Nuclear Engineering

Joint program EPFL-ETHZ

Towards sustainable energy supply.

Clean, affordable and reliably available energy is of paramount importance for the well-being of industrialized economies and the development of emerging countries.

Nuclear power is one of the principal options for closing the growing energy gap in a mid-term perspective and, depending on the availability of new generations of nuclear facilities and technologies, also a potentially crucial resource in the long-term.

Program’s objectives

The program in Nuclear Engineering aims to:

provide in-depth knowledge on the fundamentals and technology of harnessing nuclear fission for energy supply
present the basic principles and challenges of controlled nuclear fusion
provide knowledge on nuclear techniques in medical research and industry
present a view on the complete nuclear energy conversion system and the entire fuel cycle from uranium mining to the back-end
offer the background necessary to integrate nuclear energy into energy systems as a whole

Students spend the 1^st semester at EPFL, the 2^nd at ETH Zürich, and the 3^rd and 4^th principally at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).

Holders of the Master of Science EPF-ETH degree in Nuclear Engineering qualify for an interesting, multidisciplinary profession with excellent job opportunities in industry, research and national authorities. Tasks that are on the agenda represent scientific and technical challenges for motivated young engineers and researchers.

Simplified study plan

Please note that the information regarding programs’ structure as well as the simplified study plans may be subject to change and that they are not legally binding. Only the official regulations and study plans are binding.

Admission criteria

EPFL Bachelor’s degrees obtained in a discipline related to basic sciences or engineering are eligible and subject to a dossier-based analysis, if they meet specific prerequisites.

Bachelor’s degrees obtained in the same fields but from another institution are eligible on the basis of the evaluation of their application dossier, accompanied by excellent academic records.

In addition, excellent competencies in mathematics (analysis), basic sciences (physics) and engineering (mechanics, electrical engineering, thermodynamics, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, control systems) are required, as well as a strong interest for the chosen domain.

The acquisition of additional credits to fill any gaps may be required.

Please note that meeting all of these criteria is no guarantee of admission.

Further information about admission criteria

Teaching language

English

Diploma and title obtained

Upon completion of their Master’s curricula, students obtain a Master of Science MSc in Nuclear Engineering delivered jointly by EPFL and ETHZ. The diploma also gives graduates the right to use the title of EPF-ETH qualified Engineer.

Online application