The Process

How to start your journey.

Radiation protection is a vital field with opportunities for people at all stages of their education and career. Whether you’re leaving school, seeking an apprenticeship, starting a degree, or already have work experience, there are clear pathways to build a rewarding career. Explore the options below to find the route that’s right for you.

It starts here

Entry Opportunities

If you don’t currently have a relevant degree, there are multiple ways to gain qualifications through university courses or apprenticeships.

Many universities across the UK offer degrees in physics, engineering, radiography, and nuclear-related subjects, while employers provide structured apprenticeship programs.

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Undergraduate

Undergraduate Degree Courses

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Undergraduate Degree Courses

Universities across the UK offer degrees that can lead to careers in radiation protection, including:

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Protection – Offered by institutions such as Lancaster University, University of Sheffield, and the University of Birmingham.
Industrial (non-nuclear): Nuclear-related disciplines – Available at universities like Manchester, Sussex, and Sheffield covering: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Nuclear Physics.
Physics with Nuclear Technology – Offered by universities such as the University of the West of Scotland and Nottingham Trent University

YOUR CAREER

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships combine academic study with practical experience. These are offered by major employers in the nuclear and engineering sectors, including:

Technical and Nuclear Engineering apprenticeships with organizations such as Sellafield Ltd, NRS or AWE.
Nuclear-focused programs through training providers like Energus and Gen2
Specialist roles in submarine nuclear engineering with companies such as BAE Systems and Rolls Royce.
Opportunities through national laboratories and industry hubs such as UK NNL.

Degree
Apprenticeships

Degree Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and qualifications for those starting out. Employers offering apprenticeships in radiation protection and related fields include:

Rolls-Royce
Westinghouse
EDF Energy
Nuclear Graduates program
Sellafield Ltd (including Health Physics Monitor roles)
National Nuclear Laboratory
Universities offering radiography apprenticeships, such as the University of Cumbria
Energus, working with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

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Post-Graduate (or Experienced Professional) Opportunities

If you already have a degree or relevant work experience, there are opportunities for further study and career progression. Many universities offer postgraduate courses in nuclear science, radiation protection, and medical physics. Examples include:

MSc in Nuclear Science and Radiation Protection; University of Surrey, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol.
MSc in Medical Physics; University of Surrey, Oxford, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester, Swansea, UCL and Imperial College of London
Certificates in Radiation Protection such as University of Strathclyde.
Specialized programs in decommissioning, waste management, and radiobiologyPhD opportunities are also available through national laboratories and research institutions (UKHSA, UKNNL).

Post-Graduate

Graduate Schemes

YOUR CAREER

Graduate Schemes

The following schemes provide training, mentorship, and experience across different areas of radiation protection.

Major employers in the nuclear and energy sectors offer structured graduate programs, including:
Rolls-Royce
Westinghouse
EDF Energy
Sellafield Ltd
Nuclear Graduates program
Babcock International
Cavendish Nuclear
National Nuclear Laboratory

Read to start your career in Radiation Protection?

Take our quick quiz to find out! Whether you’d be interested in healthcare, nuclear energy, research, defence, or non-ionising technologies, this interactive tool will help you discover the path that best matches your interests and skills.