The agreement between Flinders University, the University of Manchester and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation will build the nuclear workforce in South Australia and beyond. Photo: Australian Submarine Agency.
South Australia’s sovereign defence capability is being strengthened as Flinders University, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the University of Manchester (UoM) sign an agreement to deliver a postgraduate nuclear engineering course at Flinders University.
Under the agreement, Flinders University will use the UoM curriculum, which is designed to develop specialist nuclear knowledge or build on existing engineering, science, technical or management experience.
The agreement improves the state’s and the nation’s capability in nuclear safety and regulation, boosting South Australians’ ability to participate in the nuclear-powered submarine sector and other nuclear industries.
This industry knowledge will be vital when Australia operates its own nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
While Flinders University was developing its postgraduate courses, it also launched the nation’s first undergraduate nuclear engineering major, with the inaugural cohort already having graduated.
This builds a talent pipeline into postgraduate studies.
“The future nuclear workforce starts with education, and this agreement with the University of Manchester and ANSTO will give students and professionals the skills needed to contribute to a growing national capability,” Flinders University vice-chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said.
“AUKUS presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build new capabilities in Australia, and these programs will help ensure South Australia is ready with the skilled workforce needed to support that future.”
The courses will educate students in specialist technical fields, giving them access to a broad range of nuclear technologies in the civil, defence and international nuclear industries, including the future nuclear-powered AUKUS submarines.
ANSTO group executive for nuclear operations safety and security Dr Miles Apperley said: “As Australia’s largest nuclear organisation, ANSTO’s extensive experience and knowledge across nuclear science and technology and nuclear security and safeguards is helping to build the capabilities vital for advancing future national priorities, and importantly, Australia’s nuclear workforce.”
Under the agreement, Flinders University students who have completed the graduate diploma can undertake an industry or research dissertation, remotely or in person, with UoM nuclear experts to obtain their master’s.
The University of Manchester’s president and vice-chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison said: ”The nuclear sector is rapidly evolving, so there is a growing need for people with the specialist knowledge and skills to meet this challenge.”
