Masters Degrees (Ergonomics)

The field of ergonomics and human factors is about ensuring a good fit between people, the things they do, the objects they use, and the environments they work, travel and play in. We offer five postgraduate taught programmes in the field of ergonomics and human factors which take a scientific look at these interactions and apply theoretical principles, data and methods to ensure that design is optimised for human wellbeing and overall system performance.

Our programmes are awarded separate qualifications but share many core modules. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning means that you benefit from teaching provided by our specialist experts in each area, ensuring that you are trained to the highest professional standard. Joining us on one of these well-respected programmes will provide you primarily with a broad ergonomics education, with further opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest to you.

The programmes are professionally recognised by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and the Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists (CREE). The CIEHF is affiliated with the International Ergonomics Association, opening up employment opportunities worldwide. Our Ergonomics in Health and Community Care programme meets the requirements for you to become a Registered Member of National Back Exchange.

How this programme is taught

A key feature of our Ergonomics postgraduate programmes is the way in which we deliver them. Each module is taught over a one week intensive period in Loughborough, these are also known as block taught modules. Outside of this time, you will be expected to complete prepared programme materials and assignments using email and the internet. We will provide you with access to an interactive online system to provide you with additional materials and information. This system also enables you to participate in tutorial type discussion remotely.

As well as a full-time MSc qualification, this programme is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. These different levels of education provide a flexible approach that enable many of our students to come from a diverse range of backgrounds – including completing study whilst in full-time employment. We also have a number of students who choose to study part-time.

Please see our ‘Programme modules’ (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/taught/ergonomics-human-factors/modules/) page for more information about what modules are studied for each qualification and the dates for the coming year.

Who is this programme for?

The course is aimed at students who want to cover ergonomics for health and community care.

Current and past students have come from a large range of backgrounds, both in the UK and internationally. Degrees and experience held by our past students include the fields of: health sciences, human physiology, kinesiology, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and branches of engineering/design.

Industry connections

The programme has strong links with industry. As part of the programme you will also be encouraged to undertake your main project in industry, providing realistic experiences and learning. The programme content has a strong practitioner bias where what you are learning provides vocational training towards a career as an ergonomist or human factors expert.

Outside speakers include industry (Humanscale, EDF Energy, Rolls Royce, AMEC); health and safety (e.g. aviation safety, environmental); health practitioners; and lecturers from other Universities.

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The course is specially designed to be undertaken by employees who need to apply ergonomics principles to their work. It will provide an understanding of the key issues related to workplace ergonomics and work design and will also direct students towards additional resources to facilitate the learning process.

Students will be required to use this understanding of the importance of the workplace, a basic knowledge of ergonomics theory and the ability to use a number of valuable ergonomics assessment techniques.

The course is flexible and enables you to study at a time and pace that suits you. You will be provided with support over the telephone, emails and online tutorials. You will be taught by a team who actively work as researchers and consultants and can share their experience of applying ergonomics in the real world.

This course will develop:

Graduates who understand and can apply theory,method and practice of human factors/ergonomics for analysing and evaluating products and work situation
knowledge and understanding of human factors relevant to the workplace
knowledge and understanding of how human factors principles and methods can be used in the design and management of organisational systems to improve performance, productivity and quality while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the workforce
critical and analytical skills relevant to practice of human factors/ergonomics
the ability to work independently and to design and conduct independent research within organisational contexts

The course has been recognised by The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors as a Level 1 course. This means that after successfully completing the course you will gain full credit for the relevant secondary knowledge area to when applying for Registered Membership of the society.

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The field of ergonomics and human factors is about ensuring a good fit between people, the things they do, the objects they use, and the environments they work, travel and play in. We offer five postgraduate taught programmes in the field of ergonomics and human factors which take a scientific look at these interactions and apply theoretical principles, data and methods to ensure that design is optimised for human wellbeing and overall system performance.

Our programmes are awarded separate qualifications but share many core modules. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning means that you benefit from teaching provided by our specialist experts in each area, ensuring that you are trained to the highest professional standard. Joining us on one of these well-respected programmes will provide you primarily with a broad ergonomics education, with further opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest to you.

The programmes are professionally recognised by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and the Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists (CREE). The CIEHF is affiliated with the International Ergonomics Association, opening up employment opportunities worldwide. Our Ergonomics in Health and Community Care programme meets the requirements for you to become a Registered Member of National Back Exchange.

How this programme is taught

A key feature of our Ergonomics postgraduate programmes is the way in which we deliver them. Each module is taught over a one week intensive period in Loughborough, these are also known as block taught modules. Outside of this time, you will be expected to complete prepared programme materials and assignments using email and the internet. We will provide you with access to an interactive online system to provide you with additional materials and information. This system also enables you to participate in tutorial type discussion remotely.

As well as a full-time MSc qualification, this programme is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. These different levels of education provide a flexible approach that enable many of our students to come from a diverse range of backgrounds – including completing study whilst in full-time employment. We also have a number of students who choose to study part-time.

Please see our ‘Programme modules’ (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/taught/ergonomics-human-factors/modules/) page for more information about what modules are studied for each qualification and the dates for the coming year.

Who is this programme for?

The course is aimed at students who want a broad human factors education with a focus on aspects concerned with promoting patient safety in all healthcare sectors. Current and past students have come from a large range of backgrounds, both in the UK and internationally. Degrees and experience held by our past students include the fields of: health sciences, human physiology, kinesiology, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and branches of engineering/design.

Industry connections

The programme has strong links with industry. As part of the programme you will also be encouraged to undertake your main project in industry, providing realistic experiences and learning. The programme content has a strong practitioner bias where what you are learning provides vocational training towards a career as an ergonomist or human factors expert.

Outside speakers include industry (Humanscale, EDF Energy, Rolls Royce, AMEC); health and safety (e.g. aviation safety, environmental); health practitioners; and lecturers from other Universities.

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The field of ergonomics and human factors is about ensuring a good fit between people, the things they do, the objects they use, and the environments they work, travel and play in. We offer five postgraduate taught programmes in the field of ergonomics and human factors which take a scientific look at these interactions and apply theoretical principles, data and methods to ensure that design is optimised for human wellbeing and overall system performance.

Our programmes are awarded separate qualifications but share many core modules. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning means that you benefit from teaching provided by our specialist experts in each area, ensuring that you are trained to the highest professional standard. Joining us on one of these well-respected programmes will provide you primarily with a broad ergonomics education, with further opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest to you.

The programmes are professionally recognised by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and the Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists (CREE). The CIEHF is affiliated with the International Ergonomics Association, opening up employment opportunities worldwide. Our Ergonomics in Health and Community Care programme meets the requirements for you to become a Registered Member of National Back Exchange.

How the programme is taught

A key feature of our Ergonomics postgraduate programmes is the way in which we deliver them. Each module is taught over a one week intensive period in Loughborough, these are also known as block taught modules. Outside of this time, you will be expected to complete prepared programme materials and assignments using email and the internet. We will provide you with access to an interactive online system to provide you with additional materials and information. This system also enables you to participate in tutorial type discussion remotely.

As well as a full-time MSc qualification, this programme is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. These different levels of education provide a flexible approach that enable many of our students to come from a diverse range of backgrounds – including completing study whilst in full-time employment. We also have a number of students who choose to study part-time.

Please see our ‘Programme modules’ page for more information about what modules are studied for each qualification and the dates for the coming year.

Who is this programme for?

The course is aimed at students who want a broad human factors education.

Current and past students have come from a large range of backgrounds, both in the UK and internationally. Degrees and experience held by our past students include the fields of: industrial design, health sciences, human physiology, kinesiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and branches of engineering.

Industry connections

The programme has strong links with industry. As part of the programme you will also be encouraged to undertake your main project in industry, providing realistic experiences and learning. The programme content has a strong practitioner bias where what you are learning provides vocational training towards a career as an ergonomist or human factors expert.

Outside speakers include industry (Humanscale, EDF Energy, Rolls Royce, AMEC); health and safety (e.g. aviation safety, environmental); health practitioners; and lecturers from other Universities.

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This course is designed to develop knowledge of the critical contribution that human factors/ergonomics plays in the design of products, jobs, workplaces and systems as well as in the wider context of organizations and society. It also emphasizes the importance of a user-centred focus in the design of human interaction with advanced technologies and sociotechnical systems to ensure effectiveness and reliability as well as comfort, health and safety and satisfaction for the user, consumer or employee.

The consequences of neglecting human factors/ergonomics have been amply demonstrated over the past few years in major
reliability failures and accidents, unsuccessful introduction of technology, and labour relations problems.

Students will develop:
their learning in a world leading active research and teaching
environment
the ability to exercise original thought
the ability to communicate ideas effectively in written
reports, verbally and by the means of presentations to groups
the ability to plan and undertake an individual project
interpersonal, communication and professional skills
their knowledge of fundamental human factors/ergonomics
principles
their ability to apply theory to world problems and issues
key skills that will prepare them for a career in human in
academia or industry

Previous projects have included:

Evaluation of a private eye display for maintenance tasks
Implementing ergonomics in engineering design
Sub-sea engineering supervision
Manual handling on construction sites
What makes a VE (Virtual Environment) usable?
Assembly ergonomics for automotive design engineers
Data visualisation and 3D displays
Situational awareness measurement in rail traffic control
Distance judgement in vehicle navigation systems
Importance of usability in product choice

This course is accredited as the educational qualification for Membership of The Institute for Ergonomics and Human Factors.

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This popular and well-established programme was the first online ergonomics masters course to be launched in Europe. As a current or aspiring ergonomist, or a human factors professional, it would give you a significant advantage in your field. Accredited by your professional body, the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (IEHF), it meets their high standards and gives you the opportunity of Graduate Membership which is your first step to registered status as an Ergonomist.

Flexible enough to fit around you

Depending on whether you’re currently employed and on how much time you have, you can choose to complete this masters in 3-6 years part time. It’s really down to you to set the pace and because it’s online, you have complete control over when and where you study. Studying online gives you the flexibility to study at the most convenient time and place for you. Course modules still operate within a fixed trimester but you can choose to study during the day, in the evenings or at the weekend rather than having to attend fixed lectures.

Try this course for free

Visit our website where you can try this course for free! Our course taster allows you to access a selection of content from a module within this course and experience online learning first hand.

Accrue qualifications along the way – not just at the end

The MSc Ergonomics comprises three progressive stages; Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc:

•Postgraduate Certificate in Ergonomics you must complete 3 modules (60 credits)
•Postgraduate Diploma in Ergonomics you must complete a total of 6 modules (120 credits)
•MSc you must complete 6 modules and the Independent Study project (180 credits).

We would encourage you to complete the full MSc, but if you aren't able to, you can still gain an exit award at each stage: a PG Cert or a PG Dip.

You can start this course in September and May.

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The programme consists of six modules which enables students to study for the MSc Applied Ergonomics by Distance Learning from the comfort of their own home at a time to suit you, without coming to the University if they do not wish to do so.

The emphasis of the Applied Ergonomics by Distance Learning Postgraduate degree programme is on improving awareness of the critical contribution ergonomics has in organisations and society and to provide the necessary skills to address these issues in the design of products, jobs, workplaces and systems. It also familiarises students with the need for end user focus in the design of computing and communication systems and information technology, including advanced virtual and other technologies of the future.

The programme is designed to give honours graduates the human factors/ergonomics expertise required in a wide range of manufacturing, service and process industries, enforcement agencies such as Local Authorities and the health service, as well as a grounding for a career in research. Students may already be working in the industry and want to enhance their knowledge or may be looking to gain skills that would enable them to join the industry.

On graduating with an MSc, which can be achieved in 2 to 4 years, students will have the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the field of ergonomics. They will also have gained the necessary research skills to undertake further study if they wish.

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This MSc programme consists of four elements; lecture courses, continuous assessment, practical work, and a minor research thesis.

Programme description
The programme is divided into seven subject areas that include: occupational health, occupational hygiene, ergonomics, safety and risk management, research methods, legal studies, and management studies. Students will gain experience in the use of state-of-the-art equipment and software packages. They will also observe occupational health & safety in the workplace at first-hand through extensive site visits. Students will be exposed to relevant domain experts through seminars and team-based projects.

Programme aims and objectives
The programme will give participants formal instruction in the broad multidisciplinary areas of occupational health & safety and enable them to take on managerial responsibilities for these matters within an industry or to work with a regulatory agency or consultancy firm. It will also provide a foundation for further research in the areas of occupational health, ergonomics, occupational hygiene, and safety engineering. The programme has been recognised by the Irish Health and Safety Authority and satisfies the academic requirements for membership of the U.K. Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

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The field of ergonomics and human factors is about ensuring a good fit between people, the things they do, the objects they use, and the environments they work, travel and play in. We offer five postgraduate taught programmes in the field of ergonomics and human factors which take a scientific look at these interactions and apply theoretical principles, data and methods to ensure that design is optimised for human wellbeing and overall system performance.

Our programmes are awarded separate qualifications but share many core modules. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning means that you benefit from teaching provided by our specialist experts in each area, ensuring that you are trained to the highest professional standard. Joining us on one of these well-respected programmes will provide you primarily with a broad ergonomics education, with further opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest to you.

The programmes are professionally recognised by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and the Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists (CREE). The CIEHF is affiliated with the International Ergonomics Association, opening up employment opportunities worldwide. Our Ergonomics in Health and Community Care programme meets the requirements for
you to become a Registered Member of National Back Exchange.

How the programme is taught

A key feature of our Ergonomics postgraduate programmes is the way in which we deliver them. Each module is taught over a one week intensive period in Loughborough, these are also known as block taught modules. Outside of this time, you will be expected to complete prepared programme materials and assignments using email and the internet. We will provide you with access to an interactive online system to provide you with additional materials and information. This system also enables you to participate in tutorial type discussion remotely.

As well as a full-time MSc qualification, this programme is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. These different levels of education provide a flexible approach that enable many of our students to come from a diverse range of backgrounds – including completing study whilst in full-time employment. We also have a number of students who choose to study part-time.

Please see our ‘Programme modules’ (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/taught/ergonomics-human-factors/modules/) page for more information about what modules are studied for each qualification and the dates for the coming year.

Who is this programme for?

The course is aimed at students who want a human factors education with a focus on vehicles and transport. Current and past students have come from a large range of backgrounds, both in the UK and internationally. Degrees and experience held by our past students include the fields of: industrial design, health sciences, human physiology, kinesiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and branches of engineering.

Industry connections

The programme has strong links with industry. As part of the programme you will also be encouraged to undertake your main project in industry, providing realistic experiences and learning. The programme content has a strong practitioner bias where what you are learning provides vocational training towards a career as an ergonomist or human factors expert.

Outside speakers include industry (Humanscale, EDF Energy, Rolls Royce, AMEC); health and safety (e.g. aviation safety, environmental); health practitioners; and lecturers from other Universities.

Read less

The field of ergonomics and human factors is about ensuring a good fit between people, the things they do, the objects they use, and the environments they work, travel and play in. We offer five postgraduate taught programmes in the field of ergonomics and human factors which take a scientific look at these interactions and apply theoretical principles, data and methods to ensure that design is optimised for human wellbeing and overall system performance.

Our programmes are awarded separate qualifications but share many core modules. This interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning means that you benefit from teaching provided by our specialist experts in each area, ensuring that you are trained to the highest professional standard. Joining us on one of these well-respected programmes will provide you primarily with a broad ergonomics education, with further opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest to you.

The programmes are professionally recognised by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and the Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists (CREE). The CIEHF is affiliated with the International Ergonomics Association, opening up employment opportunities worldwide. Our Ergonomics in Health and Community Care programme meets the requirements for you to become a Registered Member of National Back Exchange.

How the programme is taught

A key feature of our Ergonomics postgraduate programmes is the way in which we deliver them. Each module is taught over a one week intensive period in Loughborough, these are also known as block taught modules. Outside of this time, you will be expected to complete prepared programme materials and assignments using email and the internet. We will provide you with access to an interactive online system to provide you with additional materials and information. This system also enables you to participate in tutorial type discussion remotely.

As well as a full-time MSc qualification, this programme is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. These different levels of education provide a flexible approach that enable many of our students to come from a diverse range of backgrounds – including completing study whilst in full-time employment. We also have a number of students who choose to study part-time.

Please see our ‘Programme modules’ (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/taught/ergonomics-human-factors/modules/) page for more information about what modules are studied for each qualification and the dates for the coming year.

Who is this programme for?

The course is aimed at students who want a broad human factors education with a focus on aspects concerned with inclusive design. Current and past students have come from a large range of backgrounds, both in the UK and internationally. Degrees and experience held by our past students include the fields of: industrial design, health sciences, human physiology, kinesiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and branches of engineering.

Industry connections

The programme has strong links with industry. As part of the programme you will also be encouraged to undertake your main project in industry, providing realistic experiences and learning. The programme content has a strong practitioner bias where what you are learning provides vocational training towards a career as an ergonomist or human factors expert.

Outside speakers include industry (Humanscale, EDF Energy, Rolls Royce, AMEC); health and safety (e.g. aviation safety, environmental); health practitioners; and lecturers from other Universities.

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The M.H.K. program offers concentration in either Applied Human Performance (sport and exercise psychology, biomechanics and ergonomics, exercise physiology, motor learning and control, lifespan development) or Sport Management (leadership, organizational behaviour, community development, sport finance and economics, sport and the law, sport sociology, sport history, sport marketing).

The program is uniquely structured to offer both a research thesis stream, and an internship stream. The internship stream provides students with hands-on work experience to complement their coursework.

Our program is well established with 21 graduate faculty members supervising 80 M.H.K. students. There are several well funded laboratories and research groups supporting student research.

Program Description

The program focuses on the application of movement science in sport, the workplace, and activities of daily living. Students pursue course work, thesis research, and internships that examine the basic and applied principles of human biomechanics, ergonomics, exercise physiology, lifespan development, motor learning and control, neuromuscular physiology, and sport and exercise psychology.

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Kinesiology’s research is focused on the biosciences; psychological, socio-cultural, managerial and philosophical aspects of human performance, recreation and sport; and personal and community health and wellness. Topics range from exploring the processes underlying human movement to investigating volunteerism at national events, and assessing human factors and ergonomics in industry.

UNB leads the province in health and wellness research through collaboration with groups such as The Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, Horizon Health, various sport and recreation agencies and governmental departments. Our Community Outreach Programs provide opportunities for inter-disciplinary and collaborative research. We generally have about 50-60 students who have use of the Andrew & Marjorie McCain Human Performance Lab, Motor Control Lab, Occupational Therapy Lab, and the Exercise Physiology Lab.

Research Areas

-Health and Rehabilitation
-Clinical and Occupational Biomechanics
-Sport and Exercise Psychology
-Health/Wellness
-Pediatric Exercise Science
-Healthy Aging
-Human Factors and Ergonomics
-Sport and Recreation Studies
-Sport and Recreation Management

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Nowadays, the term Healthcare indicates a process that requires to create a new complex and multifactorial system in which technological factors, organizational, and human dimensions must find a balanced mix to provide safe and high quality care for patients. This also requires clinically effective and well-designed medical devices, as well as effective and reliable healthcare services based upon innovative technologies and systems, and the related organizational models to be implemented.

In the last 20 years the technological development of biomedical devices has reached an enormous progress, in terms of high performance and reliability, and also for safety and quality. Today medicine involves the use of many equipment and devices for the diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation and to support the correct clinical decision or the best treatment. Healthcare industry is requiring this multidisciplinary approach and know-how.

The Specializing Master Product Service System Design for Healthcare aims at providing the students with the fundamentals for designing biomedical devices, starting from the basics of methodologies and technologies for the measurement of physiological signals in clinical and home care applications.

Thanks to the proposed educational activity in the areas of:

• Research and development,
• Testing and certification,
• Regulatory systems and reference models,
• Marketing and analysis of user needs,

the main career opportunities with a strong orientation to the USER Centred Design and product innovation, process and service with leading-edge technologies, are expected in the following areas:

• Industrial and Services: for R&D, market analysis and user needs, 
• Clinical: design and application of systems for diagnosis, cure and theraphy, prevention and rehabilitation,
• Policy makers and/or policy managers in Healthcare and in technologies for healthcare.

Degree awarded

The Specializing Master grants 62 CFU, equivalent to 62 ECTS. Upon completion, students earn a Politecnico di Milano first-level Specializing Master diploma.

Didactics

The training modules are designed to meet the need for an international panorama of growing competitiveness in which the designer should be able to increase the product value by generating innovations thanks to the technology available.

The mostly used devices will be analyzed and presented during the course. Standards, norms and reference services are another fundamental part of the Specializing Master providing the reference framework for how to develop devices and products for healthcare. Design Methods and Ergonomics will be also presented as reference methodologies in designing innovative product-service systems in healthcare, as well as to support methodologically and with reference data the design of new systems. For a better understanding and participation, visits to medical facilities (hospitals and laboratories) will be proposed.

A final workshop to develop innovative systems will conclude the Specializing Master as practical demonstration of the achieved goals. A stage in selected companies/institutions will make the students to experience the acquired knowledge.

Attendance to the activity is mandatory for at least 75% of the course. 

The modules will cover the following teaching areas:

• Organizational and management models of the new healthcare processes
• Technologies and systems
• Environments and Users
• Design Methodologies, Standards, Ergonomics in Healthcare Design
• standard and innovative clinical Challenges
• Design of products and systems for Healthcare

Internship of 325 hours.

For more info, please visit http://polidesign.net/en/healthcare

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About the course

The MSc in Integrated Product Design course focuses on the design of innovative products, emphasising the balance between the interest of users, industry and society. It covers the whole design process, integrating all aspects relevant to product development, in particular global new product design.

It meets industrial demand by integrating technology, management, aesthetics, environmental sustainability, ergonomics, marketing, business and design methods – to produce highly qualified and sought after designers able to cope with the challenges the global economy presents.

Specifically, the course aims to:

Provide an integrated programme of study across a broad range of knowledge and skills in product/industrial design
Develop design and technology research skills related to the design process through practicing applied research
Develop advanced design skills, enabling graduates to practice as an independent design professional and to further develop design and professional skills in product/industrial design engineering
Nurture scientific rigour as well as creativity to enable graduates to follow a successful career in product/industrial design and assume leadership roles in national and international companies and institutions.

Aims

Students master all aspects of integrated product design advancing their design skills and knowledge by applying systematic state-of-the-art theories and methodologies, and by integrating user, technology and business aspects. This not only opens up dynamic career options, but equips students with a comprehensive skillset to take into the commercial world.

The primary aim of this programme is to provide students with the practical knowledge and transferable skills required to be at the forefront of global product and services design research and development, in either an industrial or academic environment.
Graduates of this MSc will also have the independent learning ability required for both continual professional development and the acquisition of new skills at the highest level.

The course provides an integrated approach and promotes advanced studies in design theory, creativity and aesthetics, innovation methods, advanced design techniques, human factors and applied ergonomics, engineering, material and production science, sustainability and research methods.

Course Content

The first term includes three taught modules worth a total of 45 credits plus one double module of 30 credits which continues into the second term alongside three further modules. The thick module, Professional Design Studio, will include guest lectures, research seminars and group or individual project. The projects can be based on design research or product/industrial design.

The ‘Design Futures’ module will introduce the importance and potential value of future foresight techniques and develop a vision of the future and critically evaluate its implications for design, innovation and enabling technology.

The ‘Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Techniques’ module will introduce CAD and graphics based design modelling, rendering techniques and tools, product design simulation techniques and tools, rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques.

For the final four months of the programme (June to September), students can either continue their projects to greater depth as their dissertation project, or undertake a new subject. Students are encouraged to form industrial links as part of this project.

Typical Modules

Sustainable Design
Design Creativity and Aesthetic Awareness
Human Factors in Design
Professional Design Studio
Design and Innovation Futures: Seminar & Workshop
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Techniques
Strategic Design Management and Research
Dissertation Project

Assessment

Work in each module is predominantly assessed through practical project assignments including both individual and group work. The dissertation makes up a third of the overall degree and may include a substantial practical design element, but in all cases will be assessed through a final 20,000 word submission.

Special Features

High league table standings: Our courses are among the highest-ranking for Product and Industrial Design in the UK. In all the most recent university guides, as well as in the National Student Survey, Brunel Design is placed in the top four out of all UK Art and Design courses.

High employability: Design graduates enjoy excellent career prospects – see student graduate articles.

Accreditation

Brunel's Integrated Product Design course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED).

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Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is concerned with the design and use of computer and mobile technology, focusing on the interfaces between people and systems. This interdisciplinary degree programme sits at the intersection of engineering, behavioural sciences, and design. It combines academic rigour with practical and professional skills highly valued by employers.

Degree information

Students develop an understanding of the relevance and application of human physical, cognitive, social and affective knowledge to the design of interactive systems. They learn to analyse and test user performance, preferences and experience in relation to human-centred interactive systems. Students will be able to characterise and apply range of human-computer interaction and user-centred design styles.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two compulsory 30 credit core modules, four 15 credit optional modules and a 60 credit research project.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months or flexible up to three years is offered) consisting of two compulsory 30 credit core modules and four 15 credit optional modules. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), full-time three months or flexible up to two years is offered. This consists of one 30 credit core module and 30 credits of optional modules.

Core modules
-Interaction Science
-Interaction Design

Optional modules
-Accessibility and Assistive Technologies
-Affective Interaction
-Future Interfaces
-Human Factors for Digital Health
-Persuasive Games
-Physical Computing and Prototyping
-Socio-technical Systems

Dissertation/report
The MSc project gives you the opportunity to conduct research in the area of human-computer interaction under the supervision of a member of UCLIC staff. A broad range of topics and questions are offered and you will work closely with your supervisor in selecting and carrying out your project. Many former projects have contributed to publications at leading international conferences, such as the ACM SIGCHI conference.

Teaching and learning
Our modules use a combination of lectures and practical activities. Activities are often structured around individual or group projects, such as the evaluation of a system or the creation of a prototype. Modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework is varied and includes design portfolios, presentations, videos, reflective reports, and online peer learning tasks as well as more traditional academic essays.

Careers

Our graduates are employed by technology multinationals, start-ups, government agencies, consultancies and in academia. They take up roles such as User Experience (UX) Researchers, Interaction Designers, Usability Specialists and Information Architects. Many progress to senior roles within a few years of graduation.

Employability
This degree is highly regarded by our colleagues in industry. Along with developing HCI research skills, the programme allows students to demonstrate skills in presenting, writing and collaboration that are valued by employers. We have a large network of alumni working in London and across the world. Many of them are involved with our industry speaker series and careers events, and they regularly send opportunities to our jobs mailing list for recent graduates.

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme is taught by the UCL Interaction Centre (UCLIC), a world leading Centre of Excellence in Human-Computer Interaction, working collaboratively with industry and the research community. UCLIC, and before it the UCL Ergonomics Unit, have provided training in this field for over thirty years. We have excellent links with industry partners, offer students a weekly indsutry speaker series and run visits to consultancies and field sites.

Our modules use a combination of lectures and practical activities. Activities are often structured around individual or group projects, such as the evaluation of a system or the creation of a prototype. Assessments are varied and include design portfolios, presentations, videos and reflective reports as well as academic essays and exams.

The MSc research project allows students to undertake cutting-edge research in human-computer interaction. Many former projects have been published and presented at leading international conferences.

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