Bachelor of Nuclear Science and Safety
Undergraduate
CSU-NSS-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake
Thrive in the growing nuclear science industry
Get industry ready skills and knowledge for the nuclear science and safety sectors. First cover relevant physics and chemistry fundamentals. Then delve into nuclear science, safety and security. Build skills in emergency management and decision making.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Nuclear Science and Safety
About this degree
Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate high-level knowledge of nuclear science and nuclear safety concepts.
- Use academic and numeric literacies to identify, analyse and apply to problem solving in nuclear science and nuclear safety.
- Use academic and numeric literacies to identify, analyse and apply to problem solving in emergency management.
- Apply information and research literacy to source, interpret, synthesise and critically analyse published literature of relevance to nuclear science and nuclear safety.
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical skills, including digital and research literacies, relevant to techniques and research methodology in science.
- Understand, evaluate and critically analyse data to synthesise independent conclusions.
- Identify opportunities for, demonstrate a critical understanding of, and apply to practice the principle of lifelong learning in nuclear science and emergency management from the context of the Australian nuclear sector.
- Recognise, value, illustrate and appraise scientific, social, ethical, cultural and environmental learnings for sustainable resource management.
- Recognise and contextualise Indigenous cultural histories and heritage within the Australian nuclear sector to apply Indigenous cultural competence to the application of scientific learning.
- Discuss legislation or appropriate policy and procedures to plan for, evaluate and address a range of nuclear science issues.
- Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and concisely on a range of nuclear science and safety matters.
- Have high-level cognitive and technical skills in emergency management.
- Have high-level cognitive and scientific skills in physics.
- Appreciate, discuss and apply the principles of professionalism, global citizenship, sustainability, responsibility and accountability in nuclear science.
- Demonstrate high-level knowledge and whole-system understanding of the nuclear sector; mining to medicine, commercial and research, application and safety, and sustainability, citizenship and resource management.
The course aims to produce graduates who have the knowledge, skills and passion to pursue high-impact, in-demand and contemporary careers in nuclear science, scientific research, and safety. Graduates of this course will be able to create and apply nuclear science knowledge in a variety of settings in a manner that is safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive. Students will explore the latest advances in both nuclear science and emergency management so they can apply their capabilities through defence, industry and research-based nuclear applications while being cognisant of safety, risk identification, risk mitigation and emergency management strategies.
Recommended study pattern
Full-time Pattern (Online)
Year 1 Session 1 (30)
PHY101 Mechanics and Thermal Physics (8)
MTH101 Computer Aided Mathematics 1 with Applications (8)
IKC101 First Nations Foundations (8)
EMG100 Introduction to Emergency Management (8)
Year 1 Session 2 (60)
PHY102 Electricity and Waves (8)
MTH102 Computer Aided Mathematics 2 with Applications (8)
EMG101 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (8)
Unrestricted Elective
Year 2 Session 1 (30)
PHY211 Fundamentals of Nuclear and Radiation Physics (8)
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals (8)
EMG102 Emergency Decision Making (8)
Unrestricted Elective
Year 2 Session 2 (60)
PHY212 Fundamentals of Radiation Safety and Management (8)
PHY316 Modern Physics (8)
STA201 Scientific Statistics (8)
SCI201 Science in Modern Society (8)
Year 3 Session 1 (30)
PHY303 Nuclear Science (16)
STA308 Experimental Design and Analysis (8)
ENM308 Challenges of Global Sustainability Development (8)
Year 3 Session 2 (60)
PHY305 Nuclear Safety and Security (16)
CHM335 Analytical Chemistry Industry Experience (8)
Unrestricted Elective
Award requirements
Completion of subjects, as per the recommended study pattern.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$11,232
Indicative total fee $33,696
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.
Learn more about CSU.
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- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 37
How to apply
Charles Sturt University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Charles Sturt University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
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Entry requirements
- A completed Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies, OR
- Successful completion of two University level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.
- A completed High School Certificate with a minimum ATAR required (including adjustment factors) or equivalent, OR
- A completed Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR.
- A completed AQF Certificate III or higher level qualification; OR
- 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification.
Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.
If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.
Study method requirements
Please note some subjects may have Workplace learning components.
Online students may need to attend an online or on campus intensive school for certain subjects. Intensive schools offer face-to-face or virtual lectures, tutorials and practicals to give you a deeper understanding of your subject content.
Career opportunities
Learn how to thrive in the growing nuclear science industry. No matter what you're passionate about, you'll be in demand in the workforce. Work in medicine, space, regulation, education, emergency management, submarines or mining – your options are endless.