Schools Imperial College or Cambridge for Nuclear Engineering?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a student's acceptance into both Imperial College and Cambridge to study nuclear engineering and energy, seeking advice on which to choose. Imperial College is recognized for its strong engineering focus, particularly in nuclear engineering, emphasizing technical details. In contrast, Cambridge offers a broader curriculum that includes policy and management aspects alongside technical training. The student aims to pursue a PhD and a career in energy project planning and management rather than developing new technologies. Concerns are raised about Imperial being too technical, but it is noted that it offers relevant courses like Nuclear Waste Management and Decommissioning, which align with the student's interests. Participants in the discussion suggest that both institutions are reputable, with Imperial having strong industry connections due to its London location, and emphasize that career paths are not strictly determined by the choice of school. Overall, the consensus is that both options have their merits, and the decision should align with the student's learning preferences and career goals.
nameIess
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone...

After applying to the Universities and passing their interviews, I've been accepted to study at Imperial College and Cambridge. The subjects are nuclear engineering and nuclear energy.

Now I'm trying to decide between the two and thought maybe I could get some of your input which will help me in my final decision.

Of course IC is known (to me at least) to be stronger in the field of engineering generally and nuclear engineering specifically when compared with Cam. The brief course description on their website shows clearly that their nuclear engineering is focusing on the technical side to the finest details. The programme at Cam is a little bit different as it also takes a look at the policy and management side in addition to the technical aspects and thus making it in my opinion more broad.

First of all, I've applied to these programmes because I plan to do a PhD study and I wanted to understand some aspects with nuclear power before proceeding in that field. Also I aiming towards a job position in the energy field.. I don't see my self in the future being someone who works on developing new nuclear energy technology but rather be one of the people who plan, implement, and monitor projects in the relevant energy field.

I kinda feel IC is a little bit too techie for my interest, however they do cover subjects that interest me in more than one course (Nuclear Waste Management and Decommissioning, Nuclear Safety Management, and Radiation Protection) when compared to Cam they only have one which is Fuel Cycle, Waste & Decommissioning.

So tell me... what are your opinions? What do you think?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone? Please?
 
i don't think your career path is set based on which school you go to. just focus on learning and the opportunity will present itself. the world could be a difference place by the time you graduate. either school is good.
 
I've heard that Oxbridge are not as good for postgrad as they are for undergrad. Imperial, from what I've been told, is hardly too geeky. Also, because Imperial's in London, they have very strong links with major engineering companies all over.

Imperial's the best in the UK for engineering generally and are favoured over Oxbridge for formula 1. Just saying...
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
Back
Top