Ergonomics and Human Factors Postgraduate Diploma

Program Overview

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Ergonomics and Human Factors Postgraduate Diploma

Overview

The Ergonomics and Human Factors Postgraduate Diploma is a dynamic and evolving profession gaining greater attention around the world, as increasing emphasis is being placed on a holistic human-centred approach to product and service design, to optimise usability and user-experience.

Course Details

• Duration: 2 years (part-time)
• UK Fee: £6,480 (2025/26)
• International Fee: £6,480 (2025/26)
• Start Date: September
• Location: Online

Course Description

This Postgraduate Diploma in Ergonomics and Human Factors (PG Dip) is the second stage of our Masters in Ergonomics and Human Factors. Delivered over 2 years, it builds on the Postgraduate Certificate in Ergonomics and Human Factors to advance your knowledge and develop specialist understanding of systems approach in the area of Healthcare of Behaviour Change through a choice of optional modules.

Specialist Pathway Awards

This Postgraduate Diploma in Ergonomics and Human Factors is the second stage of our Masters in Ergonomics and Human Factors. Made up of five core modules and one optional module, you are able to tailor your studies to achieve a named pathway award:

• PG Dip Ergonomics and Human Factors
• PG Dip Ergonomics and Human Factors (Healthcare)
• PG Dip Ergonomics and Human Factors (Behaviour Change)

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).

Modules

Core Modules

• Fundamentals of Ergonomics and Human Factors
• Cognitive Ergonomics and Psychology
• Physical Ergonomics
• Investigation and Analysis
• Systems Ergonomics

Optional Modules

• Contemporary Issues in Ergonomics and Human Factors
• Ergonomics and Human Factors (Behaviour Change)
• Ergonomics and Human Factors (Healthcare)

Assessment Method

This course is assessed entirely through coursework. You will undertake formative and summative assessments to demonstrate that you have met the module and programme learning outcomes.

Student Support and Guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

Entry Requirements

You should possess one of the following:

• A UK undergraduate degree or equivalent International qualification
• Equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline

We will also consider applications which demonstrate evidence of relevant key practical experience and work-based training.

English Language Qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
• International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C
• ASE Proficiency: Pass

Fees and Funding

• UK/EU/International: £6,480 (2025/26)
• Flexible payment plans available:
  • Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying
  • Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases

Careers

The Ergonomics and Human Factors Postgraduate Diploma is designed to support your career development within the profession; however you may wish to progress onto the final stage of the Masters award before considering further qualifications such as a PhD.

The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors is an excellent resource for employment opportunities and for information about gaining experience in ergonomics. You will be able to access their resources, events and membership community through your student membership for the duration of your studies and build your portfolio as you work towards becoming a Registered Member of the CIEHF.

The Postgraduate qualification will be of value to Ergonomists/ Human Factors professionals seeking postgraduate level CPD. It will also benefit those working in allied professions to broaden your skills and enhance your service offering, to build on your professional development or to create new career openings.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Ergonomics and Human Factors (PG Dip) is a 2-year program that builds upon the Postgraduate Certificate in Ergonomics and Human Factors. It aims to advance your knowledge and develop specialist understanding of systems approach in the area of Healthcare or Behaviour Change through a choice of optional modules.

• To develop specialist understanding of systems approach in the area of Healthcare or Behaviour Change.
• To prepare you for the demands of the human factors profession.

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Outline:

The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Ergonomics and Human Factors comprises six 20-credit modules totaling 120 credits at level 7. You will complete five core modules and one optional module.

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Core Modules:

• Fundamentals of Ergonomics and Human Factors: This module will begin with a holistic view of ergonomics and human factors, where you will consider the fundamental areas of ergonomics and human factors such as safety, comfort, performance, health, and wellbeing.
The module will introduce design and the design process, user needs, usability and UX (user experience), to encourage you to consider the needs and desires of different user groups. You will learn about the factors that can influence these processes, such as workload, stress, and fatigue.
• Physical Ergonomics: This module will cover the physical aspects of human-system interaction, including posture, movement, and biomechanics.
You will learn about the factors that can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, such as repetitive strain injuries and back pain.
• Investigation and Analysis: This module will introduce you to a range of methods used to investigate and analyze human-system interactions.
You will learn about the different components of a system, how they interact, and how to optimize system performance.

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Optional Modules:

• Contemporary Issues in Ergonomics and Human Factors: This module will explore current trends and challenges in the field of ergonomics and human factors.
You will learn about emerging technologies, new research findings, and the ethical implications of ergonomics and human factors practice.
• Ergonomics and Human Factors (Healthcare): This module will focus on the application of ergonomics and human factors principles to healthcare settings.
You will learn about the design of healthcare facilities, medical equipment, and healthcare systems.

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Assessment:

The course is assessed entirely through coursework. You will undertake formative and summative assessments to demonstrate that you have met the module and programme learning outcomes. Assessments will take the form of academic reports and case studies, online oral presentations and poster presentations through to developing or critiquing research proposals and conducting your own independent study.

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Teaching:

The course is delivered online, with a mix of group work and independent study. You will have access to a wide range of study materials, interactive activities, reading, reflection, and assessments. You will be encouraged to consider the knowledge gained throughout the modules in the context of your own workplace and demonstrate your understanding back through the online discussion boards as well as your assessments.

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Careers:

The Ergonomics and Human Factors Postgraduate Diploma is designed to support your career development within the profession. You may wish to progress onto the final stage of the Masters award before considering further qualifications such as a PhD. The Postgraduate qualification will be of value to Ergonomists/ Human Factors professionals seeking postgraduate level CPD. It will also benefit those working in allied professions to broaden your skills and enhance your service offering, to build on your professional development or to create new career openings.

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Other:

• The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).
• The course is a stepping-stone to a Masters qualification (MSc) in Ergonomics and Human Factors.
• The academic team continue to practice in industry as Chartered Practitioners.
They are passionate about the Human Factors profession and advocates of the quality and productivity benefits that the approach brings.
• The course is available for September start.
• The course is delivered online.
• The pace of study is around 20 hours per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester for the standard study plan.
• There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10-week trimester.
• The course taster will give you an idea of how online learning works.
• The course is designed to transition you between the theoretical knowledge, research evidence, and application in practice.
• The course is designed to help you become an independent, life-long learner.
• The course is designed to help you achieve your goals.
• The course is designed to help you build your portfolio.
• The course is designed to help you become a Registered Member of the CIEHF.
• The course is designed to help you broaden your skills and enhance your service offering.
• The course is designed to help you build on your professional development.
• The course is designed to help you create new career openings.
• The course is designed to help you find a job.
• The course is designed to help you advance your career.
• The course is designed to help you achieve your full potential.
• The course is designed to help you make a difference in the world.