South Australians interested in a career supporting Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine program now have access to new specialist postgraduate courses designed to build the skills needed for one of the nation’s most significant Defence projects.
Flinders University has partnered with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the University of Manchester to deliver a suite of postgraduate nuclear science and technology qualifications, helping build the workforce required to support Australia’s future conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine program under the AUKUS agreement.
The new courses are designed for professionals looking to develop specialist nuclear knowledge or build on existing engineering, science, technical or management experience. They will help strengthen Australia’s capability in areas such as nuclear safety, regulation, manufacturing and governance.
The partnership builds on Flinders University’s leadership in nuclear education, following the launch of Australia’s first undergraduate nuclear engineering major and the graduation of its inaugural student cohort earlier this year.
With the future nuclear-powered submarines set to be built at Osborne in South Australia, a highly skilled workforce will be required across engineering, manufacturing, safety, regulation, project management and technical disciplines.
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton said the partnership would help prepare South Australians to take advantage of the career opportunities created by this nation-building program.
“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.
“This partnership between Flinders University, ANSTO and the University of Manchester will help build the specialist nuclear skills in South Australia.”
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the programs would help prepare the next generation of talent for careers in a growing industry.
“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.”
Study options
Students can pursue a range of qualifications, including:
- Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Compliance and Safety
- Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Workforce and Governance
- Graduate Certificate in Radiological Protection
- Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing in Nuclear Systems
- Graduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology
- Master of Nuclear Science and Technology
Courses will be delivered online, allowing students from across Australia to study flexibly while continuing to work.
Interested in learning more?
Applications are now open.
Learn more about the courses and application requirements at:
www.flinders.edu.au/study/nuclear
Published 16 September 2026
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