MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors

Program Overview

The Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc/PgDip/PgCert program at Loughborough University equips students with the knowledge and skills to optimize design for human well-being and system performance. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, the program offers flexible study options, world-class teaching, and access to industry experts, preparing graduates for successful careers in ergonomics and human factors.

Program Outline

Objectives:

• Equip students to apply theoretical principles, data, and methods to ensure design is optimized for human well-being and overall system performance.
• Allow students to choose one of several specialist streams: human factors for inclusive design, human factors in transport, human factors and ergonomics for patient safety, or ergonomics in health and community care.
• Provide students with teaching from world-leading academics, industry experts, and specialists, ensuring they are trained to the highest professional standards.

Program Description:

• The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).
• The program is offered as a full-time MSc (8 modules and a project), a Postgraduate Diploma (8 modules), or a Postgraduate Certificate (4 modules).
• All options can be studied full or part-time according to student preference.
• Past students have joined the program from a wide range of academic disciplines and backgrounds.

Outline:

Content:

• The program focuses on developing students' ergonomics competencies in critical and practical skills alongside the scientific methods necessary for professional practice.
• The specific modules students will study depend on the chosen pathway.

Structure:

• The program is delivered over modules, with each module taught during a one-week intensive period.
• This flexible approach allows students to work full or part-time alongside their studies.
• Outside of the intensive modules, students are expected to complete additional program materials and assignments.
• The program utilizes an interactive online system with additional materials and information, where students also remotely participate in tutorial-type discussions.

Course Schedule:

• The program is delivered through a series of modules, each with its own schedule.
• The specific schedule for each module can be found in the program and module specifications.

Individual Modules:

• The program consists of eight modules, with specific modules varying depending on the chosen specialization.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, independent study, group work, laboratory work, practical sessions, online tutorials, and virtual learning.

Faculty:

• The program is taught by world-leading academics who are at the forefront of current research developments.
• Guest lectures are also provided by industry experts and subject specialists.

Unique Approaches:

• The program utilizes a flexible approach with intensive modules and online resources.
• Students have the opportunity to attend guest lectures from industry speakers and subject experts.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Successful completion of the program enables graduates to become professional ergonomics or human factors practitioners.
• The broad nature of the program also opens up career opportunities in other scientific and research careers.
• Examples of jobs held by recent graduates include: Chief Trials Officer; Ergonomist and Automotive Engineer; Graduate Human Factors Engineer; Human Factors Consultant; Scientist; Usability Designer/Engineer; User Researcher; and UX/Human Factors/Risk Consultant.

Career Outcomes:

• Recent graduates have secured positions at organizations such as Dyson, Philips, Jaguar Land Rover, government agencies, and design/engineering/risk consultancies in various sectors.
• Other graduates have pursued further research careers (PhDs).

Other:

Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre:

• The program benefits from access to the Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre facilities, which include an environmental test suite, light and vision labs.
• This facility is located in a purpose-built facility close to the Design building and enables students to study the interaction of people with their physical environment.
• The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).
• The program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in ergonomics and human factors.
• The program offers a flexible approach to learning, allowing students to study full or part-time.
• The program provides students with access to world-leading academics and industry experts.

UK fee: £13,000 Full-time degree per annum International fee: £28,750 Full-time degree per annum