Program Overview

Program Overview

The Process Safety and Loss Prevention MSc(Eng) is a postgraduate program offered by the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. This industry-developed, IChemE-accredited course focuses on risk management, hazard analysis, and human factors, preparing students for careers in critical sectors where safety is paramount.

Course Description

The program provides an in-depth understanding of process safety, loss prevention, and risk assessment, enabling students to manage major hazard events and ensure safety in complex industrial environments. The curriculum covers conducting hazard analyses, modeling incident consequences, and implementing protective systems, with a key focus on the critical role of human error.

Modules

The course includes a range of modules, such as:

• Introduction to Process Safety and Loss Prevention
• Leadership and Management of Process Safety
• Hazards & Protections
• Human Behaviour and Human Error
• Process Safety in the Chemical, Pharma and Fine Chemicals Industry
• Process Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry
• Major Hazards and Emergency Planning
• Instrumented Systems and Functional Safety
• Research Project

Research Project

The research project is a significant component of the course, worth 60 credits. Students work with an expert supervisor to conduct unique and original research in an area of interest, with opportunities for collaboration with industry partners.

Teaching and Assessment

The teaching approach combines academic rigor with practical application, using real-life case studies and hands-on computer sessions. Assessment includes continuous coursework assignments, a research portfolio, and a dissertation.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course are highly sought after in high-hazard industries, including oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and engineering consultancies. Typical roles include process safety engineer, process risk analyst, safety, health & environment (SHE) advisor, loss prevention consultant, technical safety engineer, and major hazards specialist.

School and Faculty

The School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering is part of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield. The school is recognized for its world-leading research and teaching, with a strong focus on sustainability, industrial-scale pilot plant operations, bioprocessing, and advanced materials development.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is a 2:2 undergraduate honors degree in a relevant subject, such as engineering, science, or technology. International students must also meet the English language requirements, with an IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6 in each component).

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the 2026 academic year are £13,660 for home students and £32,905 for overseas students. There are also scholarships available, including a £3,000 tuition fee discount for international students and a £2,500 discount for Sheffield graduates.

Student Profiles

Students on this course have praised the practical and industry-relevant nature of the program, with one student commenting, "What I like most about my course is that it's totally applied to industry: it's very practical and the lecturers have a lot of industry experience."

Conclusion

The Process Safety and Loss Prevention MSc(Eng) at the University of Sheffield is a comprehensive and industry-accredited program that prepares students for careers in critical sectors where safety is paramount. With its strong focus on practical application, research, and industry collaboration, this course is an excellent choice for those seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in process safety and loss prevention.