This programme is designed to equip professionals with a comprehensive knowledge in identification, management and control of process safety towards prevention of major accidents and losses in plant operation. This is inline with CIMAH regulations which require fundamental understanding of scientific knowledge and practices in chemical handling and plant operation. The program will commence via semester system; however, selected course of each semester will be offered via modular approach.
Master in Process Safety and Loss Prevention (MPSLP)
In a modular approach, each 3-credit course (a module) will be covered in an intensive one-week professional course to satisfy the 42 hours requirement of a semester. At the satisfactory completion of the module, students will be given a certificate of completion as well as the choice to accumulate the credits for the fulfillment of the master programme.
Programme Requirements
Credit Requirements for Graduation
Students enrolling under this programme must fulfill 42 credits of courses to graduate. The credit distributions for compulsory courses, elective courses and project are as follows:
Compulsory Courses
26
CREDITS
Elective Courses
6
CREDITS
Dissertation
10
CREDITS
Students must take all the listed compulsory courses;
ECH5100
Research Methodology
3 credits
ECH5502
Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment
3 credits
ECH5503
Design for Safe Handling of Industrial Chemicals
3 credits
ECH5505
Process Reliability and Maintainability
3 credits
ECH5506
Mechanical Failure and Electrical Hazards
3 credits
ECH5514
Human Behaviour and Human Error
3 credits
ECH5516
Process Safety Laboratory
2 credits
ECH5517
Consequence Analysis
3 credits
ECH5520
Process Safety Management
3 credits
*ECH5990
Dissertation
10 credits
Note: *ECH5990
- *Student must take one project course which wlll be carried out In two consecutive semesters.
Side Note: International students are required to take Basic Malay Language as “Audit” and obtain a grade “M”. Exception is given to students from Brunei and Indonesia.
Students must take only two elective courses (6 credits) from the following list;
Technical Electives
ECH5518
Fire and Explosion Engineering
3 credits
ECH5519
Industrial Hygiene Design
3 credits
EAB5421
Forensic Science
3 credits
ECH5804
Corrosion Engineering
3 credits
Management Electives
ECH5501
Atmospheric Risk Management
3 credits
ECH5510
Disaster Management and Emergency Plan
3 credits
ECH5511
Health, Safety and Environmental Protection
3 credits
ECH5521
Special Topics in Process Safety
3 credits
** Available elective courses for the student will be provided by the program coordinator.
Course Synopsis
ECH5100 | Research Methodology (3 Credits)
This course covers the best practices of research designs. Emphasis are given on the methods of organizing relevant information, determining appropriate research methodology, producing research proposal, academic writing, and ethical considerations in engineering research.
ECH5502 | Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (3 Credits)
This course covers the interaction between process design and hazard identification. Risk assessment as method used for safety enhancements of the plant at the flowchart process design and operational stages is emphasized. Risk assessment and the safety system design were integrated and thoroughly discussed.
ECH5503 I Design for Safe Handling of Industrial Chemicals (3 Credits)
This course covers inherent properties of hazardous materials and handling of industrial chemicals. The safety system design for laboratory and process plants is discussed in detail. Issues related to chemical waste disposal are emphasized.
ECH5505 | Process Reliability and Maintainability (3 Credits)
This course covers the principles in analyzing plant reliability and maintainability based on equipment failure and repair data considering layer of protection. The strategy for equipment criticality, assessment, and maintenance are also provided for obtaining good plant availability, high plant performance and safe plant operation.
ECH5506 I Mechanical Failure and Electrical Hazards (3 Credits)
This course covers the review and evaluation of mechanical failures in chemical process and handling equipment, and electrical hazards. It covers the design aspects, safe handling, hazards and related risk control measures.
ECH5514 I Human Behaviour and Human Error (3 Credits)
This course covers the evaluation concepts of workers selection in human resource management. Analysis of human reliability using qualitative and quantitative models is emphasized. Human error improvement method affecting the decision-making process is discussed.
ECH5516 I Process Safety Laboratory (2 Credits)
The course activities are related to hazard identification process, incident investigation, risk and consequence assessment as well as methods to avoid failure and prevent loss in a facility or in an organization. The activities are supported by the use of related advanced software.
ECH5517 I Consequence Analysis (3 Credits)
This course covers the concept of hazard consequence analysis of accidental chemical release in industrial facilities. The source and dispersion modelling, consequences analysis and impact of hazardous materials release are studied.
ECH5520 I Process Safety Management (3 Credits)
This course encompasses assisted laboratory works to perform hazard identification process, quantitative risk evaluation and probability analysis related to process safety and loss prevention.
ECH5990 I Dissertation (10 Credits)
Every student is required to carry out a supervised research in the area of process safety and loss prevention. The research has to be implemented according to a proper process and the results are reported verbally and in writing.
ECH5518 | Fire and Explosion Engineering (3 Credits)
This course covers the fundamentals of fire and explosion science, hazards and risk analysis. Active fire and explosion protection systems, which include detectors, alarm and smoke control are developed. The impacts of fire and explosion to human and environment are evaluated.
ECH5519 | Industrial Hygiene Design (3 Credits)
This course covers the concept of industrial hygiene and the related hazards control approach. Design of safe and healthy workplace that includes ventilation and control of physical hazards, safe workstation, and ergonomics are discussed.
EAB5421 | Forensic Science (3 Credits)
This course covers investigations of disasters, industrial accidents, fire risks by analysing physical evidence using forensic techniques and witness interviews.
ECH5804 | Corrosion Engineering (3 Credits)
This course covers the principles, type, testing and prevention of corrosion for the purpose of handling corrosion problems economically and safely.
ECH5501 | Atmospheric Risk Management (3 Credits)
This course covers the understanding of practice of performing and managing regulatory atmospheric risk assessments, the evaluation of the effects of air toxic emissions on human health.
ECH5510 | Disaster Management and Emergency Plan (3 Credits)
This course covers the management principles, planning and analysis of disaster and emergency management in handling disaster and emergency situations in a more systematic and organized manner. The development of emergency response plan and the decision for disaster management and its implications are also emphasized.
ECH5511 | Health, Safety and Environmental Protection (3 Credits)
This course covers the principles and protection of health, safety and environmental protection, risk assessment and management, waste handling as well as the use of personal protective equipment.
ECH5521 | Special Topics in Process Safety (3 Credits)
This course deals with topics in the field of process safety and loss prevention according to current issues and development. Emphasis is given to information retrieval, analyzing information or data based on the given topics and the issues are assessed. Findings are reported critically.
Admission Requirements
Note: Candidates with Bachelor of Science or Technology degrees or their equivalents are accepted for admission, prerequisite modules in Engineering will be offered to adequately prepare them for their advanced study.
Language Requirements
International candidates are required to fulfill English language requirement as follows:
Note: Candidate without the requisite minimum score for TOEFL or IELTS may be granted a provisional admission. Such candidate will be required to pass an English Placement Test conducted by the University.
English Language Exemption
Exemption of English Language requirement is given for some international applicants. For more information on the exemption, please click the button below:
What is the general information on the program?
MSc Establish : 2009 (first intake); ~220 graduated
Student Archetype : 10% fresh graduate/ 90% Professional
Instructor profiles : Academician with invitation of practitioners
Total credit : 42 credits
Students average/class : Around 15 depending on the registered student that year and how many times per yrs. course offered.
Accreditation :
- Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).
- Serial number MQA/SWA0410
- 52-Engineering and Engineering Trades
- NEC Field of 524 (Chemical and Process)
What are the highlights of this program?
- The program is accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).
- The program has experience lecturers as well as include involvement from industrial speakers.
- Hybrid mode and weekends classes which can accommodate students who are working.
- The program fee is affordable.
- The program exposed students to practical activities and practical case studies.
- The program’s curriculum is continuously improved based on feedback from experienced international external assessors, Industrial Advisory Panels as well as students and Alumni.
How many intakes per year?
There are two intakes per year. Our intakes are in March and October. The application deadlines are as follows:
March intake :
- International students – 30 June
- Malaysian students – 31 July
October intake :
- International students – 30 November
- Malaysian students – 31 December
Does the program accept applications through APEL.A?
Yes, the program accepts applications through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A). The applicant must be Malaysian, 30 years old on the year of application, has STPM or Diploma certification, has relevant professional experience and has passed their APEL.A certification.
How much will this program cost?
The program fee is as below:
| Fees | Master Coursework | |
| Malaysian Students | International Student | |
| Basic Fees (1st Semester) | RM 1,425 | RM 2,475 |
| Basic Fees (2nd and subsequent semester) | RM 1,175 | RM 2,225 |
| Credit Fees | RM 370/credit | RM 450/credit |
Basic fee is for semester basis and credit fee is for number of credits basis. The total number of credits for the program is 42 credits. Therefore, for three semesters (minimum semester), the total fee is:
- Malaysian students : RM19,315.00
- International students : RM25,825.00
How long is the duration of the program?
Minimum duration : Three semesters (18 months)
Maximum duration : Six semesters (36 months)
How is the program conducted?
Class mode : Hybrid mode where our student will attend the classes physically in UPM, Malaysia, however online option is given to those students who live 150 km or 2 hours away from UPM.
Class time : All classes are run during the weekends (Saturday 2pm-5pm and Sunday 9am-5pm (Malaysian times))
Final Examination : Physical session in UPM Serdang Campus (special arrangement can be made for those students who live outside Peninsular Malaysia).
Special activities : For some programs (e.g., Postgraduate Symposium, module-based courses, first aider course), students must attend the program in Serdang Campus physically. These typically take either a day or a few days within the semester. Prior notice will be given.
Modular Courses : In most semesters, a course will be offered via a modular approach.
When does the Final Examination held?
The Final examination is normally held in two/three weekends. Typically, it is conducted in July for March semester and February for October semester. Special arrangement can be made for those students who live outside Peninsular Malaysia.
Who should I contact to get more information on the program?
Dr. Mus’ab Abdul Razak
Coordinator, Master in Process Safety and Loss Prevention (MPSLP)
Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Email: musab@upm.edu.my
Phone: +603-9769 4398
H/P & WhatsApp: +6019-326 3440
Fees
Basic Fees
2nd Semester & Subsequent Semester
Malaysian Student
RM 1,175
International Student
RM 2,225
Credit Fees
Credit Based
Malaysian Student
RM 370 / Credit
International Student
