Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering requires a UK 2:2 Honours degree, or a non-UK degree judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in Engineering, Mathematics or Physics. Key subjects you must have covered include Mathematics and Mechanical subjects such as stress analysis, strength of materials and thermodynamics. The official programme page does not publish a separate qualification table for Chinese applicants; it directs all international applicants to a country selector and states that the listed entry requirements are a guide only and do not guarantee entry.
Degree equivalency for international applicants
The University of Aberdeen states that applicants must hold either a UK 2:2 Honours degree or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth. The acceptable degree branches are any branch of Engineering, Mathematics or Physics. The programme page includes a country selector tool where applicants can enter their country or territory to view relevant entry requirements. As of the evidence date, no China-specific percentage or GPA threshold is published on the course page itself. The University advises that the information provided is a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Key subject prerequisites
Regardless of your degree title, you must have covered Mathematics and Mechanical subjects such as stress analysis, strength of materials and thermodynamics during your previous studies. This requirement applies to all applicants, whether holding a UK or non-UK qualification.
English language requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen, you must demonstrate fluency in speaking, understanding, reading and writing English. The minimum scores for this programme are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90, with Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21.
- PTE Academic: Overall 62, with Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59.
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Overall 176, with Listening 162, Reading 162, Speaking 162, Writing 169.
Document requirements for application
You will be required to supply the following documentation as proof you meet the entry requirements. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, you can still apply and provide your Degree Certificate at a later date:
- An up-to-date CV/Resumé.
- A degree certificate showing your qualifications.
- A full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s), including an original and official English translation.
- A detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme.
Programme fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
For the 2026/27 academic year, the published international tuition fee is £26,250. The University also lists a fee of £18,250 for self-funded international students, which includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship. All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive this £8,000 scholarship. Full terms and conditions apply to the scholarship, and the University states that fees may be subject to change.
Programme structure and accreditation
This MSc is available full time over 12 months or part time over 24 months, with September and January start dates. The programme is delivered on campus in Aberdeen. It is accredited by The Energy Institute, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The curriculum includes compulsory courses in Safety & Risk Management, Statistics and Probability for Safety, Reliability and Quality, Fire and Explosion Engineering, and Offshore Structural Integrity.
What the official page does not yet confirm
The programme page does not publish a standalone China-specific entry requirement. The country selector tool requires you to enter your country to view relevant requirements, but the underlying equivalency data for China is not displayed on the course page itself. The University explicitly states that the qualification information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry. Applicants should use the country selector on the official page and check the University’s international applicant pages for the most current equivalency information.
FAQ
What degree classification do I need for the MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering?
The University requires a UK 2:2 Honours degree, or a non-UK degree judged to be of equivalent worth, in any branch of Engineering, Mathematics or Physics.
What subjects must I have studied before applying?
You must have covered Mathematics and Mechanical subjects such as stress analysis, strength of materials and thermodynamics.
Is there a separate entry requirement for Chinese applicants?
The programme page does not publish a separate qualification table for Chinese applicants. It provides a country selector tool and directs applicants to enter their country to view relevant requirements. The University states that all entry requirements are a guide only and do not guarantee entry.
What is the Aberdeen Global Scholarship and who is eligible?
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. For the MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering, the self-funded international fee of £18,250 includes this scholarship. Full terms and conditions apply.
Can I apply if I have not yet completed my degree?
Yes. You can still apply and provide your Degree Certificate at a later date. You will need to supply your CV, degree transcript and a personal statement with your application.
What English language tests are accepted?
The University accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. Minimum overall and component scores are listed on the programme page.
When can I start the programme?
The MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering has both September and January start dates. It can be studied full time over 12 months or part time over 24 months.
Further reading
Official sources
For broader context on UK postgraduate study, you may find these resources useful: University of Leeds 2026 guide, AI and artificial intelligence agent overview, Australia study-abroad agency guide, and free application-support guide.