| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc Safety Critical Systems Engineering program at the University of York equips students with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in the field. It focuses on the safety of complex systems, considering technology, humans, and organizations. The program emphasizes systematic thinking, ethical considerations, and professional development, preparing graduates for careers in various industries, including aeronautical engineering, safety management, and software safety consulting.
Program Outline
MSc Safety Critical Systems Engineering - University of York
Degree Overview:
Students learn how to assess the safety of these systems, considering the contributions of technology, humans, and organizations. The program emphasizes systematic thinking, ethical considerations, and professional development.
Key features include:
- Flexibility: Available as a full-time or part-time (2 or 3 years) option for flexible learning.
- Transferability: Ability to transfer between Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and MSc routes.
- Industry Collaboration: Involves safety professionals from various domains (aerospace, military, automotive, railway, nuclear) for comprehensive learning.
- Latest Expertise: Developed and delivered by experts actively engaged in research and industry.
- Individual Research: Culmination in a research project/dissertation supervised by academic staff.
Outline:
The program content covers a comprehensive range of topics in safety critical systems engineering, including:
- Foundations of System Safety Engineering: Establishing the fundamental principles and concepts.
- Systems Engineering for Safety: Applying systems engineering methodologies to safety-critical systems.
- Hazard and Risk Assessment: Identifying and assessing hazards and risks associated with system operation.
- Computers and Safety: Understanding the role of computers in safety-critical systems and their associated risks.
- System Safety Assessment: Evaluating the safety of systems through various techniques and methodologies.
- Safety in Organizations: Examining the role of organizational culture, structure, and processes in promoting safety.
- Safety Case Development and Review: Constructing and evaluating comprehensive safety arguments.
- Robotic and Autonomous Systems Safety: Exploring the safety challenges of robotic and autonomous systems.
- Security for Safety: Analyzing the interplay between security and safety in complex systems.
- Human Factors for Safety: Understanding the role of human behavior and cognitive limitations in safe system operation.
- Research Methods for Safety: Mastering research methodologies applicable to safety-critical systems research.
The program structure involves:
- Module-based delivery: Topics covered through various taught modules with face-to-face teaching sessions.
- Independent study: Pre- and post-session self-study to reinforce learning from taught modules.
- Individual research project: Completion of a research project under academic supervision.
Module details:
The specific modules offered may vary, but the program typically includes modules such as:
- Safety Critical Systems Engineering
- System Safety Assessment
- Safety Management Systems
- Human Factors for Safety
- Formal Methods for Safety
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Open assessments: Individual assignments completed following the taught modules.
- Project work: Evaluation of the research project/dissertation.
- Regular coursework: Continuous assessment through assignments, problem sets, and presentations.
Assessment criteria:
- Depth of understanding: Demonstrating strong grasp of safety-critical systems engineering principles and concepts.
- Critical analysis: Ability to critically analyze safety issues and propose effective solutions.
- Problem-solving skills: Applying knowledge to address complex safety challenges.
- Communication skills: Communicating safety arguments and findings effectively in written and oral presentations.
- Research skills: Demonstrating proficiency in research methodologies and applying them to the research project.
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Intensive face-to-face sessions: Lectures, case studies, and group exercises delivered by expert faculty.
- Pre-recorded materials: Online access to video lectures and other resources for individual learning.
- Individual supervision: Regular meetings with research project supervisors for guidance and support.
Faculty:
- Composed of world-leading academics with extensive research and industry experience.
- Committed to providing personalized support and challenging students to excel.
- Actively engaged in cutting-edge research, ensuring students receive the latest knowledge and insights.
Careers:
Graduates of the program pursue careers in a wide range of industries and sectors, including:
- Aeronautical engineering
- Safety management
- Naval engineering
- Automotive engineering
- Gas or electrical services engineering
- Software safety consulting
Other:
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, partially fulfilling the academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer registration.
- The Institute for Safe Autonomy: dedicated state-of-the-art facility for robotics research and
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Annual tuition fees for 2024/25 Study modeUK (home)International and EU Full-time (1 year) £23,850£29,400 Part-time (2 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. £11,925£14,700 Part-time (3 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. £7,950£9,800 Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York. For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%). Additional costs Text books and resources will be available to you through the University of York library and electronic copies of all course materials are provided. You will need to arrange and pay for your own accommodation and travel to York for face-to-face teaching. Costs associated with this will vary depending on your location and the standard of accommodation you book. Living costs You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
