Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Security and Safeguards

Program Page

The Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Security and Safeguards (CNSSO) establishes a new professional qualification for Australia in nuclear safeguards. It is designed for graduates from a wide range of backgrounds ranging from science and engineering through to law, international relations, public policy and social science.

You will join a select group of professionals who will be the regulators and compliance leads within organisations responsible for strengthening and shaping non-proliferation in a complex world.

The National Nuclear Safeguards Education Program is a first of its kind partnership between the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), the Australian National University (ANU) and Charles Sturt University. ANU and Charles Sturt acknowledge the financial support from the Australian Government via ASNO’s Verify program.

6 months full time / 12 months part time

24 Units

In person or online

Nuclear safeguards – and the professionals who implement them – are essential for the future of Australia and our region. As our use of nuclear materials and technologies grows and diversifies, we need more experts, more verification tools, and more access in order to regulate industry, meet Australia’s treaty commitments, meet the highest non- proliferation standards, and support partners across the Indo-Pacific region.

This degree utilizes the world-class interdisciplinary capabilities of the School of Regulation and Governance (RegNet) and its commitment to solving society’s most pressing problems, as well as ANU’s unique capability in nuclear physics, and a commitment to nuclear stewardship across a range of disciplines. We partner with Charles Sturt University as a leading regional university with a long-standing reputation for excellence in online education and complementary specialised capability in nuclear security and safeguards. We are supported by the expertise of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) as the national authority for nuclear non-proliferation and the regulator of International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards and verification mechanisms in Australia.

Download the Graduate Certificate of Nuclear Security and Safeguards flyer.

Our teaching team includes an unparalleled group of researchers and regulatory practitioners with specialist knowledge of Asia and the Pacific, behaviour, crime, environment, international and domestic law, nuclear physics, justice and technology.

By completing this degree, students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international legal frameworks and institutions that regulate nuclear security and safeguards;
Explain the principles of nuclear physics relevant to regulating nuclear technology and ensuring safeguards standards are met, including in relation to new technologies;
Understand the role and regulatory techniques of nuclear safeguards practice and inspection;
Analyse the role of international and domestic regulators in securing and safeguarding nuclear materials and technologies in Australia, from diverse disciplinary perspectives; and
Communicate regulatory issues arising from the implementation of nuclear safeguards in Australia to specialist and non-specialist audiences in government, industry and the public.

Career opportunities

This graduate certificate is for people who lead (or who will lead) regulatory oversight of nuclear materials and technologies – as safeguards policy makers, regulators, inspectors, and compliance leads for regulated entities (in government, universities and the private sector).

The program uses case studies, hands-on assessments, site visits and examples of nuclear safeguards and security regulation from Australia, Europe, North America and Asia and the Pacific. It has a collaborative learning environment that draws on established scholarship in nuclear safeguards, as well as the experience of different regulatory actors, guest experts and course participants.

The learning experience

This program comprises 24 units: 8 units of compulsory courses covering theory, research skills and applied master classes, and a maximum of 6 units of electives.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international legal frameworks and institutions that regulate nuclear security and safeguards.
Explain the principles of nuclear physics relevant to regulating nuclear technology and ensuring safeguards standards are met, including in relation to new technologies.
Understand the role and regulatory techniques of nuclear safeguards oversight, including inspection and audit.
Analyse the role of international and domestic regulators in securing and safeguarding nuclear materials and technologies in Australia from diverse disciplinary perspectives.
Communicate regulatory issues arising from the implementation of nuclear safeguards in Australia to specialist and non-specialist audiences in government, industry and the public.

View the complete course list

ANU scholarships

The Australian National University (ANU) offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

Explore all ANU scholarships