Ten years of experience with nuclear education in the Belgian Nuclear higher Education Network

The Belgian Nuclear higher Education Network (BNEN) is a master-after-master academic programme in nuclear engineering, organised through a consortium of six Belgian universities and SCK•CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre. This condensed (60 ECTS in one year, including a master thesis) programme allows the students to acquire all necessary scientific and technical background and skills to develop a career in the field of nuclear applications. In 2011 the BNEN programme exists for 10 years. In this paper, the evolution over the past 10 years is highlighted and specific attention is given to the use of various research infrastructures within the programme. Exercises and hands-on sessions in the specialised laboratories of SCK•CEN complement the theoretical classes, bring the students into contact with all facets of nuclear energy, and are therefore a clear added value to the programme.