This new PhD course in Applied Nuclear Physics and Technology is part of the Physics-led Applications for Nuclear Engineering & Technology (PLANET) programme – a UKRI Doctoral Focal Award led by the University of York with the Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Lancaster and Surrey.
The PhD course in Applied Nuclear Physics and Technology will provide an excellent and inclusive training programme in applied nuclear physics that will graduate highly skilled PhD students in support of the UK’s growing nuclear energy and defence requirements into the next decades. The programme’s research philosophy will address strategic and sovereign UK priorities in civil and defence nuclear, e.g. developing/validation of nuclear physics codes; addressing gaps and uncertainties in datasets that support fuel performance, containment and criticality safety cases; support to advanced reactor challenges; validation of isotopic inventories for spent fuel and Plutonium disposition; waste storage and disposal; AI use in applied nuclear physics; ensuring abilities to ‘control, cool and contain’; cross-section measurements at elevated neutron energies.
Learning outcomes
The course aims to:
Provide technical and professional skills development through engaging industry and academic experts in nuclear physics and nuclear engineering;
Future-proof careers by emphasising the increasing importance of data science and AI;
Provide high quality, curiosity-driven research projects co-created by industry and academia that tackle research questions of high priority to UK industry and defence;
Enable access to world-leading infrastructure such as the n_TOF (Neutron Time of Flight) and ISOLDE (Isotope Separator On Line DEvice) facilities at CERN; and
Generate industry-ready graduates by offering placement opportunities that allow students to broaden their experience.
Open Days
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
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Departments
This course is advertised in the following departments: