Genesis Oil and Gas
The vision for the new MSc is to create a world-class centre of research and teaching in process safety, It’s too important a subject to not have a real focus on it for chemical engineers.
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.
This programme has January and September start dates. Apply Now.
The MSc Process Safety is also available to study part time online.
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
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The School of Engineering has focused on safety-related teaching and research for over 30 years and is today established as one of the key centres for safety engineering teaching and research in the UK.
The MSc Process Safety is developed with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and industry to produce qualified Process Safety Engineers. On this programme, you will be exposed to the major issues and challenges facing industry today, including operational safety, risk assessment and management and develop a professional approach to managing these accordingly.
This programme is distinctive because it is designed for students with a chemical engineering background, or those with a background in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering, with good chemical/chemistry knowledge.
A major component of the MSc Process Safety programme is understanding and managing risk. You will be introduced to the tools and processes used to identify, assess and manage risk, taking such issues as process operations and human factors into account.
Aberdeen is known as the Energy Capital of Europe and with hundreds of energy operators and supply chain companies based in the city and surrounding region and numerous industry conferences, networking and career events taking place every year, there is simply nowhere better to gain industry exposure while studying for your energy degree.
Our industry advisory panels help ensure that the content and learning outcomes of our programmes reflect the needs of the industry while guest lectures from energy sector experts and industry-supported projects also help ensure our students’ learning is in line with industry's standards.
This degree holds accreditation from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), ensuring that the curriculum is designed and delivered to the highest professional standards.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Process Safety
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 27 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreMSc 27 months Online Learning Part Time September More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
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. Students will be exposed to the major issues and challenges facing industry and develop a professional approach to managing these accordingly.
- A major component of the programme is understanding and managing risk. Students will be exposed to the tools and processes used to identify, assess and manage risk, taking factors such as process operations and human factors into account.
- The programme produces highly employable process safety professionals who understand industry pressures and have a detailed understanding of operational safety and risk assessment. Professionals that can work across a multitude of chemical processing sectors.
- This is a relevant and highly professional programme which gives current engineering and science graduates a tremendous opportunity to further their career in a field in which, evidence suggests, there is currently limited provision and access to postgraduate study.
- The programme can be studied part-time to suit the needs of industry professionals already working in the field.
- Major incidents continue to happen, and they have a huge impact on people. A huge part of the profession is making sure that engineers have the skills to prevent these types of disasters.
- Our location at the heart of Aberdeen, Europe's energy capital, and leading "World Energy City", brings you closer to the industry. The city is an inspiring place for any future oil and gas and wider energy industry leader.
- To ensure that the degree programmes remain current and connected to industry, the programme is developed and reviewed by an Industry Advisory Board, made up of experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds.
- Our close links with industry ensures that you experience lectures taught by industry professionals, get the chance to visit relevant organisations, attend industry events, and undertake MSc projects with leading firms.
- Our engineering graduates move in to very successful careers with a large proportion working in senior roles in industry, even as high as CEO and MD level. It doesn't matter where in the world you end up working, you are likely to have a fellow Aberdeen graduate engineer working with you. Our School of Engineering truly is a global family network.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
- 2:1 (upper second class) 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.
- 2:1 in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering with evidence of strength in key aspects of Chemical Engineering.
- Those with a High 2:2 Honours degree in Engineering may also be considered if they can demonstrate 2+ years of relevant experience.
- Key subjects you must have covered: Mathematics and Thermodynamics.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- 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
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
Safety will always remain one of the most important areas of focus for industry. This will result in a continuous demand for skilled, knowledgeable academics around the globe.
Career Opportunities
- Chemical Engineer
- HSSE Lead Engineer
- Process Safety Engineer
- Risk Analyst
- Risk and Safety Manager
- Safety Engineer
Hear from Business
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Genesis Oil and Gas
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
- IChemE Accredited Degree
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Dr Euan Bain, The University of Aberdeen
- Prof Jos Derksen, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Jeff Gomes, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Panagiotis Kechagiopoulos, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Marcus Campbell Bannerman, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Srinivas Sriramula , The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Henry Tan, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Waheed Afzal, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX