Part of the Belgian Nuclear higher Education Network

Six Belgian universities (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Université de Liège, Université Catholique de Louvain, KU Leuven, and Universiteit Gent) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN) have joined forces in the Belgian Nuclear higher Education Network (BNEN) to create the Advanced Master in Nuclear Engineering, a 60 ECTS-programme. The primary objective is to educate young engineers in nuclear engineering, its applications and its safe use, and to develop and maintain high-level nuclear competences in Belgium and abroad. The BNEN offers a strong programme and fosters networking between academia, research centres, industry and other nuclear stakeholders. All teaching activities take place at SCK•CEN, ensuring training that’s compatible with the industry and well-grounded in the field.

How does it work?

The programme consists of 60 ECTS and can be completed on a full-time (one-year) or part-time (two-years) basis. Courses are organised in a modular way with teaching blocks of one to three weeks for each module. This allows optimal time management for students and lecturers, facilitates registration for individual modules, and provides easy access for international students. The master thesis is an essential part of the programme. The chosen subject can be in a wide range of nuclear engineering related topics, that are directly linked to the of SCK•CEN’s R&D programme, research of the professors at the partner universities, or operational problems in industry.

Study credits

ECTS (European Credit Transfer System): 1 credit represents 25-30 hours of study activity

International programme

BNEN has served as a role model for the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN Association). The association of roughly 70 members - universities, industry, regulators and research centres - aims to facilitate mobility in Europe for students in nuclear engineering. If you decide to take up at least 20 ECTS of courses in a foreign university, you receive an ENEN certificate, de-facto recognising the degree as an effective “European Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering”.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes describe the intended knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes that you must master after completing your studies. Do you want to know more about the specific learning outcomes of this programme? Click here for more information.

Job opportunities

This programme aims to provide young engineers and scientists with the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in the nuclear industry. Italso prepares students for a career in government, regulatory or control organisms. The programme has been recognised by the Federal Agency of Nuclear Control (FANC) for recognition as Class I Expert (Class I facilities - nuclear reactors).

Admission criteria

This programme is open for students holding a five-year Master degree in Science of Engineering from a Belgian university.

Applications from candidates holding a different master degree from the Flemish or the French Community will be evaluated by the Teaching Committee based on the candidate’s academic background. Candidates holding a foreign higher education degree may be admitted after evaluation and approval by the Teaching Committee and with observance of the procedural rules of the respective partner universities.

Prospective students must prove sufficient knowledge of English as language of instruction by having successfully completed the TOEFL-test with a minimum of 550 points on the written test. The scoring scale will be based upon the sum of the four section scores (reading, listening, writing and speaking).

Application deadline

Prospective students are advised to apply as soon as possible, even if they have not obtained their degree. The deadline for Belgian students to apply is 15 June. International students must apply before 15 March. Application deadlines are strict, as all candidates will be screened by the Belgian Federal Agency for Nuclear Control for clearance and access to SCK•CEN ’s nuclear infrastructure. Admission to the programme will depend on clearance and access being granted.

Tuition fees

All Flemish universities in Belgium are subsidised by the government, which results in relatively low tuition fees. A detailed overview of the tuition fees can be found here.