Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

What you'll study

The programme balances formal coursework, laboratory practice and an extended research thesis or capstone project. Core topics typically include reactor physics and kinetics, thermal-hydraulics, radiation detection and instrumentation, radiation protection and dosimetry, nuclear materials and fuel behaviour, and computational methods for neutron and thermal analysis.

• Reactor physics and kinetics — neutron transport theory, diffusion approximation, reactor dynamics and control concepts.
• Thermal-hydraulics — heat transfer in reactors, single- and two-phase flow, and safety-related thermal analysis.
• Radiation detection and measurement — detector types, signal processing, and experimental techniques for radiation characterisation.
• Radiation protection and radiological safety — principles of dose assessment, shielding design, regulatory frameworks and emergency response planning.
• Nuclear materials — behaviour of fuels and structural materials under irradiation, corrosion and materials testing methods.
• Computational modelling — numerical methods and software tools used for neutronics, thermal-hydraulics and multi-physics coupling.
• Laboratory and practical training — hands-on experiments, instrumentation calibration, and data analysis workshops.

Students normally complete a substantial supervised research thesis that applies theoretical and experimental methods to a problem in nuclear engineering or radiation sciences. There is scope to select elective modules or industry-focused projects that reflect individual interests in areas such as medical applications of radiation, fusion technologies, or decommissioning and waste management.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, materials science or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline. Strong performance in relevant undergraduate courses such as mathematics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and basic nuclear science is usually required.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a suitable undergraduate background.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to preparedness for graduate study.
• Statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals.
• Curriculum vitae outlining relevant experience, projects or industry work.
• English language proficiency evidence if the applicant’s first language is not English (accepted tests and minimum scores are set by the university).

Some applicants with strong professional experience in nuclear-related roles may be considered even if their undergraduate degree is not in a closely matching field, but they should be prepared to undertake bridging coursework. Selection may include interview or assessment by programme faculty.

Career prospects

Graduates from this master’s programme go on to a range of technical, regulatory and research roles. Typical career destinations include:

• Design, safety and operations roles in nuclear power utilities and suppliers.
• Radiation protection and health physics positions in hospitals, industry and regulatory bodies.
• Research and development posts in national laboratories, university research groups and private-sector R&D.
• Engineering and consultancy work on decommissioning, waste management and environmental remediation.
• Technology roles related to medical imaging and radiotherapy, fusion research, and advanced materials for extreme environments.
• Further academic study (PhD) for those pursuing careers in research or higher education.

The programme emphasises practical skills, software competency and safety culture, all of which are valued in industry and regulatory careers.

Why study at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University offers a research-oriented environment with interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, materials science and the life sciences. The university’s location in the Negev provides links to regional technology and industrial partners, and its engineering faculty is known for applied, problem-focused research.

• Research supervision by experienced faculty working on applied nuclear technology, materials under irradiation, radiological protection and related fields.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities through collaboration with neighbouring departments and institutes in areas such as materials, renewable energy and medical physics.
• Practical training with laboratory courses, instrumentation access and industry-project options that prepare students for professional practice.
• Smaller cohort and personalised mentoring that allow close interaction with supervisors and tailored research projects.

Overall, the programme is suited to students seeking a rigorous technical education and research experience that will prepare them for careers in the nuclear, medical radiation and regulatory sectors, or for further postgraduate study.