Process Safety, MSc

Program Overview

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Process Safety, MSc

Introduction

This programme examines the primary technologies and operations involved in upstream oil and gas processing, with a particular focus on operational safety, risk assessment and risk management.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning or Online Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 27 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee Category	Cost
EU / International students	£26,250
UK	£11,100

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Safety & Risk Management (EG50S2)
• Loss of Containment (EG50T5)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Air and Water Pollution Control (EX501U)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Applied Risk Analysis and Management (EG5558)
• Process Plant Equipment and Operations (EG55P7)
• Process Design, Layout & Materials (EG55P8)
• Human Factors Engineering (EG55P9)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc
  • Process Safety
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 12 months or 27 months
    • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
    • Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
    • Start Month: September
    • Location: Aberdeen
  • Process Safety
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 12 months
    • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
    • Study Mode: Full Time
    • Start Month: January
    • Location: Aberdeen
  • Process Safety
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 27 months
    • Learning Mode: Online Learning
    • Study Mode: Part Time
    • Start Month: September

Fee Information

• Scholarships: All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Advanced Chemical Engineering
• Oil and Gas Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Project Management
• Safety and Reliability Engineering
• Subsea Engineering

Related Information

• Postgraduate Guide
• Find Funding
• Find Accommodation

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Field Trips
• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• The principal method of student assessment is through written examinations.
• Candidates are normally expected to pass all examinations and all projects submissions.
• MSc candidates must submit a dissertation on their project, and may be required to undergo an oral examination.

Why Study Process Safety?

• This programme examines the primary technologies and equipment used, as well as the operations involved in upstream oil and gas processing.
• A major component of the programme is understanding and managing risk.
• The programme produces highly employable process safety professionals who understand industry pressures and have a detailed understanding of operational safety and risk assessment.

Careers

• Chemical Engineer
• HSSE Lead Engineer
• Process Safety Engineer
• Risk Analyst
• Risk and Safety Manager
• Safety Engineer

Accreditation

• IChemE Accredited Degree

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Dr Waheed Afzal
• Other Experts:
  • Dr Euan Bain
  • Prof Jos Derksen
  • Dr Jeff Gomes
  • Dr Panagiotis Kechagiopoulos
  • Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe
  • Dr Marcus Campbell Bannerman
  • Dr Srinivas Sriramula
  • Dr Henry Tan

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Chemical Engineering.
• 2:2 in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering with evidence of strength in key aspects of Chemical Engineering.
• Key subjects you must have covered: Mathematics and Thermodynamics.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• CV: an up-to-date CV/Resumé
• Degree Certificate: a degree certificate showing your qualifications
• Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
• Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Program Outline

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Disclaimer:

I am still under development and learning new things every day.

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Outline:

The MSc Process Safety program, offered by the University of Aberdeen, delves into the critical technologies and operations involved in upstream oil and gas processing, emphasizing operational safety, risk assessment, and risk management. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and issues facing the industry, equipping them with a professional approach to managing these aspects effectively. The program is distinctive in its focus on students with a chemical engineering background, or those with a background in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering, with strong chemical/chemistry knowledge. A significant component of the MSc Process Safety program is understanding and managing risk. Students are exposed to the tools and processes used to identify, assess, and manage risk, taking into account factors such as process operations and human factors.

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Assessment:

The primary method of student assessment in the MSc Process Safety program is through written examinations. Candidates are typically expected to pass all examinations and project submissions. MSc candidates must submit a dissertation on their project and may be required to undergo an oral examination.

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Teaching:

The MSc Process Safety program at the University of Aberdeen utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Field trips: Immersing students in real-world industry settings.
• Group projects: Encouraging collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Individual projects: Providing opportunities for independent research and development.
• Lectures: Delivering fundamental knowledge and concepts.
• Research: Fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Tutorials: Offering personalized guidance and support.
The program boasts a distinguished faculty with extensive industry experience and expertise. These professionals provide students with valuable insights and guidance throughout their studies.

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Careers:

The MSc Process Safety program prepares graduates for successful careers in various sectors of the chemical processing industry. Some potential career paths include:

• Chemical Engineer
• HSSE Lead Engineer
• Process Safety Engineer
• Risk Analyst
• Risk and Safety Manager
• Safety Engineer

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Other:

• The program is offered in January and September start dates.
• The program boasts close links with industry, providing students with opportunities to:
• Attend lectures by industry professionals.
• Visit relevant organizations.
• Participate in industry events.
• Undertake MSc projects with leading firms.
• The program emphasizes the importance of operational safety and risk assessment, addressing the challenges and issues facing the industry.
With its focus on industry-relevant skills and knowledge, the program prepares graduates for successful careers in various chemical processing sectors.

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EU / International students

£27,000 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year

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UK

£11,100 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year

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All Students

£1,115 Modular fee programmes - Tuition fees for 2021/22 academic year. This programme is charged on a modular basis. The fee quoted is per 15 credit points.

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All Students

£3,040 Project - Academic year 2022/23. This is the fee charged for the Individual Project (60 credits) which is taken at the end of the programme.

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Indicative Programme Fee

£12,180 Indicative programme fee based on studies beginning in the 2021/22 academic year. Fees increment annually. This fee is calculated on the basis of part-time study of 180 credits of study over 3 years.