In a major step towards building the highly skilled workforce needed to support Australia's future AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program, Flinders University is offering new postgraduate courses specialising in nuclear science, technologies and skills.
In an agreement signed in London on 12 September 2026, witnessed by Minister for State Development Chris Picton, Flinders will add to their partnership with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to also include the University of Manchester (UoM) in delivering postgraduate nuclear courses
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 has partnered with ANSTO to develop industry-based case studies for its nuclear courses.
Vice Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said 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.
"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," said Professor Stirling.
"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."
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.
Students will gain specialist capability through Graduate Certificates (compliance and safety; workforce and governance; radiological protection; advanced nuclear manufacturing in nuclear systems), a Graduate Diploma, or a Master of Nuclear Science and Technology.
Minister for State Development, Chris Picton MP, said this partnership between Flinders , ANSTO and the University of Manchester will help build the specialist nuclear skills in SA.
"South Australia is at the centre of Australia's AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program, and that means we need the highly skilled workforce required to deliver this generational capability."
"Importantly, these courses will give experienced engineers, scientists and technical professionals the opportunity to build their nuclear expertise without having to step away from their careers."
As part of the agreement, working with UoM, Flinders' students who have completed a Graduate Diploma with Flinders have the option to undertake a dissertation (industry or research based) with nuclear experts from the University of Manchester, which includes the Dalton Nuclear Institute, to achieve a Masters. These UoM offerings can be undertaken remotely or face to face in Manchester. Students who have completed at minimum a Graduate Certificate may also undertake NTEC subjects to gain credit towards a Graduate Diploma.
President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, 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.
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.
ANSTO Group Executive for Nuclear Operations Safety and Security, Dr Miles Apperley said 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.
"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."
Graduate Certificates may be completed in 6 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. Courses will be offered in an asynchronous online format to allow those in employment from across the country to participate at their own pace.
The courses have been designed in collaboration with industry, which ensures Flinders' nuclear courses are aligned with workforce needs and equipped to support the growth of the sector in Australia.
The skills and knowledge developed through these courses will be critical to helping develop the workforce required for the future construction of SSN-AUKUS submarines.
The courses will also provide graduates with knowledge applicable to a broad range of industries that use nuclear and radiation technologies, such as the wider civil, defence and international nuclear sectors. Applications are open now.
