MSc in Process Safety (ODL)
JPT/BPP(N-DL/540/7/0004)03/26
Introduction
Improving process safety has never been more vital. Yet, statistics suggest it has also never been more challenging. Also, recent statistics have shown that Major Hazard Installations (MHI) – facilities handling highly hazardous chemicals - are moving upward in the region. However, the supply pipeline of process safety engineers is simply not wide enough to cater to the industry’s growing needs.
Designed in collaboration with well-known process safety institutions and experts, MSc in Process Safety at UTP aims to overcome the industry’s talent deficit in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. Decidedly, process safety engineers will be at the centre of managing process safety hazards, laying down the bedrock for ongoing improvements, especially in upstream and downstream operations.
The main objective of this programme is to deepen understanding and equip the students with advanced skills and expertise in process safety, loss prevention, and risk assessment.
Why You Should Join Our MSc Process Safety?
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Established in 2017 after extensive deliberation via an expert panel workshop attended by renowned academicians and professionals from industries. This is the only program focusing on Process Safety offered in Malaysia.
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Modular-based programme jointly developed with PETRONAS, custodian engineers, and well-known process safety institutions as well as experts.
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Comprehensive coverage of the main discipline and thrust of process safety (includes Hazard Properties, Safety System, Process Technology/Design, Human Factor, and Risk Analysis) through offerings of developed modules.
Go virtual with our Open Distance Learning
(ODL) Programme
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a way of learning remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with lecturer/learning facilitator in the classroom. Offered the flexibility of classes online, working professionals can opt for the best mode of learning to accommodate their busy schedules. The schedules are more open and allow for all potential students to complete the classes and associated assessment (as progressing within the duration of semesters) whenever it fits into their agenda.
In order to ensure effective learning, our ODL will involve:
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Face-to-face tutorial (five or more sessions per semester) with our highly qualified lecturers or tutors who are also readily available to you between tutorials via email and suitable social media platforms.
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Our Learning Management System (LMS) – ULearnX, an online platform to input information and for online discussions/forum with your peers and course lecturers or tutors.
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Digital textbooks and references from reputable distributors (available through our ULearnX)
Aims
The aim of offering an MSc in Process Safety is to provide graduates and practicing engineers with progressive knowledge for safer design and operation of processing plant to prevent major accidents specifically fire, explosion, and toxic release.
Programme Objective
The objective of the program is to provide graduates with extensive knowledge in the field of process safety in order to produce professionals who are able to effectively manage risk towards prevention, mitigation, and response of major accidents and losses in process installations. In other words, the objective is to produce:
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Process Safety specialists with insights to articulate complex industry problems and solutions.
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Industry leaders with integrity towards sustainable development through continuous improvement and innovation for the betterment of society.
Programme Outcomes
Upon the completion of this programme, the graduates should be able to:
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Demonstrate continuing and advanced knowledge in Process Safety for safer design and operation at all asset lifecycle stages and have the capabilities to further develop or use these in new situations or multi-disciplinary contexts.
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Analyse and evaluate critically problems in Process Safety, particularly in situations with limited information, and provide solutions through application of appropriate tools, techniques and methodologies.
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Appraise available information and research evidence in Process Safety including lesson learnt from major incidents and apply it in the engineering context.
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Plan and perform research undertakings and relevant assessments as per regulations and standards requirement in Process Safety professionally, ethically and responsibly.
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Report technical findings in both written and oral forms on process safety activities to the engineering community and society at large.
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Recognise the needs for continuing professional development in Process Safety.
Course Duration and Offering
Full Time |
12 months |
36 months |
Entry Requirements
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Recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering / Engineering Technology or its equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.5; AND
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For international students, a TOEFL score of 500 OR an IELTS score of 5.0 OR its equivalent. If a student does not meet this requirement, HEPs must offer English proficiency courses to ensure that the student’s proficiency is sufficient to meet the needs of the programme. This is normally conducted through an assessment process.
Note:
When candidates with Bachelor’s of Science or Technology degrees or their equivalents (non-engineering or engineering technology) are admitted, prerequisite modules in Engineering and Engineering Technology must be offered to adequately prepare them for their advanced study. Degree holders with CGPA above 2.0 but less than 2.5 may be admitted subject to a rigorous internal assessment process.
Fee Structure
Local Students
International Students
Programme Curriculum Structure
1. |
1
(Jan-Apr) |
Principles of Process Safety Management |
OAC5113 |
Core |
3 |
2. |
Safe Design and Operation |
OAC5143 |
Core |
3 |
3. |
Quantitative Risk Assessment (Example) |
OAC5233 |
Elective*
(Refer to the Note)
|
3 |
4. |
Research Methodology |
OAN5032 |
University Requirement |
2 |
5. |
Project Management |
OAU5052 |
Mgmt. Course |
2 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
13 |
6. |
2
(May-Aug) |
Principles of Hazard Analysis & Risk Mgmt. |
OAC5123 |
Core |
3 |
7. |
Process Plant Integrity & Reliability |
OAC5243 |
Core |
3 |
8. |
Industrial based Project |
OAC51710 |
Project |
10 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
16 |
9. |
3
(Sep-Dec) |
Human Factors |
OAC5153 |
Core |
3 |
10. |
System Safety Engineering |
OAC5133 |
Core |
3 |
11. |
Fire and Explosion Engineering (Example) |
OAC5213 |
Elective*
(Refer to the Note)
|
3 |
12. |
Data Analytics |
DAM5362 |
University Requirement |
2 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
11 |
Note:
Fire and Explosion Engineering |
OAC5213 |
Student to select and take 2 from the following Technical Elective courses |
3 |
Quantitative Risk Assessment |
OAC5233 |
3 |
Incident Prevention & Emergency Management |
OAC5253 |
3 |
Industrial Hygiene Engineering |
OAC5223 |
3 |
Environmental Risk & Impact Assessment |
OAC5263 |
3 |
Sample of Curriculum Structure (if opted to complete within 24 months):
1. |
1
(Jan-April)
|
Principles of Process Safety Management |
OAC5113 |
Core |
3 |
2. |
Research Methodology |
OAN5032 |
University Req. |
2 |
3. |
Project Management |
OAU5052 |
Mgmt. Course |
2 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
7 |
4. |
2
(May-Aug)
|
Principles of Hazard Analysis & Risk Mgmt. |
OAC5123 |
Core |
3 |
5. |
Process Plant Integrity & Reliability |
OAM5243 |
Core |
3 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
6 |
6. |
3
(Sep-Dec)
|
Human Factors |
OAC5153 |
Core |
3 |
7. |
Fire and Explosion Engineering |
OAC5213 |
Elective* |
3 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
6 |
8. |
4
(Jan-April)
|
Safe Design and Operation |
OAC5143 |
Core |
3 |
9. |
Quantitative Risk Assessment |
OAC5233 |
Elective* |
3 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
6 |
10.. |
5
(May-Aug)
|
Industrial based Project |
OAC51710 |
Project |
10 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
10 |
11. |
6
(Sep-Dec)
|
System Safety Engineering |
OAC5133 |
Core |
3 |
12. |
Data Analytics |
DAM5362 |
University Requirement |
2 |
Total Credit Hours per Semester |
5 |
Programme Module Synopsis
OAC5113 |
Principles of Process Safety Management |
3 credits |
The course focuses on Process Safety Management (PSM) in the workplace. The course cover topics of learning from incidents, the need to manage safety, regulations on PSM, PSM elements, planning, and implementation. The course will also include the measure audit and review, safety management systems in major hazards, process safety performance measurement, and safety leadership to enhance PSM in processing industries. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5143 |
Safe Design and Operation |
3 credits |
This course is aimed to enhance students' knowledge of the introduction to system safety engineering, safety performance measurement, preliminary hazard analysis, fault detection, and diagnosis. The course also covers topics on the subsystem hazard system, system hazard analysis, and operating and support hazard analysis. The analysis for failure modes and their effects and LOPA will also be discussed. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5123 |
Principles of Hazard Analysis & Risk Mgmt. |
3 credits |
The course is explaining about hazard analysis and risk assessment and its application to the processing industries. The course covers topics on hazards, risk, risk analysis, probability and reliability, hazard analysis and awareness, PHA tools (HAZOP, HAZID, FMEA, etc.), bow-tie diagrams, and the principle of risk management. The course will also include the consequence analysis, risk contributors, risk values, risks, communication, and safety culture to enhance process safety in processing industries.
|
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5243 |
Process Plant Integrity & Reliability |
3 credits |
This course is aimed to enhance students' knowledge on system failure prediction, failure rate data, and synthesis of failure, types of uncertainty, reliability concepts and theory. The course also covers topics on failure distribution, mean time between failure, structural reliability, and availability modelling. The strategy for equipment critically, assessment, and maintenance will also be discussed. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5153 |
Human Factors |
3 credits |
The course is explaining how human factors influence human behaviour in a way that can affect process safety performance at all levels of an organisation. The course covers topics on human factors' key issues, factors affecting human performance, and systematic approaches in predicting and reducing human error. The course will also include case studies to assess human error in the process industry and propose human error prevention techniques to enhance process safety. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5133 |
System Safety Engineering |
3 credits |
This course is aimed to enhance students' knowledge of the introduction to system safety engineering, safety performance measurement, preliminary hazard analysis, fault detection, and diagnosis. The course also covers the subsystem hazard system, system hazard analysis, and operating and support hazard analysis. The analysis for failure modes and their effects and LOPA will also be discussed. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5213 |
Fire and Explosion Engineering |
3 credits |
This course is aimed to enhance students' knowledge of the fundamental theory of fires, explosion, and fire hazard analysis. It also covers topics on fire risk assessment, protection and prevention strategies, the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire and explosion protection. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5233 |
Quantitative Risk Assessment |
3 credits |
This course provides the opportunity to learn about risk, the applications of risk involved with industrial activities, and how to practice risk-informed decision-making and risk management. Because engineering is a decision-making enterprise, a decision-making way of thinking is used throughout the course. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5253 |
Incident Prevention & Emergency Management |
3 credits |
This course covers the following topics: natural and man-made emergencies and disasters; managing and planning, controlling, financial risk in major accident hazards; fire emergency response; communication and evacuation procedure; emergency operation and management; emergency plan and preparedness; incident investigation and use of incident statistics |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5223 |
Industrial Hygiene Engineering |
3 credits |
This course covers the following topics: building and facilities; ergonomics, material handling, and storage; machine guarding; welding; electrical hazards, and noise. |
Course Code |
Module |
Credit Hour |
OAC5263 |
Environmental Risk & Impact Assessment |
3 credits |
This course explains container and spill management and containers of hazardous waste. The course also covers topics on the cleanup of spills and hazardous waste site emergencies. The environmental control, noise, and environmental impact assessment will also be discussed. |
Career Opportunities
Students who graduated from this programme will be highly knowledgeable in the area of Process Safety which will always remain one of the most important areas of focus for many industries such as the oil and gas industry, petrochemical/chemical/pharmaceutical industry, consultant, regulatory/authority bodies and R&D scientific bodies.
Example careers relating to this programme may include; Safety Engineer, Process Safety Engineer, Risk and Safety Manager, Process/Technical Safety Engineer, HSE Lead Engineer, Risk Analyst, Safety Consultant, etc.
CONTACT
Programme Manager
Dr Nurul Ekmi Binti Rabat
Email : nurulekmi.rabat@utp.edu.my

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Updated as of 19 May 2022