Key information
Gain the expertise to lead safety, risk, and compliance across global industries with a flexible, industry-accredited MSc designed for working professionals.
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Delivery type
- Self-paced
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Location
- Online
- Duration
- Flexible
- Start date
- January, May, September
Programme overview
In a world where risk and safety are increasingly critical across industries - from energy and construction to healthcare, manufacturing, and transport - skilled professionals are in high demand. The online MSc Safety and Risk Management from Heriot-Watt University equips you with advanced expertise to identify, assess, and manage safety risks while leading effective safety strategies that meet global standards. Designed for professionals seeking to elevate their careers, this flexible master’s blends technical insight with strategic understanding, enabling you to drive safety performance and organisational resilience in complex environments.
Accredited
Accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH), recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Engineering Council.
Top 15
Top 15 in the UK for Engineering. A global leader in engineering education and research, shaping industry standards worldwide (The Guardian, 2025).
Flexible
Complete your MSc fully online and in as little as two and a half years or pace your learning around your career and life.
This master’s integrates practical learning with academic rigour, ensuring you gain not just theoretical understanding but the tools to apply safety methodologies effectively in real-world scenarios. Supported by Heriot-Watt’s industry links and expert faculty, you’ll develop both the confidence and competence to make evidence-based decisions that improve safety outcomes and organisational performance.
The programme is also supported by the Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee, including representatives from AECOM, Arup, Balfour Beatty, Jacobs and WSP, ensuring course content remains relevant and aligned to industry needs.
By studying this MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management, you will:
- Develop advanced skills in hazard identification, safety analysis, and risk management.
- Apply safety and human factors principles to improve performance and minimise workplace risks.
- Evaluate safety systems and manage compliance with international standards and legislation.
- Integrate safety management within broader business and operational strategies.
- Gain professional credibility and open pathways to senior roles in health, safety, and risk leadership.
Upcoming application dates
Apply by 15 December to join the upcoming intake starting in January. Study online at your own pace and gain an industry-recognised qualification in sustainable building design.
Apply nowStudent experience
Heriot-Watt University is a global leader in safety, risk and engineering education, with over 40 years of experience in delivering internationally recognised programmes in these fields. The MSc Safety and Risk Management is developed by leading academics and industry experts who bring both research insight and real-world application to your learning.
The programme is supported by the Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee, which includes major employers such as AECOM, Arup, Balfour Beatty, Jacobs, and WSP Group. This ensures course content remains directly aligned to the evolving needs of global industries — from energy and construction to manufacturing, transport and government.
Course content
The degree comprises eight taught courses. Heriot-Watt Online students must first take exams in two courses of the degree, Human Factors Methods and Learning from Disasters. Based on the results from these courses students continue on the degree at MSc or at PG Diploma level.
Entry courses
- Human Factors Methods
- Learning from Disasters
Core courses
- Risk Assessment and Safety Management
- Fire, Explosions and Process Safety
- Project Management: Strategic Issues
Optional courses
- Statistical Data Analysis and Programming
- Systems Reliability
- Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of Control Rooms
- Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
- People & Organisation Management in the Built Environment
- Project Management Theory and Practice
- Sustainability for Construction Professionals
- Value and Risk Management
Dissertation
- Research Dissertation (Civil Engineering)
Study at your own pace
Our flexible online model allows you to study wherever you are in the world, while continuing to work and apply new knowledge in your role. Complete your MSc in as little as 2 and a half years or spread your studies over a longer period to suit your commitments.
Apply nowStudent testimonials
Alex's story
Graduate,
Fees and funding
Tuition is available on a pay-per-course basis.
| Per course | Dissertation | Full programme |
| £1,570 | £2,030 | £14,590 |
Fees apply to courses starting between September 2025 and August 2026. Fees include one assessment attempt and may increase annually. Find out more about our tuition fees.
Funding opportunities
Pay Per Course
All our programmes offer the flexibility to pay course-by-course, allowing you to spread the cost of your tuition over the lifetime of your studies.
20% Alumni Discount
If you are a Heriot-Watt alumnus, you qualify for 20% off your programme fees. For more information on how to claim your alumni discount contact hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.
Employer Sponsorship
All our programmes offer the flexibility to pay course-by-course, allowing you to spread the cost of your tuition over the lifetime of your studies.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
We welcome applications from graduates and professionals with backgrounds in engineering, construction, architecture, project management, or related disciplines.
Standard entry requirements
Applicants should be able to:
- Have a good undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2 honours or equivalent) in engineering or a relevant science discipline, or
- Demonstrate equivalent academic ability based on industrial experience or membership of a professional institution.
You must first complete Final Online Assessments in two courses of the programme, Human Factors Methods and Learning from Disasters. Based on the results for these entry courses, you will continue on the programme at MSc or at PG Diploma level.
Alternative entry
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
We are committed to providing study opportunities to applicants who have a wide range of prior experiences and recognise that some students entering our online programme will have completed prior academic study in subjects that align closely to this programme. Where this is the case, students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- Applying for RPL: We can only consider requests for RPL at the time of application to a course of study.
- Maximum credits: You may be eligible to be granted exemption for a maximum of 20 credits.
- Eligibility: The qualification may be valid for RPL only if gained with the last 5 years. Evidence will need to be provided.
- Cost breakdown: The overall cost of your programme will be determined by whether you are awarded RPL for a 20-credit course, in which case you will not be required to register for that course. Programme fees can be found under the fees and funding section.
For more information contact hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes and 5th in the UK, which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country. We're also ranked 1st in Scotland for producing CEO and MDs (Novuna Business Cash Flow 2023).
We're Scotland's most international University, with five global campuses and a global community of 60,000 online students and alumni from over 158 countries. Our online programmes are designed and developed by the same faculty who teach on our global campuses - expert academics and leaders in research and innovation who work alongside industry to find solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Together, we shape your future.
Industry
Industry-led education. Developed with input from leading employers through our Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee.
Global
Recognised worldwide for excellence in safety, risk and engineering education.
Flexible
Complete your MSc fully online and in as little as two and a half years or pace your learning around your career and life.
Employability
With our flexible model you can earn while you learn, build your CV, and apply new skills right away. Get free access to 500+ industry credentials and dedicated Careers Service support.
Potential career paths
- Construction Safety Manager
- Process Safety Engineer
- Health and Safety Director
- Risk and Compliance Manager
- Environmental Health and Safety Engineer
- Safety Consultant
Your Online experience
Explore Heriot-Watt Online as a student
Speak to an advisor
Considering the MSc Safety and Risk Management and want to understand how it could work for you? Our Enrolment Advisors can talk you through entry routes, course choices, time commitment and funding options.
Book a call
