across a physics degree are also valued in data science, finance, engineering and technology more broadly. Postgraduate study in nuclear engineering, medical physics, radiation physics, or theoretical and experimental physics is a natural route for those wishing to specialise or pursue academic research.