MSc Safety and Risk Management

Program Overview

Heriot-Watt University's MSc Safety and Risk Management degree provides advanced knowledge and skills in risk assessment, safety methodologies, and decision-making. Delivered online or on-campus, the program prepares graduates for careers in safety management and risk assessment across various industries.

Program Outline

MSc Safety and Risk Management Degree at Heriot-Watt University

Degree Overview:

• Aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of risk assessment techniques, public and individual risk perception, and decision-making in competitive markets.
• Focuses on practical applications of safety methodologies, ergonomics, human factors, and risk management techniques.
• Develops students' skills to undertake safety studies and manage safety and risk to national and international standards.
• Offered online, allowing flexibility for working professionals and those with other commitments.
• Can also be studied on-campus full-time or part-time.
• Graduates can join the LinkedIn group "Safety Courses at Heriot-Watt" to connect with other applicants, students, alumni, and potential employers.

Outline:

• Online Learning: Delivered through online learning platform, offering flexibility for working professionals and those with other commitments.
• Course Content:
• Year 1:
• Core modules:
• Human Factors Methods
• Risk Assessment and Safety Management
• Project Management: Theory and Practice
• Value and Risk Management
• Semester 2:
• Core modules:
• Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of Control Rooms
• Fire, Explosions and Process Safety
• Learning from Disasters
• Semester 3:
• Core module:
• Research Dissertation (Civil Engineering)
• Any semester:
• Core module:
• Sustainability for Construction Professionals
• Covers understanding, knowledge, cognitive skills, scholarship, enquiry, research, approaches to teaching and learning, and assessment policies.

Assessment:

• Uses a range of assessment types, including coursework, examinations, and a final MSc dissertation.
• Coursework focuses on problem-solving skills and practical applications.
• Examinations assess individual student capabilities against course aims.
• Dissertation allows students to demonstrate research skills and critical thinking.

Teaching:

• Primarily delivered through distance learning.
• Students rely on study guides, course texts, online resources, email, discussion groups, and staff support.
• Courses typically include objectives, theory, real-world applications, worked examples, exercises, and review questions for formative assessment.
• Some courses have coursework components for deeper understanding and practical software applications.
• Approaches to teaching and learning are continually reviewed and updated based on student abilities, industry feedback, and subject area.

Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for careers in safety management, risk assessment, and related fields across various industries.
• Program focuses on developing skills and knowledge relevant to current industry needs.

Other:

• Program is accredited by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), Engineering Council, and Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).
• Online learning option allows students to study at their own pace and schedule.
• Students can join the "Safety Courses at Heriot-Watt" LinkedIn group to connect with other applicants, current and previous students, and potential employers.
• Graduate profiles page showcases testimonials from graduates about their experiences in the program.

Fees and Funding:

• Tuition fees vary depending on student status and course.
• Financial support options are available for eligible students.
• Scholarships and bursaries are offered to encourage qualified students.

Entry Requirements:

• Applicants typically require a good undergraduate degree in engineering or a relevant science discipline.
• Applicants with equivalent academic ability based on industrial experience or professional membership are also considered.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for applicants with relevant experience.

English Language Requirements:

• Applicants require a good English Language ability.
• Non-native English speakers need to demonstrate proficiency through IELTS or equivalent qualification.

Tuition fees Status Per course [footnote 1] Dissertation/Project [footnote 1] UK / EU / Overseas £1,480 £1,910