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Studies

Master's degree (2 years)
Full time
Nuclear and Environmental Sciences

Would you like to develop solutions for the safe handling of radioactivity in energy production, medicine, and the construction industry? You will gain specialized expertise through hands-on experience in the field, in the laboratory, and through nuclear emergency preparedness exercises.

Apply here

Application deadline:

Norwegian, Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: 15th of April. 

Students outside EU/EEA/EFTA: 1st of December.

Start of Studies:

Fall semester

Number of students:

14

Required points:

Alle kvalifiserte

Requirements:

Relevant Bachelor's degree required. Admission grade point average of C.

  • Requirements in detail

    Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree with an average grade of C from a university or university college, or an equivalent qualification (minimum 180 ECTS credits) that includes:

    • Basic knowledge in natural sciences such as mathematics/statistics, biology, chemistry, and physics, totaling at least 60 ECTS.

    • Specialization of at least 80 ECTS in one or more of the following subjects:

      • Chemistry / Environmental Chemistry / Radiochemistry
      • Ecotoxicology / Radioecotoxicology
      • Geology / Groundwater
      • Nature Management / Resource Studies
      • Biology / Ecology
      • Risk and Mitigation Assessment

    You can find general information about admission requirements at NMBU on our shared webpage.


    The program is taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at the level described in NMBU’s regulations for English-language programs. Read more about how to document the required language skills in this overview.

    This program is subject to export control regulations. NMBU assesses each applicant individually, and in some cases, applicants must be able to obtain security clearance from the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) during the admission process.

Laboratoriearbeid i radiokjemi – presis håndtering av prøver og målinger.
Vannprøve
Studenter går sammen langs en solfylt sti på campus, omgitt av grønne hekker og trær.
Kjemilab
Som student får du praktisk erfaring i felt og på lab
Studenter nyter en grønn campusdag foran Urbygningen – hjertet av NMBU.

Norway needs candidates with knowledge in nuclear sciences (the study of atomic nuclei, radiation, and radioactivity). This master’s program will provide you with solid skills required for a career both nationally and internationally where nuclear expertise is essential.

You will learn about the effects and consequences of radioactivity in the environment and gain insight into radioactive contamination alongside other types of pollution in nature. In addition, you will develop an understanding of radiation protection principles and how Norway’s nuclear emergency preparedness system operates.

There is a growing focus on nuclear power as an energy source, while Norway is simultaneously decommissioning its old research reactors. This requires knowledge of cleanup processes and the potential recovery of radionuclides (unstable atoms that emit radiation) for various purposes.
Nuclear accidents have demonstrated the need for national preparedness. Today, expertise in nuclear emergency preparedness also addresses challenges related to conflicts in regions with nuclear facilities and the threat posed by nuclear weapons.

Natural radioactivity is also present in Norway’s bedrock, creating challenges for several industries such as oil and mining. It also leads to high levels of radon in homes.


The knowledge you acquire will be applicable across many areas of applied science. From protecting health and the environment to nuclear emergency preparedness and the safe decommissioning of nuclear installations. This master’s program aims to meet current and future needs for nuclear expertise.

The program is taught in English.


See the full overview of the program structure and all courses

 

Career opportunities

The job market within nuclear sciences in industry, public administration, and research is extensive, and expected to grow significantly in the near future. Our former students now work in a wide range of positions, from research institutes to industry and government agencies.

Tasks you will be qualified to perform:

  • Conduct risk assessments and impact analyses within nuclear and environmental sciences, radiation protection, and nuclear emergency preparedness.
  • Plan and carry out field sampling.
  • Perform analysis of various radionuclides and inorganic substances.
  • Prepare professional recommendations, decision-making documents, and action plans for preventive and emergency measures.
  • Handle case processing, reporting, and quality assurance in accordance with current laws and regulations.

 

Who are typical employers?

There are many potential employers, both in the public and private sector. At the state level, typical employers include the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), the Norwegian Environment Agency, Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning (NND), the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, and the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). In the private sector, relevant companies include Multiconsult, Veidekke, Lindum, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE).

Can I continue with research?
With a Master’s degree in Nuclear and Environmental Sciences, you will also be qualified to pursue a Ph.D. program. Read more about our PhD student Aleksander, who is researching radioactivity in water. He previously wrote his master's thesis on the toxicity of uranium at the MINA faculty.

  • Learning outcomes

    A candidate who has completed this study programme is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

    Knowledge:

    • Knowledge of basic properties of atomic nuclei and knowledge of the main types of ionising radiation.
    • Knowledge of applications of radioactivity in research and technology.
    • In-depth knowledge of the interaction in nature with special emphasis on radioactive pollution, human impact, sustainability and climate change.
    • Good insight into how to make risk and vulnerability assessments of environmental influences from different nuclear and non-nuclear sources, and assess corrective measures.
    • In-depth knowledge of the dispersion of radioactive and other substances in the environment from various sources.
    • Good insight into how radioactive substances behave in the environment and how they can affect different ecosystems.
    • Comprehensive understanding of biogeochemical processes (the cycle of substances through biological and geologival systems) in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
    • Knowledge about the influence of mobility and toxicity of radioactive substances and other substances.
    • Can analyse complex and interdisciplinary issues in nuclear sciences and environmental science.

    Skills:

    • Experience from working in a laboratory, and apply radiation protection procedures in practice.
    • Plan, carry out and evaluate sampling and analyses according to professionally relevant methods for identifying radioactive substances in soil, rocks, water or biota.
    • Use relevant analytical, numerical, and experimental methods to investigate issues within source identification, radioactivity in the environment, and risk assessment.
    • Transfer knowledge from basic research to applications in emergency preparedness, management, and industry.
    • Apply already acquired methods to new problems.
    • Structure and analyse scientific data.
    • Assess the risk and vulnerability effects of ionising radiation on humans and in the environment and formulate corrective action.
    • Critically analyse, structure and inter-relate to various sources of information and scientific literature in the field.
    • Carry out a limited project in an independent manner in accordance with ethical norms.

    General competence:

    • Apply knowledge and skills in new areas to carry out independent research projects.
    • Ability to independently familiarise oneself with problems and carry out practical and theoretical problem solving,
    • Master communication, teamwork, and cooperation in an international academic environment.
    • Communicate larger independent work.
    • Use appropriate Norwegian and English terminology in the subject area.
    • Consider health, safety, and environmental aspects for your own work.
  • Exchange possibilities

    NMBU facilitates opportunities for you to complete parts of your studies abroad. This is made possible through exchange programs at institutions around the world.

    You will have the opportunity to participate in the ERASMUS+ MINDER collaboration’s course portfolio. Here, you can take your first semester at NMBU. In the second semester, you can go abroad to specialize in decommissioning and environmental remediation.

    Students can take elective nuclear courses at the University of Oslo (UiO). It is also possible to take courses at international educational institutions

  • Program structure

    The Master’s program is integrated into an international and interdisciplinary academic environment. You will work on complex issues within radiochemistry (the study of chemical processes involving radioactive substances), environmental chemistry, and radioactivity in the environment. Other key areas include decommissioning, radiation protection, consequence and risk analysis, and emergency preparedness.


    The program covers a wide range of topics within nuclear sciences and environmental science, with a particular focus on:

    • Radiochemistry covers everything from radioactivity and radiation protection to traditional measurement methods such as alpha-, beta-, and gamma-spectrometry (analytical techniques for measuring different types of ionizing radiation).
    • Radioecology (the study of how radioactive substances behave in the environment) links radionuclides in ecosystems to consequence and risk assessments.
    • Environmental pollutants, including radioactive substances, and ecotoxicology connects knowledge of contaminants to biological effects.
    • Radioecotoxicology combines radioactivity in the environment with biological effects, viewed in relation to other toxic substances.


    The program takes a holistic approach, considering all parts of the system. You will learn about sources of radioactivity and its transport through various ecosystems, as well as exposure, biological effects, risk assessment, and nuclear emergency preparedness.

    Flexibility allows you to take nuclear-related courses within the two-year master’s program. The program concludes with a master’s thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS.


    Mandatory nuclear courses:

    • RAD300 Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation
    • RAD210 Radioactivity and Radiation Protection
    • RAD320 Radionuclide Transport and Fate in the Environment
    • RAD325 Experimental Radioecology
    • RAD310 Radiochemistry and Analysis of Radionuclides


    Additionally, you may take the course MILJØ360 Health and Environmental Risk Assessment or relevant courses at the University of Oslo (UiO).

    See the full overview of the program structure and all courses

  • More about the program
    • Societal relevance

      Why is competence in nuclear subjects important for Norway?

      There has been a decline in qualified workforce within nuclear fields in Norway and Europe. Norway is surrounded by countries that have nuclear power. The possibility of investing in nuclear power in Norway is also actively debated.

      Which challenges in Norway require this competence?

      Natural radioactivity in Norwegian bedrock is a problem for several industries, such as oil and mining. This also leads to high radon levels in Norwegian homes.

      The shutdown of the research reactors at Kjeller and Halden highlights the need for knowledge about radioactive waste. Safe decommissioning of nuclear facilities is essential.


      Norway also has significant activity within radiopharmacy (research, development, and production of radioactive medicines).

      What is the overarching societal need?

      We need professional environments that can assess and manage the potential for nuclear power as an energy source. We must also ensure preparedness, radiation protection, and security related to the spread of radioactive substances. Knowledge in decommissioning nuclear installations and safe handling of waste is essential.

    • Learning activities

      Alongside lectures (theory), field and laboratory teaching (practice) are central to the program. You will carry out sampling, treatment, and analysis. This is followed by interpretation of data.


      Processed data can be used to evaluate different measures. This illustrates the connection between physical state, transport, biological uptake, exposure, and effect.


      Furthermore, data processing can provide a basis for quantifying the significance of various processes (modeling). This is directly included in risk assessments.


      A good balance between independent work and group work is emphasized. Results are presented both in writing and orally. The master’s thesis will constitute an independent project of 45 or 60 ECTS.

    • Examination

      Courses with a large proportion of practical field and laboratory exercises will largely use portfolio assessment. This is done both in groups and individually.


      Semester assignments may constitute either the whole or parts of several courses. Many of the 300-level courses have a final exam (oral or written). This comes in addition to independent work and submission of laboratory reports or semester assignments.


      The master’s thesis is presented and discussed with both an internal and an external examiner. The grade for the master’s thesis is determined jointly by the examiners.

    • Information for students from partner universities
      All courses in the Master's programme will be offered in English to make student exchanges easier. All Master's courses will be available to students from other institutions who want to specialise in our subjects.

Study advisor(s):

Marte Lise Lægreid

Marte Lise Lægreid

Advisor