Course summary
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. 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.
Modules
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.
Assessment method
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.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Chemical Engineers, Institution of
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
A UK Honours degree at 2:1 (upper second class), or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Chemical Engineering; OR 2:1 in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering with evidence of strength in key aspects of Chemical Engineering; OR 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.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2025/2026. For guidance, the fees on the University Online Prospectus website are for 2024/25.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX