MSc Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering

Program Overview

Through distance learning, students gain expertise in assessing and applying these techniques to real-world problems, preparing them for careers in safety engineering, risk assessment, and related fields. The program features industry links and a flexible study schedule, making it accessible to professionals with other commitments.

Program Outline

• Gain experience in applying these techniques to real-world problems.
• Understand both qualitative and quantitative aspects of safety, risk, and reliability engineering.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a variety of contexts.
• Apply numerical and analytical skills and engineering knowledge to analyze safety-related problems.
• Understand the responsibilities of a safety engineer and professional conduct.

Description:

The program covers a range of topics, including sustainability for construction professionals, data analysis and simulation, human factors methods, risk assessment and safety management, systems reliability, fire, explosions and process safety, and learning from disasters. Students also have the option to complete a Masters dissertation.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program comprises eight courses:

• Sustainability for Construction Professionals
• Data Analysis and Simulation
• Human Factors Methods
• Risk Assessment and Safety Management
• Systems Reliability
• Fire, Explosions and Process Safety
• Learning from Disasters
• Safety, Risk and Reliability
• Research Dissertation (Civil Engineering)

Course Schedule:

• Students can opt to sit examinations in any of the three semesters.
Some modules also include coursework to deepen understanding of complex problems or software applications.

Assessment:

Methods:

• Coursework: Develops problem-solving skills and demonstrates mastery of techniques.
• Examinations: Assesses individual capabilities against course aims.
• Masters Dissertation: Allows students to demonstrate research skills and critical thinking.

Criteria:

• Coursework is assessed by staff and provides feedback for self and peers.
• Examinations are the primary method for summative assessment, testing individual knowledge against course aims.
• Dissertation is assessed for research skills and critical thinking ability.

Teaching:

Methods:

• The program relies primarily on distance learning with self-contained courses or structured study from textbooks.
• Some courses include coursework for deeper understanding and software applications.

Faculty:

The program is led by Dr. Sandhya Patidar.

Careers: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including:

• Safety engineer
• Risk assessment specialist
• Safety management professional
• Process safety engineer
• Fire safety engineer
• Reliability engineer

Other:

• The program has industry links and is supported by a Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee, ensuring relevance to industry needs.
• The MSc/PG Diploma in Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering can be studied online, making it ideal for those with other commitments.
• It can also be studied on-campus full-time or part-time.
• Students can join the Linked In group "Safety Courses at Heriot-Watt" for networking and career opportunities.

Tuition fees Status Per course [footnote 1] Dissertation/Project [footnote 1] UK / EU / Overseas £1,480 £1,910