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Programme structure

The master's programme in nuclear science is a two-year full-time study consisting of 120 ECTS credits.

The programme has the following structure:

  • Theoretical curriculum, 60 ECTS credits
  • Master's thesis, 60 ECTS credits

Course of study

Two possible courses of study are shown in the tables below.

Example 1

4. semester Master's thesis
3. semester
2. semester Master's course Master's course Master's course
1. semester

Master's course, 

HSE-courses

Master's course Master's course
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

 Example 2

4. semester Master's thesis
3. semester Master's course Master's thesis
2. semester Master's course Master's course Master's thesis
1. semester

Master's course,

HSE-courses

Master's course Master's course
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

The master's programme is regulated by the rules of The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

It is possible to carry out the programme part-time. In such a case it must be discussed with an advisor at the Department of Physics.

Theoretical curriculum

The following guidelines regard the composition of the theoretical curriculum with a total of 60 ECTS credits:

  • Aat least 40 ECTS credit courses on the 4000/5000-level. 20 of these 40 ECTS credits need to be within the fields of nuclear science.
  • Up to 20 ECTS credits of advanced bachelor's courses from other fields may be included.
  • Up to 10 ECTS credits may be special curriculum, or other professional training with the approval of the programme commitee.

The theoretical curriculum depends on which direction you go and the topic of the master's thesis. The structure also depends on whether you choose a master's thesis with an experimental, theoretical or calculation-oriented focus, and your professional interests.

Mandatory courses

Students who have completed similar courses before admission, can replace these with optional courses.

New requirements for mandatory courses from 2025

From autumn 2025 the following requirements will apply:

HMS-courses

There are mandatory courses in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the beginning of the first semester:

HMS-courses do not give credits. If you have previously passed equivalent courses at the University of Oslo, you will not need to re-apply for these.

Recommended courses

The study program has a great academic breadth, and you can tailor a course of study that fits your interests and theme for your master's thesis.

Students must complete their theoretical curriculum and all mandatory HMS courses before their oral presentation and examination of the master's thesis.

Special curriculum

A special curriculum is a series of lectures, books, overview articles etc. which has a natural connection with the master's thesis. It should not include literature you should have read anyway in order to get familiarized with the problem area of the research task.

You clarify the final structure of the master's study, including subjects and any special syllabus, in collaboration with your supervisor(s). You should have a counseling session with the contact person for your field of study as early as possible in the course of study.

Possible course of study for those who must complete all mandatory courses

4. semester Master's thesis
3. semester KJM5903 – Radiation Protection Master's thesis
2. semester FYS4535 – Medical Applications of Nuclear Physics Optional course Master's thesis
1. semester

FYS4505 – Methods and Instrumentation for Nuclear and Particle Physics,

HMS-courses

FYS3509 FYS4580 – Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics
  10 ECTS 10 ECTS 10 ECTS

Possible course of study for those who have completed FYS3500 (or an equivalent course) previously

4. semester Master's thesis
3. semester FYS4711 – Radiation and Dosimetry Master's thesis
2. semester FYS4535 – Medical Applications of Nuclear Physics Optional course Master's thesis
1. semester

FYS4505 – Methods and Instrumentation for Nuclear and Particle Physics,

HMS-courses

KJM5903 – Radiation Protection FYS4515A – Nuclear Reactions FYS4580 – Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics
  10 ECTS 10 ECTS 10 ECTS

Possible course of study for those who have completed all courses except KJM5903 previously

4. semester Master's thesis
3. semester Optional course Master's thesis
2. semester Optional course Optional course Master's thesis
1. semester

Optional course,

HMS-courses

KJM5903 – Radiation Protection Optional course Optional course
  10 ECTS 10 ECTS 10 ECTS

Master's thesis

You will find a supervisor and master's thesis during the first semester of the course. In addition to writing the master's thesis, the work on the thesis will also involve familiarizing yourself with what others have done in your field in the past, defining the problem and research questions for the thesis, finding an appropriate research method, carrying out experiments, simulating, analyzing and concluding.

The work with your thesis equals a full academic year. The master's thesis is completed with an oral presentation and examination at the end of the fourth semester.

You must have completed all of the theoretical curriculum and HMS courses in order to present the master's thesis.

Honours certificate

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master's degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master's programme.

Recognition of master's courses from former education

If you are admitted to the master's programme and you have completed master's courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these courses recognised as part of your degree. Please contact the Department of Physics for more information.

Diploma and degree

This programme leads to the following degree: Master of Sciences in nuclear science

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.

Published Dec. 13, 2022 2:43 PM - Last modified Aug. 22, 2024 2:50 PM