Nuclear and Environmental Sciences Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

Overview

Norway is in need of candidates with knowledge in nuclear subjects. The Master's program in Nuclear and Environmental Sciences at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) will provide you with fundamental skills required for a further career both nationally and internationally in research, administration, and business where nuclear expertise is required.

You will learn about the effects and consequences of radioactivity in the environment, radioactive pollution in conjunction with various types of pollution in nature, and the sources of this. You will also gain an understanding of important radiation protection principles and how Norway's nuclear preparedness works, as well as risk and consequence analysis.

There is an increasing focus on nuclear power as an energy source while Norway is decommissioning old research reactors. This requires knowledge of the cleanup of radioactive sources, but also potential extraction of radionuclides for various purposes. The nuclear accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima have shown the need for national preparedness in Norway, and today the knowledge within nuclear preparedness is also directed towards issues around war in areas with nuclear facilities and the threat from the use of nuclear weapons. In addition, there is natural radioactivity in the Norwegian bedrock, which is a challenge for road and tunnel construction in our country and which gives rise to some of Europe's highest radon levels.

The acquired knowledge will be applicable in many areas of applied science from the protection of health and the environment to nuclear preparedness and the decommissioning of nuclear installations. The Master's program in Nuclear and Environmental Science aims to secure current and future needs for nuclear expertise within the Norwegian public sector and business.

Career opportunities

The job market within nuclear subjects in industry, administration, and research is vast and is expected to grow even larger in the near future. Our former students are now working in everything from research institutes, industry, and public administration. Students are qualified for a variety of positions where radioactivity and environmental issues are handled.

You will become professionally competent to independently carry out tasks such as:

• Risk assessment of issues within nuclear and environmental science, radiation protection, and nuclear preparedness
• Planning and implementation of field sampling
• Analysis of a range of radionuclides and inorganic substances in field samples (environmental samples, food, etc.)
• Recommendation, planning, and implementation of preventive and emergency measures

There are many potential employers, both public and private. In the public sector, you can work at all levels, including municipal, regional, and state. At the state level, typical employers are the Environment Agency, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), the Directorate for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (DSA), Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning (NND), and the Public Roads Administration.