Master of Nuclear Engineering (Leuven et al)

The current programme can be divided into three core blocks:

• Introductory courses allowing refreshing or first contact with the basic notions of nuclear physics, materials sciences and the principles of energy conversion through use of nuclear phenomena, supplemented by a core block of nuclear engineering applied to electricity generation and reactor use; theory of reactors and neutronics, thermal hydraulic phenomena during reactor operation, the nuclear fuel cycle and specific material-corrosion problems.

• A block of elective courses that allow students to deepen certain topics of their choice.

• A Master’s thesis.

The collaboration with SCK*CEN makes it possible to include actual use of facilities in the curriculum, supporting the development of skills and competences in a research environment. All subjects are taught by academics appointed by the partner universities, whereas the practical exercises and laboratory sessions are supervised by the experts of SCK*CEN. The Master’s thesis offers an opportunity for internship in industry or in a research laboratory.

All teaching activities take place on the premises of SCK*CEN. Courses are organised in English and in a modular way; teaching in blocks of one to three weeks for each module allows optimal time management for students and lecturers, facilitates registration for individual modules, and allows easy exchange with international students.

BNEN has served as a role model for the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) which now has become an association of over 60 members (universities, industry, regulators, research centres), aiming at facilitating mobility in Europe for students in nuclear engineering.

One particular aspect of the BNEN degree is that it automatically leads to the recognition as Class I Expert by the Federal Agency of Nuclear Control. In order to receive this accreditation the programme must at least offer 24 credits in Nuclear Safety and 12 credits in Radioprotection.

The aim of the programme is to deliver experts in the field of nuclear energy generation, the construction of facilities for appropriate use and the follow-up of safety procedures concerning nuclear processes.

At the end of the programme the students will have acquired :

• understanding of nuclear processes (physics);
• understanding of the procedures and techniques necessary to control nuclear processes (hydraulics, reactor technology, operation and controls management);
• understanding of safety and reliability procedures;
• understanding of nuclear waste treatment and safety;
• the capacity to create and maintain structures to control nuclear processes;
• the capacity to take part in industrial processes related to the generation of nuclear energy;
• communicative capacities;
• the capacity to take part in further research concerning this topic.