Course on SMR Governance in a Global Context
Online course of 300 h in SMR Governance in a Global Context. 6 modules covering IAEA SSR-2/1 Rev. 1 (safety of nuclear power plants: design), Convention on Nuclear Safety (1994) and Advanced Excel. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
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
Describe the main small modular reactor technologies.
Compare SMR licensing frameworks in different countries.
Analyse the role of the IAEA and the NEA in regulatory harmonisation.
Assess the safeguards and nuclear security implications of SMRs.
Identify third-party liability and financing challenges.
Assess social acceptance and public participation.
Write a governance report for an SMR project.
Who it's for
- Nuclear policy analyst looking to specialise in SMR Governance in a Global Context.
- SMR licensing specialist looking to specialise in SMR Governance in a Global Context.
- Nuclear regulatory officer looking to specialise in SMR Governance in a Global Context.
- Energy governance consultant looking to specialise in SMR Governance in a Global Context.
- Advanced nuclear energy researcher looking to specialise in SMR Governance in a Global Context.
- Regulatory affairs manager looking to specialise in SMR Governance in a Global Context.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into regulatory bodies.
What you'll work with
- IAEA SSR-2/1 Rev. 1 (safety of nuclear power plants: design)
- Convention on Nuclear Safety (1994)
- Directive 2009/71/Euratom as amended by 2014/87/Euratom
- INFCIRC/153 (comprehensive safeguards agreements)
- INFCIRC/225/Rev.5 (physical protection)
- 10 CFR Part 52 (licences and design certifications)
- Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Definition and power range1.2Technologies: light water, molten salt, gas and liquid metal1.3Modularity and series manufacturing1.4Claimed advantages and available evidence1.5Status of projects worldwide1.6Actual versus planned timelines and costs1.7Applications: grid, industrial heat and hydrogen1.8Comparison with large reactors1.9Technical limitations1.10Workshop: comparing technologies
2.1Regulatory approaches by country2.2Design licensing and site licensing2.3Regulators and their technical capacity2.4International harmonisation and its limits2.5Generic design assessment2.6Defence-in-depth requirements2.7Emergency planning zones2.8Precedents of licences granted2.9Licensing timelines and costs2.10Case study: regulatory pathway for an SMR
3.1Factory manufacture and on-site assembly3.2Qualified suppliers and bottlenecks3.3Series quality control3.4Fuel and its availability3.5Module transport3.6National industrial capacity3.7Technology transfer3.8Geopolitical dependencies3.9Supply chain risks3.10Workshop: supply chain analysis
4.1Levelised cost of energy4.2Effect of series learning4.3Financing and ownership models4.4Construction risk and cost overruns4.5Contracts for difference and public support4.6Comparison with renewables and storage4.7Sensitivity to the discount rate4.8Evidence from ongoing projects4.9Uncertainty of estimates4.10Lab: simplified economic model
5.1Public participation in siting5.2Risk perception and trust5.3Honest communication of uncertainties5.4Local benefits and compensation5.5Non-proliferation and safeguards5.6SMR waste management5.7Decommissioning and long-term liability5.8The role of international bodies5.9Informed public debate5.10Workshop: participation strategy
6.1Choosing the technology and country context6.2Regulatory and timeline analysis6.3Economic assessment6.4Supply chain and risks6.5Social and governance aspects6.6Comparison with alternatives6.7Reasoned recommendation6.8Limitations of the analysis6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is Excel avanzado, Python (pandas), Power BI, Zotero, in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from SMR licensing case studies, comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks, simulations of regulatory review processes. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the main small modular reactor technologies.
Compare SMR licensing frameworks in different countries.
Analyse the role of the IAEA and the NEA in regulatory harmonisation.
Assess the safeguards and nuclear security implications of SMRs.
Identify third-party liability and financing challenges.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
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 a full-time job.
You will work with advanced Excel, Python (pandas), Power BI, Zotero. Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Reactor Physics Fundamentals
300-hour online course in reactor physics fundamentals. 6 modules covering ANSI/ANS-19.6.1 (start-up physics tests after PWR refuelling outages), ANSI/ANS-8.1 (criticality safety outside reactors) and OpenMC. Assigned…
Nuclear Licensing Course: Regulatory Processes
Online 300-hour course in nuclear licensing: regulatory processes. 6 modules covering IAEA SSG-12 (licensing process for nuclear installations), 10 CFR Part 52 (licences, certifications and approvals…
Course in Ethics in Nuclear Fusion Investment
Online 300-hour course in ethics in nuclear fusion investment. 6 modules with Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (EU taxonomy for sustainable activities), Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (SFDR) and advanced…
More in Nuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies
All Nuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships