Energy Engineer – Nuclear Power

  • Caen
  • Professional Field

This specialization in nuclear energy equips students with the sought-after skills needed in a rapidly evolving sector. Through this program, students will:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of nuclear energy

  • Learn how to manage safety and security in nuclear facilities

  • Study environmental impacts and energy-related challenges

  • Acquire hands-on skills in electricity and electrical engineering

  • Work on real-world case studies and handle actual equipment

In the final year, the Nuclear Energy Engineering program is structured around 9 course modules. These cover all scientific and technological aspects of nuclear power, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.

 


Nuclear energy, a vital energy pillar

Whether you’re a high school student passionate about science or a university student looking to reorient toward a promising field, nuclear energy (also known as electro-nuclear energy) is a key pillar in electricity production. It is an energy source that uses atomic fission to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity.

Why is it considered vital? Because nuclear power generates a large share of electricity while emitting very low levels of CO₂, making it a strategic ally in the fight against climate change. For example, in France, nuclear energy accounts for about 70% of the national electricity output (source), powered by a fleet of 56 operational reactors (source).

Globally, nuclear power represents nearly 10% of electricity production and over a quarter of all low-carbon electricity (source), with more than 400 reactors operating worldwide.

However, the sector faces major challenges. Safety (including reactor security and accident prevention) and the management of radioactive waste are critical concerns. Moreover, many existing reactors are reaching the end of their life cycle and will need to be dismantled in the coming decades, while new reactors are being planned to meet increasing energy demands (source).

These challenges require a new generation of highly skilled engineers, capable of innovating to improve safety, optimize current installations, and design the reactors of the future—all while integrating nuclear power into a sustainable energy mix alongside renewables.

This is the exciting context in which the Nuclear Energy Engineering program at ISEN is set. Offered during the final year of engineering studies, the program—based on the Caen campus in Normandy—aims to train engineers equipped to tackle the technical, environmental, and human challenges of the nuclear sector. It emphasizes the versatility of the engineer: both technically proficient and skilled in project management. The program can be followed under student status (initial training) or as an apprenticeship (work-study), offering flexibility and professional immersion to engineering students.

By choosing this specialization, you’ll join a dynamic engineering school in Normandy and prepare for a career at the heart of tomorrow’s energy challenges.

 

Career opportunities

Career prospects after graduating with a Nuclear Energy Engineering degree are diverse. Thanks to the program’s multidisciplinary approach, graduates can pursue technical or managerial roles across the entire nuclear sector, both in France and internationally.

Curriculum

9 specialized modules to master nuclear energy
MatièresHeures
Introduction to Nuclear Energy and Fundamentals30h
Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycle30h
Nuclear Waste Management and Environmental Impact30h
Energy Policy, Economics, and the Future of Nuclear Power30h
Advanced Nuclear Safety and Crisis Management30h
Electrical Networks and Smart Grids30h
Advanced Electromechanical Conversion30h
Converter–Machine Association30h
Lab – Converter–Machine Association30h

The nuclear sector

Key figures about the nuclear industry:

  • The French nuclear industry includes 2,500 companies employing nearly 220,000 people (source)

  • It produces about 70% of the country’s electricity (source)

  • The current fleet includes 56 active reactors, with new construction projects underway (source)

  • In France alone, around 1,000 engineers will be needed each year for the next 10 years to support nuclear projects (source)

  • 33 countries operate nuclear power plants worldwide, totaling 438 operational reactors as of late 2022 (source)

Given the global presence of nuclear energy, a career in this field can also lead to opportunities abroad—in Europe, North America, or Asia, where many new reactors are under development.

In short, pursuing a career as a Nuclear Energy Engineer means entering a dynamic, innovative sector at the forefront of the energy transition. Graduates are in high demand and play a crucial role in providing reliable, clean electricity, ensuring the safety of facilities, and inventing the nuclear technologies of the future.

 

A dynamic campus in Caen, at the heart of Normandy

The Nuclear Energy Engineering specialization is taught on ISEN’s Caen campus in Normandy. This location offers a pleasant and stimulating study environment: Caen is a student-friendly city full of opportunities and close to major French nuclear sites. By joining this Normandy campus, you also become part of a region committed to both nuclear and renewable energy, with strong professional networks nearby.

The Nuclear Energy Engineering specialization in Caen is a high-quality general engineering program for anyone aiming to be a key player in the energy transition. With a comprehensive curriculum and a strong focus on career outcomes and employability, this engineering program opens doors to a vibrant and fast-evolving sector. Get ready to shape the future of energy—starting today, in Normandy!

 


Localisation

Campus ISEN de Caen – MoHo

16bis Quai Amiral Hamelin

14000 Caen

Tuition fees
Year 4Year 5
Under student status 9100€Free*
Under apprentice statusFree*Free*

The 5th year is completed as part of a work-study program, which means the student receives a salary and tuition fees are covered by the host company.