MSc in Risk & Safety Management

Risktec is a collaborative partner of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Our MSc programme has been designed to meet the growing need for industry-related courses and qualifications in risk and safety management.  The courses are delivered by teachers with industrial experience and aim to develop the practical skills and knowledge of students.

Risktec has been validated to teach Risk & Safety Management at postgraduate level since 2009.  LJMU is one of the largest universities in the UK.

This programme will benefit anyone seeking to implement practical risk management within highly regulated industries where the impact of loss is high, whether systems sectors such as nuclear, defence, rail and aviation, or in process industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical and chemical.

Key information

Distance learning MSc

  • Start Date:
  • 1st October 2024
  • Duration:
  • 3 years
  • Price:
  • £14,000

Awarded by Liverpool John Moores University

New for 2024

Industry-specific modules for nuclear and clean energy; students have the option to choose one industry-related module in each year.

What will I study?

Detailed information on specific module content is available here.

Year 1

Principles of Risk Management (10 credits)

Research Methods (10 credits)

Hazard Identification (10 credits)

HSE Management Systems (10 credits)

Risk Reduction & ALARP (10 credits)

Choose one from:

Risk Analysis (Cross-sector) (10 credits)

Risk Analysis (Nuclear Energy) (10 credits)

Risk Analysis (Clean Energy) (10 credits)

Year 2

Bowtie Risk Management (10 credits)

Human Factors in Design & Operations (10 credits)

Incident Investigation & Analysis (10 credits)

HAZOP Study (10 credits)

Emergency Response & Crisis Management (10 credits)

Choose one from:

Safety/HSE Cases (Cross-sector) (10 credits)

Safety/HSE Cases (Nuclear Energy) (10 credits)

Safety/HSE Cases (Clean Energy)(10 credits)

Year 3

Dissertation (60 credits)

How will I study?

Distance Learning

  • The programme is 100% online.
  • Students work through module materials at times of their choosing.
  • Learning is supported by virtual classrooms (which are recorded), videos, forums, activities and access to module teachers.
  • Student are granted access to LJMU’s e-library.

Assessments

  • Module assessments consist of a few online mandatory activities and a written assessment (2,500 words), which encourages research and critical analysis.
  • Dissertation:  Approximately 15,000 words.  Risktec guides the students in selecting a state-of-the-art topic in risk and safety management that is of real interest to current and prospective employers. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of the programme you will be able to:

  • Justify the use of risk assessment through illustration of its objectives and drivers
  • Analyse and evaluate a broad range of practical risk management tools and techniques and demonstrate expertise in selected techniques
  • Devise practical solutions for real-life risk management problems
  • Develop a questioning and critical attitude to management of risks
  • Display mastery of clear and effective communication of risk
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the risk management profession

Entry criteria

This programme is designed for anyone seeking to implement practical risk management within major hazard industries, such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, nuclear, transportation, mining and clean energy.

Academic and work experience

  • Undergraduate degree in science or engineering, or
  • Industry professional with 5+ years’ experience, with some exposure to risk management, or
  • A suitable combination of both

Applicants must be proficient in the use of written and spoken English.  

Enrolment options

Risktec Solutions and Liverpool John Moores University offer 3 types of academic award:

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Risk & Safety Management (1 year)
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Risk & Safety Management (2 years)
  • Masters Degree (MSc) in Risk & Safety Management (3 years)

Students have the option of either enrolling directly on to the MSc, or enrolling initially on the PgCert, and then upgrading to the PgDip and finally the MSc.

Fees

MSc programme price: £14,000

Flexible payment options:

  • Year 1: £5,000 or four instalments of £1,250
  • Year 2: £5,000 or four instalments of £1,250
  • Year 3: £4,000 or two instalments of £2,000

Prices based on start date of 1st October 2024. Prices are subject to annual increase.

Prices include all fees, and the student’s financial arrangement is with Risktec Solutions (not LJMU).

Graduation

Successful students are invited to attend LJMU’s summer graduation ceremony.

This incredible experience takes place at Britain’s largest cathedral: Liverpool Cathedral.

Find out more about our collaborative partnership with LJMU.

Testimonials

When I first started the course, I was looking forward most to learning about the technical methodologies used in process safety, such as HAZOP and Bowtie. But I surprised myself by equally enjoying the wide range of material covered in the other modules, such as Human Factors and Crisis Management. For the major assignments, I found that I could apply my learning and enrich it with examples from past projects I had been involved with.

Annabel
Principal Consultant

Since taking the course my research and technical skills have developed substantially, I am more familiar with various advanced engineering software and I have the ability to push forward confidently in my passion for clean energy innovation.

Michael
Senior Engineer

The course tutors are very helpful, providing guidance and stimulating enquiry. The modular and flexible self-paced format enables working full time while engaging with the course materials. While it can be demanding at times, overall, the programme is reasonably paced.

David McVeigh
Process Safety SME

Frequently asked questions

In the video below, one of our module leaders answers some of the questions that you may have about our Postgraduate programme.

Apply for the 2024 programme

If you wish to apply for the 2024 programme, please download the application form here. Once you have completed the application form, email it to [email protected].

Register your interest or ask a question