In the past, our Master's degrees followed a structured format (Option-B), encompassing all theoretical nuclear engineering modules along with a research mini-dissertation. However, there has been a recent transition to pure research Master's degrees, where the emphasis is solely on a comprehensive dissertation without including any theoretical modules. As a result, the theoretical components have been relocated to our two Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDips).
Information on these Postgraduate Diplomas is provided below:
1.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology:
About this Postgraduate Diploma
Curriculum: I501P
Qualification code: 7DC D01
Delivery mode: Distance
This programme supplies students all the theoretical knowledge required by the NWU’s research Masters of Science in Engineering Sciences with Nuclear Engineering.
The field of Nuclear Engineering comprises the technical aspects, such as nuclear reactor design, and the nuclear technology management aspects, such as nuclear Project Management, nuclear policy and financial management.
The present programme focuses on the theoretical knowledge underlying the said technical aspects, especially nuclear reactor design, while another programme will focus on the technology management aspects.
This programme provides learners with:
- a broader and more in-depth knowledge of Nuclear Engineering sciences
- advanced education in the field of Nuclear Engineering
- problem-solving ability
- integration of knowledge across fields
- the ability to execute a project in the field of Nuclear Engineering and to communicate the results orally and in writing
List of modules:
|
Module code |
Descriptive names |
Credits |
|
NUCL 511 |
Nuclear Engineering I |
16 |
|
NUCL 512 |
Radiation and the Environment |
16 |
|
NUCL 521 |
Introduction to Thermal-Fluid Sciences |
16 |
|
NUCI 578 |
Nuclear Engineering II |
16 |
|
NUCL 525 |
Nuclear Project Management |
16 |
|
NUCL 526 |
Nuclear Reactor Safety |
16 |
|
NUCL 574 |
Nuclear Engineering Project |
16 |
|
NUCL 577 |
Reactor Analysis |
16 |
Duration
Refer to General Academic Rule 1.14.
The minimum term of study is one (1) year and the maximum term of study is two (2) years.
Minimum Admission requirements for the qualification
- A degree such as the BEng or BIng, BSc (Eng), or equivalent qualification that exits at NQF level 8, or
- A three-year B.Sc. degree with Physics at third year level and at least one of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Computer Science at at least second year level (exits at NQF level 7), or
- A BTech (Engineering) degree that exits at NQF level 7 with an average grade of at least 60% for the final year. (Since BTech degrees have been replaced by Advanced Diplomas (NQF level 7) and are seen as equivalent, Advanced Diplomas in Engineering with an average grade of at least 60% for the final year were also accepted), or
- A BEngTech (Engineering) degree that exits at NQF level 8 with an average grade of at least 60%.
Method of presentation
The modules are presented by means of a distance-contact method. The elearning platform e-Fundi, with an interactive site for each module, enables students to participate in well-structured self-study learning activities prior to attending the contact lecture session.
Six to eight weeks, of which one week is a contact session, are scheduled for each module.
All lectures of a specific module are normally presented in one block-week of contact lectures. The other weeks are used for self-study, assignments, assessment and guidance via online learning. During this period students have access to a facilitator who will provide support as required.
Curriculum outcomes
On completion of the qualification, the student should be able to demonstrate:
- A comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in nuclear engineering, as well as a depth of knowledge in nuclear physics and thermal fluid sciences.
- A coherent and critical understanding of the principles and theories of nuclear engineering; an ability to critique current research and advanced scholarship in an area of nuclear engineering; an ability to make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence and an ability to think epistemologically (i.e. from a sound knowledge framework). 17
- An ability to identify, analyse and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in the field of nuclear engineering.
- Efficient and effective information-retrieval and processing skills; the identification, critical analysis, synthesis and independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data; an ability to conduct research.
- An ability to present and communicate academic professional work effectively.
Compilation of curriculum
In accordance with General Academic Rule 3.1.1., the postgraduate diploma consists of a number of modules with a total credit value of 128 at NQF level 8.
One credit represents 10 notional study hours, which suggests that a student should expect to spend at least 1280 study hours on the programme.
The curriculum comprises of 8 core modules.
|
Components |
Composition |
Credits |
|
8 x modules |
Core compulsory |
16 each |
|
Total credits for curriculum |
128 |
|
1.2 Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology with Nuclear Technology Management:
About this Postgraduate Diploma
Curriculum: I501P
Qualification code: 7DC D02
Delivery mode: Distance
This programme supplies students all the theoretical knowledge required by the NWU’s new research Masters of Science in Engineering Sciences with Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Technology Management, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assisted the NWU in developing and recently endorsed.
The field of Nuclear Engineering comprises the technical aspects, such as nuclear reactor design, and the nuclear technology management aspects, such as Nuclear Project Management, nuclear policy and nuclear economics.
The most of the modules of the present programme overlap with those of the Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology and, therefore, it supplies similar technical Nuclear Engineering knowledge. Therefore it also meets the minimum admission requirements of the Masters of Science in Engineering Sciences with Nuclear Engineering. However, it focusses more on Nuclear Technology Management, namely: nuclear policy, nuclear technology management and nuclear economics and financial management aspects.
This programme provides learners with:
- a broader and more in-depth knowledge of Nuclear Engineering sciences
- advanced education in the field of Nuclear Engineering
- problem-solving ability
- integration of knowledge across fields
- the ability to execute a project in the field of Nuclear Engineering and to communicate the results orally and in writing
- advanced education in the field of Nuclear Technology management, including Nuclear Project Management, nuclear policy, and the economics of nuclear projects
List of modules:
|
Module code |
Descriptive names |
Credits |
|
NUCL 511 |
Nuclear Engineering I |
16 |
|
NUCL 512 |
Radiation and the Environment |
16 |
|
NUCL 513 |
Nuclear Reactor Technology |
16 |
|
NUCL 514 |
PWR Technology |
16 |
|
NUCL 525 |
Nuclear Project Management |
16 |
|
NUCL 526 |
Nuclear Reactor Safety |
16 |
|
NUCL 527 |
Nuclear Energy Policy and Business |
16 |
|
NUCL 528 |
Research Methodology |
16 |
Duration
Refer to General Academic Rule 1.14.
The minimum term of study is one (1) year and the maximum term of study is two (2) years.
Minimum Admission requirements for the qualification
- A degree such as the BEng or BIng, BSc (Eng), or equivalent qualification that exits at NQF level 8, or
- A three-year B.Sc. degree with Physics at third year level and at least one of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Computer Science at at least second year level (exits at NQF level 7), or
- A BTech (Engineering) degree that exits at NQF level 7 with an average grade of at least 60% for the final year. (Since BTech degrees have been replaced by Advanced Diplomas (NQF level 7) and are seen as equivalent, Advanced Diplomas in Engineering with an average grade of at least 60% for the final year were also accepted), or
- A BEngTech (Engineering) degree that exits at NQF level 8 with an average grade of at least 60%.
Method of presentation
The modules are presented by means of a distance-contact method. The elearning platform e-Fundi, with an interactive site for each module, enables students to participate in well-structured self-study learning activities prior to attending the contact lecture session.
Six to eight weeks, of which one week is a contact session, are scheduled for each module.
All lectures of a specific module are normally presented in one block-week of contact lectures. The other weeks are used for self-study, assignments, assessment and guidance via online learning. During this period students have access to a facilitator who will provide support as required.
Curriculum outcomes
On completion of the qualification, the student should be able to demonstrate:
- A comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in nuclear engineering, as well as a depth of knowledge in nuclear physics and thermal fluid sciences.
- A coherent and critical understanding of the principles and theories of nuclear engineering; an ability to critique current research and advanced scholarship in an area of nuclear engineering; an ability to make sound theoretical judgments based on evidence and an ability to think epistemologically (i.e. from a sound knowledge framework).
- An ability to identify, analyze, and deal with complex and/or real-world problems and issues using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in the field of nuclear engineering.
- Efficient and effective information-retrieval and processing skills; the identification, critical analysis, synthesis, and independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data; an ability to conduct research.
- In-depth knowledge of Nuclear Technology Management, namely: nuclear policy, nuclear technology management, and nuclear economics and financial management aspects, and the ability to apply it to practical problems in this field.
- An ability to present and communicate academic professional work effectively.
Compilation of curriculum
In accordance with General Academic Rule 3.1.1., the postgraduate diploma consists of a number of modules with a total credit value of 128 at NQF level 8.
One credit represents 10 notional study hours, which suggests that a student should expect to spend at least 1280 study hours on the programme.
The curriculum comprises of 8 core modules.
|
Components |
Composition |
Credits |
|
8 x modules |
Core compulsory |
16 each |
|
Total credits for curriculum |
128 |
|
Enroll now
- If you believe that you meet the minimum admission requirements, you can start your online application process by clicking here.
- Applications for the 2026 academic year close on 31 December 2025.
Need more information?
View the Engineering Postgraduate Yearbook or please feel free to contact us: