Program Overview
The Master of Science in Safety Critical Systems Engineering at University of York is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of York. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in computer science & it, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 36 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in computer science & it.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at University of York.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Computer Science & IT.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 36 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
The vast majority of people who undertake this course are already working in industrial fields such as aeronautical engineering, automotive, energy and power generation, nuclear, maritime and military. Undertaking this course will equip you to progress within these fields.
Career opportunities
- Safety engineer / advisor
- Independent safety assessor
- Safety manager
- Software safety consultant
Transferable skills
- Information-retrieval
- Numeracy
- Time management
Program Curriculum
Course content
The course can be taken on a full- or part-time basis. If you wish to take the course part-time, you can do this over two or three years, meaning it is very flexible and can easily fit in around work commitments.
Modules are delivered through set teaching weeks. You will be required to attend campus for some face-to-face teaching during these weeks. You'll undertake intensive teaching sessions based on lectures, case-studies and exercises. Additionally, for each module, you will need to undertake some self-study before and after face-to-face teaching. In addition to the taught modules, you will undertake an individual research project/dissertation.
- Find out the dates the modules are running
Modules Research project Modules Foundations of System Safety Engineering Hazard and Risk Assessment Computers and Safety System Safety Assessment Safety Case Development and Review AI and Autonomous Systems Safety Security for Safety-Critical Systems Human Factors for Safety Research Methods for Safety Critical Evaluation Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Research project In addition to the taught modules, you will undertake an individual project/dissertation. You will have the opportunity to pick a project from a list of titles of specialisms within the Department, or you can define a title yourself, in agreement with an academic. You will be given a personal supervisor during this project. If you are taking the course part-time, you'll need to come to York for two to three face-to-face meetings with your supervisor. In addition, you will also keep in regular contact with your supervisor by phone or online meetings. Recent examples of projects undertaken include: A process to assess the safety impact of technical changes in the civil maritime domain A framework for automating the requirement set generation from standards within the defence industry Managing assurance deficits in safety cases for legacy systems.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in a numerate, technical discipline, with some coverage of Computer Science or Software Engineering subjects. In addition, we require at least two years of relevant industrial experience. |
| Other qualifications and experience | If you do not have a first degree we require at least five years of relevant industrial experience. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants who do not meet meet these entry requirements are encouraged to look the PG Cert System Safety Engineering. Students who successfully complete this course may be able to transition to the PG Diploma or MSc in Safety Critical Systems Engineering. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 20,100/year (international)
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £26,900 | £32,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £13,450 | £16,450 |
| Part-time (3 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £8,966 | £10,966 |
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. C osts associated with this will vary depending on your location and the standard of accommodation you book.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £26,900 | £32,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £13,450 | £16,450 |
| Part-time (3 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £8,966 | £10,966 |
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. C osts associated with this will vary depending on your location and the standard of accommodation you book.
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date 2017-10-01
- Language English
- Duration 36 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)