MSc in Nuclear Engineering
fully taught in English

Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering at Pisa University

PRE-ENROLMENT OF FOREIGN STUDENTS

Academic Year 2025-2026

Fully taught in English!

In Brief

Please, carefully follow the instructions on the portal starting from the registration and uploading all the required documents.

Course Description

Name of the Programme

Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering

Chair of the Programme

Prof. Valerio Giusti (Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.)

Brief presentation

The Master of Science programme in Nuclear Engineering is based on the long tradition in teaching Nuclear Engineering at the University of Pisa, started in 1960. The study matters cover all the important areas necessary for acquiring high-level competences in the field, including Reactor Physics, Nuclear Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics, Structural Mechanics, Radiation Measurement and Health Effects, Nuclear Reactor Power Plant Technology, Nuclear Materials, Nuclear Reactor Control and Operation, Nuclear Reactor Safety and Reliability.

Containing the basic matters required for a sound education in Nuclear Engineering, the MSc programme already granted to many of its past-students the possibility to obtain the certification of European Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering (EMSNE). This is the certification released by the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) to Nuclear Engineers with a good background, who also fulfilled minimum requirements of mobility for courses or thesis work at European organisations belonging to the Association (www.enen-assoc.org).

Programme Overview

The study programme is structured into two years of 60 ECTS credits each, including the final thesis work.

In addition, a sentence has been added to the Regulations in order to accept personalised curricula that could result also from exchanges with foreign Universities, also within ENEN and FuseNet: we will be better flexible !!!

At the moment the course is fully offered in English language, but just a minimum knowledge of Italian language is requested to attend the lectures of few side examinations, whenever required, since the basic jargon of the matters is in English. The tight network of international contacts of the teachers in the course allows performing part of the thesis work in cooperation with or at renowned institutions in Italy and abroad.

For the Academic Year 2012-2013 the previously existing Laurea (3 year BSc) in nuclear engineering matters is substituted by a specific “Nuclear Path” activated within the BSc in Mechanical Engineering.

An updated list of the courses can be found here.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar defines the periods of lectures, examinations and vacations for all of the Engineering courses offered at the University of Pisa. All Engineering courses are taught over two semesters. Yearly courses are mostly taught in two parts or modules, with possible intermediate exams, held during the period between lectures.

Lecture Periods:

  • Fall Semester: End of September → Mid December;
  • Spring Semester: End of February → End of May.

Examinations:

  • sessions in January and February;
  • sessions in June and July;
  • sessions in September.

Professional perspectives

Nuclear Engineers graduated at the University of Pisa have found employment in Italy and abroad in the nuclear field and in conventional industry. The broad education in engineering matters and the specific skills in the nuclear field provide a flexible and targeted background that can be used for nuclear energy applications as well as for other major industrial endeavours. The research and development fields also absorb a considerable share of our graduates.

Nuclear Studies can be also continued at the University of Pisa in the Research Doctorate Programme in Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Safety, obtaining higher qualifications to be spent in the research field.

A short gallery of our “testimonials”, i.e. past students now working in Italy and abroad, can be found here.

Admission

Applications for admission can be submitted only through the dedicated portal (link).

Admission to the Master’s Degree Program in Nuclear Engineering of the University of Pisa (Academic Year 2025/26) is open to individuals holding a relevant scientific
bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or superior foreign academic qualification. The applicants must be individuals with a qualification not obtained in Italy.

An Evaluation Committee, appointed by the Master Program Board, will assess the applications, verifying that: 

  • the applicant meets the admission requirements;
  • the applicant’s preparation is adequate to successfully attend the degree program activities, with particular attention to basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, structural mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.

A preliminary assessment will examine the applicant's CV and qualifications. Selected applicants will have to complete an online interview.

Requirements for Admission

In brief, the candidate should have passed sufficient university-level examinations in mathematics, physics, chemistry, thermo-dynamics, thermal machines, mechanical drawing, continuum mechanics, and machine design. A list of necessary courses passed is the following:

  • Mathematics (MATH, at least 4 semesters)
  • Physics (PHYS, at least 2 semesters)
  • Chemistry (CHEM, at least 1 semester)
  • Thermodynamics, Heat transfer, Energy systems (THE, at least 1 semester)
  • Strength of materials, mechanical drawing, mechanical design and production (MECH, at least 2 semesters)

A reasonable knowledge of the English language is also requested (level B2 or equivalent).

Websites and contacts

For receiving information, send e-mail messages to:

  • Prof. Valerio Giusti: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
  • the contact of the YouNuclear webpage: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
  • the Department Coordination Point: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.

or visit the official webpages on the University of Pisa Course Catalogue (link).

A final message to summarise our spirit

Nuclear engineering study is a wonderful cultural experience, aiming to contribute to developing the energy mix of the future. The use of nuclear energy is relatively young in civilization's history and has great development potential. Learning how to use it at its best is the commitment of those who wish to give the world an additional chance to reach fully sustainable development.

In this commitment to progress towards a better world, we recognize that:

“It is harder to crack a prejudice than an atom”

(Albert Einstein)