Entry Requirements
| Qualification Level | Level 7 (proposed, designed in line with UK qualification frameworks) |
| Credit Value | 120 Credits |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 480 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 1,200 |
| Qualification Number | [To be assigned] |
| Availability | Intended for delivery in the UK and internationally |
Progression Routes
- Level 8 Diploma in Risk or Safety Management
- Postgraduate study opportunities in process or engineering safety
- Senior process safety roles in oil & gas, chemical, and manufacturing sectors
Qualification Overview
This advanced programme is designed to develop the strategic competence of safety professionals responsible for managing process-related hazards in high-risk industries. Learners gain expertise in hazard identification, major accident prevention, critical safety systems, emergency response, regulatory frameworks, leadership, and applied research. The qualification prepares candidates to lead major safety initiatives and drive operational improvements across process industries.
Units
Fundamentals of Process Safety Management
Principles, systems, and the context for PSM in high-hazard industries.
Process Hazard Identification
and Risk Assessment
Advanced techniques for hazard identification and assessment, including qualitative and quantitative risk analysis.
Safety Integrity, Reliability, and
Control Systems
Design and evaluation of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), functional safety, and reliability engineering.
Emergency Response and
Crisis Management
Planning and leading emergency response and crisis management, including drills, recovery, and communication.
Process Safety Leadership, Culture, and Ethics
Building strong safety cultures, promoting ethical leadership, and managing organisational responsibilities.
Regulatory Compliance and
Industry Standards
Understanding and applying process safety regulations and standards (e.g., COMAH, OSHA, IEC), and conducting audit practices.
Incident Investigation and
Root Cause Analysis
Approaches to incident investigation, advanced root cause analysis, reporting, and embedding continuous improvement.
Advanced Process Safety Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
Application of AI, machine learning, and big data analytics to predict, monitor, and support process safety decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
Planning and conducting independent research into occupational safety problems and solutions.
- Critically evaluate process safety principles and frameworks in complex operational environments.
- Apply advanced hazard identification and risk analysis methodologies.
- Design and validate safety instrumented and control systems to mitigate process risks.
- Lead robust emergency and crisis response programmes.
- Promote strong safety cultures through ethical leadership and effective influence.
- Interpret and apply international process safety standards and industry frameworks.
- Conduct incident investigations using advanced root cause analysis methods.
- Undertake and apply research to inform process safety policies and professional practice.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be aged 21 or above and typically possess:
- A Level 6 qualification in a relevant discipline; or
- An honours degree (minimum 2:2) with substantial professional experience in occupational health and safety, engineering, or process industries.
English Language:
Where English is not the first language, applicants must provide evidence of proficiency at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent).
Additional Requirements:
- Two references (at least one academic)
- Evidence of ability to meet both intellectual and professional demands
- Centres/partners must conduct an initial applicant assessment to confirm suitability and identify any support needs
Professional Recognition (Planned)
- Designed to align with the IOSH Competency Framework (supporting the future CertIOSH pathway)
- Designed to reflect the BCSP Transitional Safety Professional (TSP) Core Domains