South Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine workforce capability has been strengthened with the signing of an agreement between Flinders University, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the University of Manchester (UoM) to deliver a postgraduate nuclear engineering course at Flinders University.
Using the curriculum from UoM and designed for professionals seeking to develop specialist nuclear knowledge, or to build on existing engineering, science, technical or management experience, the agreement ensures an uplift in South Australia’s and the nation’s, capability in nuclear safety and regulation. Flinders University has partnered with ANSTO to develop industry-based case studies for its nuclear course.
While developing its postgraduate courses, Flinders University launched Australia’s first undergraduate nuclear engineering major and has graduated its inaugural cohort in 2026. This has built a talent pipeline into postgraduate study as the new courses are being launched.
To commence this year, the new postgraduate courses will boost Australia’s sovereign capability to participate in the nuclear-powered submarine industry and broader nuclear industries.
“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,” said Flinders University Vice Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling.
“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,” he continued. “We’re helping prepare the next generation of talent for careers in one of Australia’s most strategically important emerging industries.
“By connecting students with global expertise and industry experience, we’re creating graduates who are ready to step into future workforce opportunities.”
The courses will provide students with specialist knowledge applicable to a broad range of industries that use nuclear and radiation technologies, such as the wider civil, defence and international nuclear sectors.
“ANSTO is proud to partner with Flinders University and contribute to a fundamental pathway for building a strong pipeline of skilled nuclear professionals in Australia,” said Dr Miles Apperley, Group Executive for Nuclear Operations Safety and Security at ANSTO. “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.”
As part of the agreement, working with the UoM, Flinders University students who have completed a Graduate Diploma with Flinders can undertake a dissertation (industry or research), remotely or in-person, with nuclear experts from the UoM, which includes the Dalton Nuclear Institute, to achieve a Masters.
“The nuclear sector is rapidly evolving, so there is a growing need for people with the specialist knowledge and skills to meet this challenge,” said Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester. “Our Dalton Nuclear Institute is leading the way in this and brings together the UK’s largest and most diverse academic nuclear research community to create the expertise, training and talent needed.
“Partnerships are crucial to our ambitions and working with Flinders University and ANSTO creates new opportunities for students and professionals in Australia to access Manchester’s expertise and build their knowledge and experience.”
Students who have completed at minimum, a Graduate Certificate, may also undertake NTEC subjects to gain credit towards a Graduate Diploma.
Graduate certificates may be completed in six months of full-time study, the Graduate Diploma can be obtained in 12 months, and the Master of Nuclear Science and Technology in 18 months.
The courses, designed in collaboration with industry to align with the workforce needs and equipped to support the growth of the sector in Australia, will be critical to helping develop the workforce required for the future construction of SSN-AUKUS submarines.
