Program Overview

PGCert Safety Critical Systems Engineering

The PGCert Safety Critical Systems Engineering is a part-time course that provides students with the educational background required to become a leader in the field of safety critical systems engineering. The course is designed for practicing or aspiring professionals in this area and aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a contribution to their organization.

Overview

The course is taken over either one or two years and is delivered through set teaching weeks, with intensive face-to-face teaching sessions based on lectures, case-studies, and exercises. Students will also undertake self-study before and after face-to-face teaching.

Course Content

The course covers the core aspects of safety-critical systems engineering, including system safety thinking, skills as a safety engineer, and professionalism. The course employs the extensive research and industrial experience of the developers of the work packages and brings together safety professionals from many different domains.

Core Modules

• Foundations of System Safety Engineering
• Hazard and Risk Assessment
• System Safety Assessment
• Safety Case Development and Review

Option Modules

Students will study two option modules, examples of which include:

• Computers and Safety
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems Safety
• Security for Safety-Critical Systems
• Human Factors for Safety

Learning Outcomes

The course is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes, which will give students a clear understanding of what they will be able to accomplish at the end of the course. These outcomes include:

• Employ system safety thinking throughout the life cycle of a system or service
• Contribute to the development of safe systems and services
• Evaluate and assure specific aspects of the safety of systems and services
• Effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders about system safety problems and their solutions
• Operate as a safety-critical system safety professional

Fees and Funding

Annual Tuition Fees for 2026/27

• Part-time (2 years): £6,735 (UK), £8,225 (International and EU)
• Part-time (1 year): £13,470 (UK), £16,450 (International and EU)

Additional Costs

Text books and resources will be available to students through the University of York library, and electronic copies of all course materials are provided. Students will need to arrange and pay for their own accommodation and travel to York for face-to-face teaching.

Teaching and Assessment

The course is delivered by taught modules that include an intensive, York-based face-to-face element. Teaching methods include lectures and seminars, interspersed with case study exercises. Assessments are designed to consolidate and further deepen students' knowledge, skills, and approaches to the subject matter covered in the module.

Careers and Skills

The course will equip students to progress within their fields, with career opportunities including:

• Aeronautical engineer
• Safety manager
• Naval engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Gas or electrical services engineer
• Software safety consultant

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: 2:2 or equivalent in a numerate, technical discipline
• Other qualifications and experience: considered on a case-by-case basis
• English language: IELTS (Academic and Indicator) 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent qualifications

Related Courses

• Safety Critical Systems Engineering (PG Dip)
• Safety Critical Systems Engineering (MSc)