The MSc in Radiation Detection and Measurement for Nuclear Applications will teach you a broad range of detector technologies for measuring ionising radiation that are widely used in nuclear-related industries, equipping you for a career in any industry involving radiation and radiation detectors.
Please note, if you’re applying for January 2027 entry, your course welcome starts on 25 January 2027. Teaching starts on the 1 February 2027.
Teaching will cover basic radiation principles, the use of detection systems and associated instrumentation applications, and modelling. There’s a strong focus on practicals and laboratory-based techniques.
The MSc in Radiation Detection and Measurement for Nuclear Applications will teach you a broad range of detector technologies for measuring ionising radiation that are widely used in nuclear-related industries. It has a strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills using the state-of-the art equipment in our teaching laboratories, complementing the theoretical knowledge and advanced modelling skills you will learn. Many modules are also taken by participants from industry as part of their Continuing Professional Development, so you will have opportunities to learn first hand about what it’s like to work at some of the UK’s leading employers in the sector.
The project during the summer will give you a chance to conduct individual open-ended research under expert supervision. You’ll be able to carry out the project, often in industry, making you even more employable in sectors such as nuclear power, medicine, environmental protection, oil and mining, and health and safety.
In addition to the fees and funding options outlined for this course, there are currently several bursary schemes available for UK applicants as part of the national nuclear skills agenda. Please contact us for information about these.
This course is suitable for students with first degrees in physical sciences and engineering who are looking for a career in sectors such as nuclear-related industries, healthcare, security, radiation protection and environmental monitoring, as well as further study.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The programme consists of a number of one-week basic modules and their associated applied modules, which you can select to best meet your needs.
To gain your MSc qualification you must complete your dissertation and project (these are compulsory) and your chosen modules, totalling 180 credits.
Students who study part-time will complete all the taught modules, then the applied modules, followed by the final dissertation and project.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| STATISTICS, DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS (PHYS811) | 15 |
| ALPHA SPECTROMETRY (PHYS806) | 15 |
| NEUTRONS: DETECTION AND MODELLING (PHYS807) | 15 |
| RADIATION SHIELDING (PHYS820) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
During Semester two you will start work on your dissertation, PHYS843, which should be submitted before starting work on your project over the summer.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
To gain your MSc you will need to complete an extended project for PHYS841 which will mainly be worked on during the summer
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PROJECT (PHYS841) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, practical laboratory work, computer modelling classes, supervised project work and will carry out private study.
A range of methods will be used for assessments, including exams, coursework essays, computer assignments and practical laboratory work. You will also complete a dissertation and write a report on your project work.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
You can study some of the modules on this course as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. Contact us using the buttons at the bottom of the course page to find out more.
The Department of Physics is a major centre for research, offering an exciting and rigorous environment to study in. Some of your teaching will be carried out in our award-winning teaching facilities, the Central Teaching Laboratory, for practical lab work.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Science and maths were always an interest of mine and it was a joy to learn the inner workings of the universe. It wasn’t all lectures and exams. There was always something to spark an interest and make you want to learn more.
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This course will equip you with the necessary specific skills for a career in any industry involving radiation and radiation detectors. You will also develop valuable transferrable skills for other industries or to go on to further study.
Previous graduates have begun careers in academia and other research environments, in industry (for example in the nuclear and nuclear related industries), in financial services, health services, the scientific civil service and further education both in the UK and abroad.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
This Master’s course has shown me that the career prospects out there are much wider than I initially thought, so areas that I never really imagined existed suddenly became career opportunities.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Part-time place, per year - £7,000
Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a physical science, or a closely related subject. Relevant industrial experience can be an alternative, subject to references. We also encourage applications from those from non-traditional backgrounds, for example with relevant industrial experience, in lieu of a degree. Each application will be assessed on its own merits and subject to references. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | IELTS 7.0 overall with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 135 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 130 overall, with no component below 95. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 69 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 75 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| PSI Skills for English | C1 Pass in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Our Pre-sessional English courses vary from 6, 10, 12, 20, 30 or 40 weeks.
You can email us at elc@liverpool.ac.uk for advice on the length of Pre-sessional English course you require. Please let us know your most recent score in one of the following English languages tests so we can assess your current English language ability:
We’ll be in touch to let you know the length of Pre-sessional English course you require. We’ll also confirm whether you can study Pre-Sessional English on campus or online.
Discover more about the city and University.
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Last updated 10 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions