Department of Computer Science
- Department of Computer Science
- Professional development and training
- Short courses in systems safety engineering
Short courses in systems safety engineering
Our short courses are suitable for safety engineers wishing to renew, refresh and extend their knowledge in the area of systems safety and embedded control systems.
Each course provides a comprehensive grounding in the principles of systems safety engineering, which are put into context using real-world examples from our extensive collaboration with industry in the UK and worldwide.
Our learning materials are well respected by systems safety engineering professionals. We have provided training for delegates from a wide range of industries, including automotive and railway, civil aerospace, nuclear, marine, energy and medical sectors.
We provide:
- A thorough grounding and practical experience in the use of state-of-the-art techniques for design and development, verification and validation of safety critical systems, with an emphasis on the software used in such systems;
- An understanding of the principles behind these techniques, so that they can make sound judgements during the design and deployment of such a system;
- A flexible course structure which is suitable both for full-time and part-time students and for industrial clients who wish to attend a short, intensive course on a particular aspect of safety critical system technology.
Upcoming courses and start dates
The following table outlines the courses being held in the 2026/27 academic year. The teaching for each module is delivered through a combination of self-study materials released online, and three days of face-to-face teaching in York. This blended format will enable you to learn alongside your work as you bring your skills fully up to date.
| Modules | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Foundations of System Safety Engineering (FSSE) |
Registration closes: Friday 11/09/2026 Preparatory materials released: Friday 25/09/2026 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 06/10/2026 - Thursday 08/10/2026 *Please notes the MSc/PGDip/PGCert SCSE students have the different dates. Please contact cs-safety-courses@york.ac.uk for more information. |
| Hazard and Risk Assessment (HRAS) |
Registration is currently closed: Please contact cs-safety-courses@york.ac.uk Preparatory materials released: Friday 06/11/2026 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 17/11/2026 - Thursday 19/11/2026 |
| Safety Case Development and Review (SCDR) |
Registration closes: Friday 20/11/2026 Preparatory materials released: Friday 04/12/2026 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 15/12/2026 - Thursday 17/12/2026 |
| System Safety Assessment (SSAS) |
Registration closes: Friday 22/01/2027 Preparatory materials released: Friday 05/02/2027 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 16/02/2027 - Thursday 18/02/2027 |
|
Registration closes: Friday 12/02/2027 Preparatory materials released: Friday 26/02/2027 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 09/03/2027 - Thursday 11/03/2027 |
|
| Human Factors for Safety (HUFS) |
Registration closes: Friday 12/03/2027 Preparatory materials released: Thursday 25/03/2027 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 06/04/2027 - Thursday 08/04/2027 |
| AI and Autonomous Systems Safety (AISS) |
Registration closes: Friday 09/04/2027 Preparatory materials released: Friday 23/04/2027 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 04/05/2027 - Thursday 06/05/2027 |
| Security for Safety-Critical Systems (SESA) |
Registration closes: Friday 30/04/2027 Preparatory materials released: Friday 14/05/2027 Face-to-face teaching: Tuesday 25/05/2027 - Thursday 27/05/2027 |
These short courses form the core or optional modules on the following postgraduate awards:
- MSc in Safety Critical Systems Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Safety Critical Systems Engineering
- Postgraduate Certificate in in Safety Critical Systems Engineering
If you wish to enrol for one of these postgraduate awards, then you will need to ensure that you have taken - or plan to take - the requisite 'core' modules on the appropriate course page, listed above. You will also need to choose one of more of the optional modules, where these are indicated on the 'Course Content' section of the course pages.
Notes
The dates for each course may be subject to change. For confirmation, please contact our Short Course Admissions Team at cs-safety-courses@york.ac.uk. Modules may be cancelled if there are insufficient numbers registered on the course.
How our courses are taught
For the 2026/27 academic year, modules will be taught in a blended format.
Course teaching will consist of three days of face-to-face sessions on campus at the University of York, taking place from Tuesday to Thursday of the teaching week. Students will also be provided with self-study materials totalling 10 - 15 hours of study time. These materials will comprise of pre-sessional work to be completed before the on-campus sessions in York, and materials to be studied afterwards.
Following the taught element, students have an opportunity to complete an assessment(s). The assessment is compulsory for students who require the module to be credited towards a degree award.
Learning outcomes and assessment
Learning outcomes
We aim to equip students with knowledge, understanding and practical application of the essential components of safety critical systems engineering.
We focus on the understanding of the principles behind these techniques so that professionals can make sound engineering judgements during the design and deployment of safety systems, particularly where software is involved.
Assessment
Following the taught element of each course, there is an optional assessment which is undertaken over a five week period.
Each assessment takes approximately 65 hours in addition to the scheduled teaching time: we estimate that students should spend 30 hours undertaking private study, plus 35 hours writing up the assessment.
Fees
For courses in the 2026/27 academic year (starting September 2026), the fee for each short course is £2,250.
Course fees include all relevant course materials, tuition and assessments, and are payable in advance. For short courses where teaching takes place on campus in York, you must organise and pay for your own accommodation and travel. These costs are not included in the course fee.
If you choose to undertake a full MSc, Diploma or Certificate you will be entitled to a proportion of credit for fees already paid, and this credit can be used towards the cost of the full award. The credit entitlement for the 2026/27 academic year is calculated as follows:
| Number of module(s) taken | Credit entitlement |
|---|---|
| 1st Module | £2,000.00 |
| 2nd Module | £3,750.00 |
| 3rd Module | £5,250.00 |
| 4th Module | £6,750.00 |
You should apply for the MSc, Diploma or Certificate after taking no more than 40 credits of modules. All components of your chosen postgraduate award, including modules taken as SCSE short courses, must be taken within a five year time period.
We reserve the right to amend published information.
Upgrade your short course study into a postgraduate award
Develop your understanding in a specific area by attending one or more of our short courses on a stand-alone basis.
Alternatively, attend multiple modules as part of your wider professional development. You can then choose to register for one of the following postgraduate courses:
- MSc in Safety Critical Systems Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Safety Critical Systems Engineering
- Postgraduate Certificate in Safety Critical Systems Engineering
If you take and pass the assessment of one of our SCSE short courses, your results can count towards the completion of a Masters, Diploma or Certificate award. You should apply for your Masters, Diploma or Certificate award after taking no more than 40 credits of modules. All components of your chosen postgraduate award, including modules taken as SCSE short courses, must be taken within a five year time period.
The MSc Safety Critical Systems Engineering is accredited by:
- BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional - CITP Further Learning.
- BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
Book your place
Before you make your booking, please ensure that you have read our booking conditions.
Please complete the Short Course Booking Form.
If your employer will be paying for your training and you would like us to raise an invoice, please complete the Short Course Payment Form.
To pay online by card payment please complete the Short Course Payment Form. You will also need to complete online but this option is not yet live for our 2026/27academic year.
If you have any questions please contact cs-safety-courses@york.ac.uk.
Paying for your course
If your employer will be paying for your training and you would like us to raise an invoice, please complete the Short Course Payment Form.
Pay online - This option is available for the 2026/27 academic year courses now. Any issues, please contact cs-safety-courses@york.ac.uk.
Contact us
For an informal discussion about our courses, contact Dr Richard Hawkins (SCSE Programme Lead and Admissions Tutor)
Email: cs-safety-courses@york.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1904 325536