Course in Small Modular Reactors (SMR)
Online 300 h course in small modular reactors (SMR). 6 modules with IAEA SSR-2/1 (Rev.1) (design of nuclear power plants), 10 CFR Part 52 (licensing and design certification) and RELAP5-3D. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Small Modular Reactors (SMR) — studying from Australia
Australia does not operate nuclear power plants, but nuclear science and technology play important roles in research, medicine, mining and regulation. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation operates research reactors and produces radiopharmaceuticals, while uranium mining is conducted in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Nuclear engineering skills support regulatory oversight, radiation safety and decommissioning activities. Employers include ANSTO, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, mining companies and specialist consultancies.
Fees for Australia: A$1,180 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Does this programme meet Australian nuclear licensing or regulatory requirements?
No. SEIUM qualifications are private and are not accredited by any national body. Nuclear activities in Australia are regulated by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and related authorities, which set their own competency requirements. Check directly with the regulator and your employer about any qualifications needed for a specific role.
Which Australian organisations might consider this training for nuclear-related roles?
Australian employers in this area include research organisations, radiation protection services, mining and resources companies, and consultancies working on nuclear-related projects. Hiring depends on each organisation's requirements and on security and licensing needs. A private qualification is unlikely to be sufficient alone, so combine it with relevant experience.
Is the programme workable alongside a job, and how is it funded?
The programmes are delivered entirely online in English with an assigned technical tutor, allowing study from Australia around work commitments. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Review the programme length, from 300 to 1,900 hours, and plan carefully.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Define what a small modular reactor is and classify its main technologies.
Analyse integrated design and passive safety systems.
Describe the core neutronics and fuel of SMRs.
Evaluate the advantages and challenges of modular manufacturing and serial construction.
Interpret the licensing processes applicable to SMRs.
Assess the economics and deployment scenarios of SMRs.
Prepare a techno-economic analysis of an SMR design.
Who it's for
- SMR design engineer who wants to specialise in Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
- Licensing engineer who wants to specialise in Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
- Passive safety analyst who wants to specialise in Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
- Modular manufacturing engineer who wants to specialise in Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
- Nuclear project feasibility analyst who wants to specialise in Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
- Consultant in new reactors who wants to specialise in Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the new nuclear reactor sector.
What you'll work with
- IAEA SSR-2/1 (Rev.1) (design of nuclear power plants)
- 10 CFR Part 52 (licensing and design certification)
- NUREG-0800 (Standard Review Plan)
- ASME BPVC Section III (nuclear components)
- ISO 19443 (quality management in the nuclear supply chain)
- Directive 2014/87/Euratom (nuclear safety)
- WENRA Safety Reference Levels (2020)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Definition by power and by concept1.2Modularity, shop fabrication and site assembly1.3Motivations: investment, schedule and siting1.4Technology families under development1.5Integrated light water, gas, molten salts and liquid metal1.6Microreactors and remote applications1.7Status of the main projects1.8Expected markets and non-electrical applications1.9Expectations versus sector realities1.10Exercise: compare three announced designs
2.1Integration of the primary circuit in the reactor vessel2.2Elimination of large-diameter pipework2.3Natural circulation and convection2.4Passive residual heat removal systems2.5Compact and submerged containment2.6Heat source with high thermal inertia2.7Response times and autonomy without human action2.8Reduction of the source term2.9Reduced emergency planning zone2.10Practical: analyse the passive response of a design
3.1Small cores and neutron leakage3.2Enrichment and long cycles3.3Burnable poisons and reactivity control3.4Control rods and shutdown systems3.5Reactivity coefficients and stability3.6Fuel management and refuelling3.7Advanced fuels applied to these designs3.8Spent fuel inventory per unit3.9Safeguards requirements3.10Practical: calculate the refuelling cycle of a core
4.1Design for serial manufacture4.2Supply chain and qualified suppliers4.3Welding, inspection and transport of modules4.4Site assembly and testing4.5Learning curve and series effect4.6Realistic construction timescales4.7Quality control in shop fabrication4.8Configuration management across units4.9Industrial risks of the model4.10Practical: fabrication and assembly plan
5.1Licensing by design and standardised approval5.2Adapting regulation to new designs5.3International licensing and harmonisation5.4Capital cost and levelised cost of energy5.5Financing and first-of-a-kind risk5.6Operation of multiple units and staffing5.7Cogeneration and industrial heat applications5.8Social acceptance and siting5.9Waste management and decommissioning5.10Practical: economic evaluation of a deployment
6.1Choice of concept and application6.2Site and demand requirements6.3Description of the design and its safety systems6.4Neutronic and fuel cycle analysis6.5Manufacturing and construction strategy6.6Licensing strategy6.7Economic analysis6.8Waste management and decommissioning plan6.9Technical report6.10Project defence
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RELAP5-3D, Serpent, CASMO/SIMULATE, Navisworks (modular construction planning), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for passive safety system analysis, comparisons of SMR designs, cost studies and deployment schedules. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Define what a small modular reactor is and classify its main technologies.
Analyse integrated design and passive safety systems.
Describe the core neutronics and fuel of SMRs.
Evaluate the advantages and challenges of modular manufacturing and serial construction.
Interpret the licensing processes applicable to SMRs.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The course uses RELAP5-3D, Serpent, CASMO/SIMULATE, Navisworks (modular construction planning). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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