Foundation Degree in Nuclear Manufacturing at Lakes College, Cumbria

FOUNDATION DEGREE IN NUCLEAR MANUFACTURING AT LAKES COLLEGE, CUMBRIA

Our region has a long and storied history of nuclear manufacturing, once being home to the world’s very first full-scale commercial nuclear power plant. Today, the likes of Sellafield and BAE Systems have a massive presence in Cumbria, with the former’s nuclear fuel reprocessing and waste management plant, and the latter’s nuclear submarine programme in Barrow-in-Furness.

The Foundation Degree in Nuclear Manufacturing at Lakes College, delivered through the Lancashire & Cumbria Institute of Technology (L&C IoT), is designed to meet the ever-growing demand for skilled professionals in the nuclear manufacturing industry. Delivered through a combination of theory and practical learning, this nuclear manufacturing course prepares learners for a successful future in manufacturing for nuclear applications.

What is the Manufacturing in Nuclear Degree?

This Manufacturing in Nuclear degree at Lakes College is an Open University-accredited program that delivers a thorough introduction to engineering principles and modern manufacturing processes, with a specific focus placed on the nuclear sector.

As with other L&C IoT courses, this nuclear manufacturing degree in Cumbria has been designed in collaboration with local and national employers, which ensures that learners build the skills that employers are actively seeking. You’ll graduate with the expertise needed to thrive in the high-tech world of nuclear manufacturing.

Why Choose This Degree in Nuclear Manufacturing?

Specialist Nuclear Focus: Unlike broader engineering programs, this degree in nuclear manufacturing is tailored to the specific demands of the nuclear industry, covering everything from power generation and small modular reactors (SMRs) to decommissioning and waste management. This detailed learning will help with future opportunities in the sector, be that in the workplace or further education.
Employer-Designed Curriculum: Developed in close partnership with leading companies, this nuclear manufacturing course ensures learners’ skills, both technical and transferable, are in line with industry standards.
Hands-On Experience: Learners will get hands-on and tackle real-world projects, building practical expertise through modules such as CAD/CAM for Digital Manufacturing and Industrial Project Management.
Flexible Study: Study from home and on campus in Cumbria, allowing you to fit learning around your life.

Career Progression Opportunities

Graduates of this nuclear manufacturing course are perfectly positioned to step into roles at leading Lancashire and Cumbria-based employers such as Sellafield and BAE Systems, contributing towards critical projects, including:

Nuclear power generation
Small modular reactor development
Decommisoning and waste management
Advanced manufacturing initiatives

Want to advance even further? This Foundation Degree also offers a clear pathway to top-up to the BEng Honours in Manufacturing (for Nuclear) right here at Lakes College, helping you take your nuclear manufacturing career to the next level.

Benefits to Employers

Employers across Lancashire and Cumbria trust the L&C IoT to equip their workforce with advanced skills.

Targeted Nuclear Expertise: Employees gain specialist knowledge in nuclear manufacturing processes, directly enhancing business operations.
Immediate Relevance: The course is built around real industry needs, so staff bring back practical knowledge and skills that can be immediately utilised.
Increased Loyalty: Investing in professional development, like through courses and degrees offered by the L&C IoT, is proven to boost morale and staff retention

What Will I Learn on the Nuclear Manufacturing Course?

Your learning will cover a comprehensive range of subjects essential for modern nuclear manufacturing, including:

CAD/CAM for Digital Manufacturing
Introduction to Nuclear Science and the Industry
Fluid Mechanics and Thermo-fluids
CIM and Automation
Industrial-Based Project Management, Scheduling and Implementation
Nuclear Engineering
Electrical Science and Instrumentation
Computer-Aided Solid Modelling

This ensures you graduate with the blend of digital, mechanical and nuclear-specific skills that employers demand.

How Will I Learn and Be Assessed?

This degree in nuclear manufacturing combines classroom learning with extensive hands-on application. Methods of learning and assessment include:

Lectures and seminars to establish strong theoretical foundations
Workshops and lab sessions in modern IoT facilities
Industry-relevant projects and professional portfolios
Assessment through assignments, presentations and exams

What’s Next?

Take the next step towards a high-impact career in nuclear manufacturing.

Visit Lakes College’s course page to learn more about this nuclear manufacturing course in Cumbria, explore funding opportunities and submit your application.

Build the expertise that the nuclear sector is actively seeking. Join the Foundation Degree in Nuclear Manufacturing at Lakes College and the Lancashire & Cumbria Institute of Technology today.