Introduction
This programme provides a thorough understanding of the concepts and tools of safety engineering, reliability engineering and loss prevention.
This programme has January and September start dates. Apply Now.
The MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering is also available to study part time online.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering provides advanced education and training for graduate engineers in the areas of safety engineering, reliability engineering, and loss prevention.
There is a high demand for engineers with specialist knowledge in these areas across many industry sectors including oil and gas, nuclear, defence, transport, aerospace, manufacturing and process industries because of the legal requirements to assess and control industrial risks to people and the environment and also because of the need to create high integrity engineering systems in many industries.
Safety engineering is not a subject which is adequately covered in most undergraduate degrees, so this MSc programme brings together those topics relating to the safety and reliability of engineering products and systems, including the legislative framework, in a unified approach.
You will learn the fundamentals of safety engineering including natural and man-made hazards, safety measures, accident and failure statistics, risk management and risk assessment techniques while also developing your communication, leadership and teamwork skills through a series of tutorials, coursework, technical reports, presentations and group projects.
The School of Engineering is a world-class centre for research and teaching in safety and reliability engineering teaching and research. You will be taught by staff from the School of Engineering as well as industrially-based safety and reliability specialists.
The MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering is accredited by The Energy Institute, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Safety and Reliability Engineering
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 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
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Continuous assessment and/or written assignment
Why Study Safety and Reliability Engineering?
- Each year the programme includes a number of guest lectures from industry figures. Recently we have had lectures from BP, Centrica and Xodus.
- Students of this programme will also get the opportunity to visit companies and view their facilities. Recent visits have included Oceaneering and Kongsberg Maritime.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake an industry-based project with one of our many companies we work with. Recent examples have included Shell, BP, Chevron and WorleyParsons.
- The programme is flexible to suit the range of needs of our students and is available on both a full and part-time basis, and also by part-time online learning.
- As well as the key technological, operational and engineering elements, crucial human factors are also taught in relation to safety on the programme.
- The MSc Safety & Reliability Engineering programme draws together students from all over the world, making the learning experience a truly international affair and providing world-wide recognition of the programme.
- 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.
- We deliver industry supportive and responsive research in a number of key oil and gas and wider energy areas.
- Our engineering programmes attract students from around the world, all sharing a common interest and passion for the future of oil and gas exploration and production, and the engineering skills required to make it a continued success.
- You will be taught by, and engage with a truly international team of engineering staff. Collectively, they bring an incredible level of industrial experience and academic expertise from working on major projects around the world.
- You will have networking opportunities by attending local events of the professional engineering institutes and conferences.
- You are encouraged to develop your own ideas for dissertations and to approach industry for collaboration. This will also help you to plan your project effectively and present it within the business environment.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
- 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 any branch of Engineering, Mathematics or Physics.
- Key subjects you must have covered: Mathematics and Mechanical subjects such as stress analysis, strength of materials and thermodynamics.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish 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
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
- The Energy Institute
- The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Our Experts
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