Nuclear Engineering Master Program
Pursuing a Master's in Nuclear Engineering at the Department of Nuclear Reactors at Czech Technical University in Prague offers a unique blend of cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities, including the VR-1 training reactor, and a curriculum that emphasizes reactor physics, advanced computational methods, and practical experiments. Located in the heart of Europe, the program fosters international collaboration and provides opportunities for research in innovative areas. Graduates are equipped with the skills to excel in nuclear power operations, research, and regulatory roles, making this program a gateway to a dynamic and impactful career.
The education is focused on reactor and neutron physics, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear power plants operation aspects. It covers also reactor behaviour, fuel design, heat transfer and all important areas of reactor operation, design and research.
Education at the Department is supported by experiments and practical demonstration. Most important experimental device is training reactor VR-1 that is operated by the Department and it is used for educational and research purposes. Experiments are also carried out at the laboratories that are specialized for neutron detection, spectrometric measurement or I&C.
The base of the Mater Degree program is focused on reactor technology with special attention to PWR, reactor physic, fuel cycle, reactor safety, reactor operation and experimental neutron physic. Education is supported by hands on training at reactor VR-1 and various laboratories operated by the Department.
FUTURE CAREER
Most of our graduates are employed as experts in following positions or fields in Czech Republic or abroad:
- Nuclear power plant - reactor physicist, reactor operator, new build engineer, reactor safety engineer
- Industry – research and development or support for reactor operation
- State Office for Nuclear Safety/IAEA – inspectors, reactor operation experts
- Research/University – scientists, PhD students, education of future nuclear specialists
OUR EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES
Department of Nuclear Reactors operates the VR- 1 reactor (virtual tour) and possesses several laboratories. The reactor is utilized mainly for education and training. Students can compare their theoretical knowledge with experiments and moreover obtain experience with the reactor operation. The neutron laboratory serves for performing experiments concerned understanding the phenomena of neutron interaction with matter. In the spectrometric laboratories the students can study the basic knowledge of dosimetry, neutron and gamma detection methods. In conclusion, students gather a comprehensive understanding of the nuclear issues and may enhance their theoretical knowledge by experimental work on facilities of the department. Curriculum contains significant amount of lab classes.
TECHNICAL VISITS
In the course of the study the students take part in technical visits to nuclear facilities within Czech Republic (e.g. NPP Dukovany, NPP Temelín, ŠKODA JS, ÚJV in Řež), several week study-stay in the NPP Dukovany or Temelín and the possibility of taking a technical visit or course abroad.
As a consequence of broad international cooperation a variety of study-stays at universities or research institutes within, as well as outside Europe are offered to students (e.g. in USA, GB, Sweden, Japan, or Korea).
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING - NUCLEAR REACTORS MASTER PROGRAM CONTENT
The Nuclear Reactors specialization focuses on the operation of nuclear facilities, primarily the reactor itself and other supporting systems. Key components of the curriculum include in-depth studies of reactor physics and technology. It also encompasses radiation detection, nuclear power plant design, computational methods, and topics such as the economics of nuclear energy and issues related to nuclear fuel. A significant part of the program includes extensive experimental exercises on the university’s VR-1 nuclear reactor, which can also be explored virtually. Experimental training is further enhanced in adjacent laboratories.
The Curriculum of Master Nuclear Engineering is Built on Four Pillars:
- Practical experimental exercises covering theoretical foundations, including radiation detection, neutron physics, and reactor physics.
- Excursions to Czech nuclear power plants, research facilities, and companies involved in nuclear technology.
- Strong participation on cutting edge research during the study.
Students can choose during the master studies from three directions while having the opportunity to expand their expertise into other areas:
- Nuclear Calculations
- Experimental Reactor Physics
- Operational Reactor Physics
The program integrates knowledge to ensure that graduates possess a comprehensive understanding of the field, covering not only their specialization but also other areas of nuclear engineering.
Critical Experiment at VR-1 reactor
A prime example of integrating theory and practice is the Critical Experiment, conducted by students on the VR-1 reactor during their final year of study. The experiment involves rearranging the fuel in the reactor core and restarting the reactor. The steps include:
- Designing a new reactor core and calculating its parameters.
- Preparing a detailed procedure for handling the fuel and reactor components.
- Rearranging the reactor core.
- Deriving the positions of control rods for achieving a critical state.
- Experimentally measuring the parameters of the new core and comparing the results with calculations.
The experiment is performed after each core modification (e.g., fuel replacement), providing students hands-on experience in activities similar to those performed by operational physicists at large nuclear power plants during reactor start-ups.
What Does Involvement in Scientific Research Mean?
In the Czech Republic, extensive research activities focus on more efficient and safer operation of current power plants and the development of new reactor types and small modular reactors. Research also explores the use of reactors beyond electricity production.
Examples of alumni research projects include:
- Martin: Developing special coatings for fuel rods to extend their lifespan and improve emergency handling (so-called ATF fuel). He tests coated fuel rods in experimental loops and evaluates their performance under accident conditions.
- Evžen: Working on the development of the Energy Well small modular reactor. His focus is on experiments with salts (used as a coolant in the reactor), studying their impact on the reactor's neutron physics using reactors LR-0 and LVR-15.
- Martina: Specializing in fuel assembly inspections, developing software for anomaly detection based on optical analysis of oxidation changes. She regularly performs inspections at the Temelín power plant.
- Milan: Engaged in non-destructive analysis using Neutron Activation Analysis to study the composition of materials, from mammoth bones to meteorites.
- Jan: Performing research activities in area of nuclear reactors for space applications.
HOW TO APPLY?
General information and admission info can be found at faculty webpage.
CONTACT POINTS
Content of the study: Ondrej Novak This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Admission and all other questions: Klara Kuchynkova This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.