BEng (Hons) Nuclear Engineering with Placement Year Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University

In this module you will strengthen your mathematical skills and apply them to important engineering problems. Theory is presented in the context of real engineering scenarios so that both the mathematical technique itself and the engineering concept are both better understood. This includes extending integration into higher dimensions, and introducing linear algebra, including vectors and matrices, which are applied to solving problems on structural mechanics and electronic networks, for example. Methods of approximating and solving non-linear functions are discussed in order to show how hard problems can be simplified. Laplace transforms are introduced which reduce the complexity of differe

This module explores the core principles of engineering science, connecting key concepts to chemical, mechanical, nuclear, and electrical/electronic systems. You will discover how physical principles associated with energy transfer, forces, kinetics, and atomic behaviour shape the function of structures, processes, and components laying the foundation for all engineering disciplines. Topics include atomic and molecular behaviour in materials, charge movement, compound formation, and reaction kinetics. You will also examine forces from electrostatic, electromagnetic, and mechanical interactions, along with their effects on displacement, stress, current flow, and the behaviour of solids and fl

This module will provide you with key practical skills that will allow you to design physical components, structures and systems and create functionality across all engineering disciplines. Whether you are a chemical engineer designing a heat exchanger, or a nuclear engineer designing a reactor, all engineers need to be able to generate and understand engineering drawings. Here you will use industry standard Computer Aided Design software to realise your designs. You will also learn the formal design process so that you can create innovative and robust designs. Using a ‘Design for Manufacture’ focus, you will learn how your designs can be manufactured from a range of subtractive, additive an

This module bridges engineering science with real-world applications, enabling you to design and implement industrially relevant systems. One stream focuses on sensor technology, amplifier design, and "front-end" circuits. You’ll apply electronics theory to build practical circuits and networks, exploring operational amplifiers, key components of analogue systems. You'll also develop an understanding of signals in both the time and frequency domains. Systems within the field of chemical engineering will be explored where essential concepts including batch, semi-batch, and continuous processes, as well as purge and recycle streams are fundamental. You’ll perform material balance and phase equ

This module introduces thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics, core principles that drive engineering solutions across all disciplines. Understanding how heat and fluid behave is crucial for engineers tackling real-world challenges, from designing efficient thermal management systems and heat exchangers to optimizing industrial processes. You will explore the fundamental laws governing energy transfer and fluid flow, learning how these principles apply to practical engineering scenarios. In this module theoretical concepts are reinforced through experiments and observations. By directly engaging with real-world examples, you will develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms at p

This module covers key analytical techniques providing a foundation for all engineering programmes. Whether you are already familiar with these concepts or not, this module will bring everyone to the same level and make sure you have the mathematical tools to succeed. Techniques of primary importance to engineering such as complex numbers, differentiation and integration are covered to ensure you can understand and apply all the different methods available and solve real engineering problems during the supported sessions and beyond. This analysis is supported by practical lessons in the use of numerical techniques using tools such as MATLAB. These tools are used not only to show how techniqu

This module introduces the fundamentals of engineering materials, focusing on their structure, properties, and real-world applications. It covers atomic bonding, crystalline structures, defects, deformation mechanisms, and phase transformations, as well as failure analysis under complex loading conditions such as fatigue, creep, and environmental degradation. Students will also explore material characterization techniques, mechanical analysis, and material selection, with an emphasis on sustainability and lifecycle considerations. By studying this module, students will gain critical knowledge and skills to analyse material behaviour, predict failures, and select appropriate materials for eng

Understanding how fluids move and how mass is transported is essential in engineering as these principles are applied across various industries, from energy production and manufacturing design to chemical and nuclear plants. In this module, you will explore the nature of fluids and their fundamental properties. You will develop a solid understanding of how fluids behave at rest (fluid mechanics) and in motion (fluid dynamics), and you will test your understanding in the lab. You will also gain insight into mass transfer principles, including molecular diffusion, convective mass transfer, and interfacial transport. These concepts are crucial for designing efficient separation processes, optim

In this module, you will explore the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the ultimate disposal of radioactive material. You will cover subjects and areas including a general introduction to the nuclear decommissioning market and related organisations, facility characterisation and final survey, the planning and costing of decommissioning projects, radiation issues, relevant aspects of health and safety, shielding, the use of Monte Carlo code in decommissioning, worker and environmental protection, demolition techniques and technologies, the use of robotics and automation in decommissioning, waste decontamination, packaging, transport and disposal, illustrative case studies of internati

This module begins with an exploration of nuclear engineering, tracing its history through key figures like Roentgen, the Curies, Otto Hahn, and Heisenberg. You'll examine pivotal events such as the Manhattan Project, enrichment challenges, and major accidents. Fundamentals of radioactivity, neutron properties, reaction modes, and reactor designs, including Captain Rickover, Pile 1 & 2, and Magnox, will also be covered, along with shielding physics. The second section delves into nuclear chemistry, focusing on electronic structure, bonding, and oxidation-reduction processes. You’ll study uranium’s chemistry, including its oxides and fluorides. By the end, you’ll grasp core nuclear engineering

In this module, you will explore the fundamental concepts of electrical machines, power electronic converters and power systems. You will dive into detailed studies on a range of DC and AC machines. This includes the operating principles and control methods of brushed DC motors, brushless DC motors and induction motors. It also covers power generation with synchronous generators and induction generators. Additionally, you will explore power electronic converters, focusing on their application in solar and wind energy systems, electric vehicles and industrial actuators. You will also learn about how electrical power systems work from generation to distribution, including traditional and smart

The module provides an integrated understanding of energy exchange mechanisms in engineering systems, focusing on heat and work transfer across different states and phases of matter. The module emphasises analysing gas and steam systems, refrigeration cycles, heat pump technologies, and reciprocating engines, enabling a competitive edge in shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions. You will understand how to measure and calculate thermodynamic properties for ideal and real fluids, analyse gas and steam systems, evaluate refrigeration and heat pump cycles and master the methods for heat transfer analysis, optimisation of energy processes and systems in consideration of heat transfer,

You will spend this year working in a graduate-level placement role. This is an ideal opportunity to gain experience in an industry or sector that you might be considering working in once you graduate. Although it's up to you to find your placement we'll support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

In this module, you will gain essential skills in engineering management, covering key areas such as scheduling, project risk management, quality management, and cost and resource management. You will also explore entrepreneurial topics, including business model generation, market segmentation, and effective communication of business proposals. At the heart of the module is a group business proposal, where you will apply management theory from lectures and entrepreneurial workshops. Through presentations, pitches, and valuable insights from industry experts, you will develop your business ideas with creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on idea generation, start-ups

In this individual project, you will deepen your understanding of a specific engineering topic of your choice. You will conduct a detailed review of the topic, which will serve as a foundation for enhancing the technical content of your project. Depending on the nature of your work, you may need to perform computer simulations, mathematical analyses, and/or practical experiments. You will be assigned a project supervisor who is an expert in your chosen field and will provide guidance on both the technical aspects and project management. Additionally, you will receive support from academic staff, postgraduate students, and technical personnel.

In this module, you will explore advanced concepts and practical applications of reaction engineering to clean chemical synthesis, environmental protection and manufacture of commodity chemicals. Through the study of established industrially relevant processes, you will develop a comprehensive understanding and practical competence in chemical and biochemical reactors of heterogeneous systems, enabling you to design and analyse effective processes. Beginning with the kinetics concept in homogeneous chemical and biochemical systems and progressing throughout the heterogeneous systems to the transport phenomena of heat, mass and flow, you will gain hands-on experience in designing, implementin

In this module you will study a range of nuclear instrumentation applications. This includes radiation detection modalities; data analysis and interpretation; the detection and measurement of energy, count level, energy spectra and dose; safety issues associated with nuclear instrumentation. Furthermore, you are given the ability to design an entire radiation detection system dependent on the scenario and are introduced to the mathematical analysis required to convert the output you might encounter from set-up to real life radiological data.

This module introduces power electronic switching devices and their role in single-phase and three-phase converters and inverters. You'll learn to analyse power electronic circuits, calculate switching losses, and design snubbers and electricity grid stabilisers. You will also learn to design medium- and high-frequency transformers for isolated power converters. You'll also develop control systems and gate drivers for power electronic devices. Beyond theory, you'll explore real-world applications, including using converters and inverters to control motors and generators in industrial settings. You'll also see how these technologies drive green energy solutions, such as wind turbines and sola