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Centres for Doctoral Training > Nuclear FiRST

Nuclear FiRST Doctoral Training Centre

(Nuclear Fission Research Science Technology)

Nuclear FiRST was established in January 2009 to provide a national training centre for doctoral scientists and engineers in nuclear fission science and technology.

Nuclear FiRST aims to underpin the UK Energy and Defence strategy by addressing a growing doctoral skills gap in nuclear fission. We are adopting a radically different approach to PhD study, and we offer an exciting and interdisciplinary approach to postgraduate research training, combining a Masters level foundation year with a three year Doctoral level thesis project. This is supplemented by training in professional skills and project placements in industry or research institutes in the UK and overseas. Our centre has been recognised by Government and industry stakeholders, in evidence to a House of Lords inquiry into nuclear R&D, as an important strategic initiative.

Our mission is to attract top quality students into the field and start them on the path to international scientific leadership by providing them with a balanced portfolio of scientific and professional expertise at the doctoral level and equipping them to tackle long term strategic challenges, whether in Government, regulators, industry or academia.

Nuclear FiRST is a collaboration between The University of Manchester and The University of Sheffield, involving internationally leading research groups in nuclear science and engineering.

For a standard PhD, the project area is decided by the supervisor, but in the Nuclear FiRST CDT it is the student that defines the project. Between January and August students undertake 1-2 'taster' research projects to allow them to 'try out' different research areas.

At the end of their first year, students will develop a PhD project proposal co-supervised by CDT staff members, which will form the basis of an individial thesis project for years 2-4. This is a unique feature of the CDT.