Masters Degrees (Human Factors)

Delivering excellence in health and social care at an individual, team and organisational level is not just desirable but achievable. The philosophy of this CIEHF recognised course is that for high-quality, safer care to flourish, every member of staff must be committed to, and play their part in, an integrated approach to care. The application of a human factors approach is also crucial if real progress is to be made. A human factors approach involves applying theory, data and design methods about how humans interact with their environment to make it easier for work to be done in the right way.

Course details

The programme develops and equips critical advocates and ambassadors for quality, safety and governance in health and social care. It also enables you to apply comprehensive knowledge, understanding, expertise and advanced skills to lead a human factors-based project in the work place to enhance the quality, safety and governance of care. The programme is suitable for you if you work in the public, independent and voluntary sectors, or any other professional field including clinical and support services.

To maximise your success on this programme you need a viable project in line with your departmental or organisational priorities and agreed by your relevant organisational representative and programme leader. Throughout this course you will have access to qualified CIEHF members. You will be asked to complete a brief human factors-based quality improvement project overview form to support your application.We expect that you will have prior knowledge and/or experience of change management, leadership and quality improvement science or a willingness to independently increase your knowledge in these areas before beginning the course.

Professional accreditation

This course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors

What you study

You develop in-depth, specialist knowledge of human factors and gain experience in using this to enhance the quality, safety and governance of care. You also study improvement science, leading change and a multi-perspective approach to determining and measuring performance and the impact of change. This includes planning an evaluation study based on the change you have implemented.

Course structure

Core modules

• Leading Person-centred Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care
• Using a Human Factors Approach to Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care

Modules offered may vary.

Teaching

How you learn

The programme is taught in short study blocks spread across the academic year over a total of 14 contact days. We use a range of teaching methods including lectures and workshops, student-led seminars, action learning, interactive and online learning activities, directed and self-directed study activities. You are supported by module tutors with extensive experience in this subject area and the programme leader who is a member of the founding cohort for the NHS England and Health Foundation Q Initiative.

How you are assessed

We use a range of assessment modes throughout the programme. These include an essay analysing a quality, safety and governance issue using a human factors approach, a project-based evaluation research critique, and a poster presentation and oral defence of a change project. 

Formative processes include an informal presentation on the improvement project plan and initial implementation. This is an opportunity for you to receive early development feedback. Presentations are made to a small panel drawn from the critical friends stakeholder support forum whose members participate in student assessment and support programme design and delivery. This group comprises service users and carers, employer representatives and academic staff to ensure that a person-centred approach extends to all aspects of the programme, maximising employer/organisational benefit.

Employability

Graduates from this programme are equipped with specialist human factors knowledge, expertise and experience as well as a range of more generic attributes such as advanced reasoning and decision-making skills. You are able to work collaboratively, present and research. You also have strong ICT skills that highly sought after by employers.

The programme is relevant for you if you work in, or would like to work in a specialist quality, safety or governance role, or one dealing with human factors.

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The human element is vital to the safe and efficient operation of any airline. Over the past three decades a better understanding of the human behaviour has resulted in significant safety benefits. The Human Factors discipline forms a cornerstone of every aviation Safety Management programme.

This course will equip aviation professionals with a thorough appreciation of all aspects of the discipline and how they can be applied to best effect in the aeronautical industry. It adopts a systemic approach, emphasising the benefits of an integrated, approach to the application of Human Factors principles.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

If you choose this course you will benefit from:
-Course materials that have been specifically designed to complement and enhance the existing knowledge of professionals already engaged in this most demanding of industries. The study materials have been developed to be portable, allowing delegates to study them at a time and place that fits in around their busy work schedule. Studying by distance learning will allow you to progress your career in industry while simultaneously being in a position to apply the knowledge and principles gained on the course
-The course will be delivered via the Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle. But while access to the internet will be required, course materials have been developed to allow study to be undertaken anywhere in the world – even on board an aircraft!
-Tutor support from our acknowledged world experts and interaction with your peer group will be available using a variety of on-line resources

The MSc Human Factors in Aviation has been approved as an accredited course leading to certification as a European Human Factors Specialist in Aviation/Aviation Psychologist for appropriately qualified members of EAAP.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

All aspects of the course have a strong practical component within them. During the course, amongst other topics, candidates will study:
-Human Information Processing in Aviation
-Decision Making and Error in Aviation
-Selection. Stress and Stressors
-Flight Deck Design
-Training and Simulation
-Crew Resource Management
-Human Factors and Safety Management

Delegates will also be expected to complete a critical literature review in a relevant area, and an industry-related research project demonstrating the skills that they have gained during the taught component.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

Over 85% of all accidents have a Human Factors aspect to them. As a result there is a steady demand for Human Factors professionals in the Aviation and other safety critical industries. The demand for graduates from courses of this type is strong in safety management-related, training, systems engineering and operational areas.

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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.

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 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.

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’ 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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Demand for human factors and safety expertise continues to grow within aviation as well as other safety critical industries. 

This course has been designed to provide industry with equipped graduates who can make a real and lasting improvement to performance and safety through the application of skills and knowledge learnt through a mix of lectures and practical exercises.

Who is it for?

This course attracts a wide variety of students from aviation professionals in civil and military domains to high-quality graduates in engineering and social science disciplines. The wide range of skills and knowledge represented by students on the course provides a learning environment unique to here.

Why this course?

Delivered through the specialist Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, operating for over 30 years to support global safety and investigation, this course is unique in that it synthesises the study of human factors with the study of safety and safety assessment, creating a powerful combination to really add-on value in applied aviation and safety critical contexts.

It is designed to provide industry with successful and well equipped graduates who can make a real and lasting improvement to performance and safety through the application of skills and knowledge learned on the course. Demand for human factors and safety expertise continues to be a growing area within aviation as well as other safety critical industries. Safety critical systems require high human performance in addition to engineering excellence to meet the safety and business requirements of the aviation industry. To meet these demands, the design of systems must match, support and augment the capabilities of the user.

We are very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments.

Course details

The MSc comprises 12 modules; eight compulsory and two of the optional taught modules; and two group project modules. The PgCert consists of three compulsory modules with the remaining modules selected by yourself. You also complete an individual research project.

Group project

Two group projects are completed by students: 

The Capstone Group Project will provide a simulated industrial environment where knowledge and skills gained from the taught components of the course can be consolidated and applied to solving a human factors and safety problem. 

The Applied Safety Assessment module will provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems module, in a practical scenario. In addition, the module aims to equip students with the ability to conduct a comprehensive safety assessment on an airframe whist working in a team, and to present the group work both orally and in a written report.

Individual project

Each MSc student is required to undertake an individual research project. The output of this project is a written report presented in the format of a scientific paper. The project aims to provide students with an opportunity to apply the technical and analytical skills taught during the course, in a practical way. The individual research project is a chance to study a specific subject or problem area in much greater depth and use some of the techniques learned during the course. You will be assigned a supervisor who will help to guide you in your research.

Previous Individual Research Projects included:

• The analysis of behaviour associated with high workload in military air-traffic control
• Checklist design in General Aviation
• Safety in ground handling with Menzies Aviation
• Pilot-autopilot conflict with Airbus.

Assessment

Taught modules 40%, Group projects 20%, Individual research project 40%

Your career

There are strong employment prospects for graduates in safety-related management and operational positions. Course graduates generally find suitable employment in a range of safety and human factors related roles. Previous graduates of the course have been successful in gaining employment with:

• Airbus
• BAE Systems
• British Airways
• Qinetiq
• Virgin Atlantic
• NATS
• Honeywell
• Easyjet
• DHL
• Royal Navy
• Frazer-Nash
• MBDA

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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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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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Cyberspace is a vast, complex and still evolving community that presents enterprise, industry and governments with on-going security management challenges, as it grows on an exponential scale.

Bournemouth University’s MSc in Cyber Security & Human Factors has been developed in response to the needs of the computing and security sectors worldwide. Graduates from this course will be equipped with technical know-how to protect and prevent, and the ability to assess risk and manage incidents.

On this course, you'll gain an understanding of cyber security by investigating threat, vulnerabilities and impact risk, the contagion of fear, uncertainty and doubt, managing human factors in security, trust management and information assurance.

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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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Do you train healthcare providers or organise systems to improve patient safety? This one year masters programme will enable you to apply innovative educational methods and processes to improve patient outcomes. Explore an in-depth range of simulation-based learning techniques and be equipped with the skills required to plan and conduct your dissertation. Be primed with the advanced knowledge and understanding to confidently lead improvements in the quality of patient safety in your workplace.

Key features

-Explore a range of simulation-based learning methods that can improve quality of patient care. Recent national reports have emphasised the need for widened access to simulation training and the recognition of person-level and system-level human factors in improving patient safety.
-Develop an understanding of the factors involved in quality improvement strategies and their evaluation using outcomes related to patient safety.
-Undertake a critical study of education and expert practice, change management and innovation.
-Equip yourself with the skills to plan and conduct a full masters dissertation.
-Get a variety of hands-on experience – the Simulation and Enhanced Learning module will be delivered at the Horizon Centre, a new innovation, education and research facility at Torbay Hospital. The remaining taught modules will be delivered in the John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park. Find out more about your teaching locations.
-Advance your knowledge, understanding and skills in patient safety and quality improvement and have the opportunities to apply these skills in the clinical environment.
-Take advantage of our experienced teaching staff drawn from experts in the Plymouth and Torbay NHS trusts and the University, as well as from the higher education sector in the South West region and beyond.
-Benefit from flexible learning – there are a number of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities relating to this programme where a single module or specific days within a module may be taken independently.
-Graduate with the skills required to implement simulation effectively into educational programmes, and develop and evaluate evidence-based patient safety strategies in organisations.
-You’ll be supported by a PUPSMD staff member and can attend seminars of the medical education research group CAMERA.

Course details

You’ll explore a range of simulation-based learning methods that can improve patient safety and quality of care through enhanced learning. Advance your knowledge, understanding and skills in patient safety and the application of these to your own workplace. You’ll be introduced to the role of human factors and develop a critical understanding of the current state of patient safety within healthcare and examine strategies to improve it. You’ll be provided with the knowledge and skills associated with the project design, development and knowledge transfer process. You’ll also explore the physical and psychological links between organisations, employees and their work environment and how the concept of human factors influences the way we work. The use of simulation for training and assessment of human factors will be integral to the module.

Core modules
-DIS731 Dissertation
-SIM714 Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
-PDD721 Project Design, Development and Knowledge Transfer
-SIM711 Simulation and Enhanced Learning
-SIM715 Human Factors in Healthcare

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

For more information on the part time version of this course, view the web-page: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/msc-simulation-and-patient-safety

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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 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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Programme Background

Public awareness of hazards and risks has enhanced the importance of safety assessment and management in today’s increasingly litigious society. Worldwide the burden of responsibility for health and safety is shifting towards those who own, manage and work in industrial and commercial organisations. Legal reform is tending to replace detailed industry specific legislation with a modern approach in which, where possible, goals and general principles are set and the onus is on organisations to show how they manage to achieve these goals.

The management of safety and risk needs to be integrated into the overall management of the organisation. It should be appropriate and cost-effective without dampening the innovative entrepreneurial spirit of employees with inflexible bureaucratic rules and procedures. An organisation’s exposure to potential hazards needs to be managed so as to reduce the chance of loss and mitigate any effects. Risk and safety issues need to be evaluated in a structured and calculated manner but in the light of an overall organisational strategy.

The MSc/PG Diploma programme in Safety and Risk Management aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of risk assessment techniques, the public and individual perception of risk, and how decisions are made in competitive business markets. The focus is on practical applications of safety methodologies, ergonomics and human factors, and safety and risk management techniques.

All of these skills will be drawn together to undertake complex qualitative and quantitative risk assessments. The core of the programme is the management of safety, but it is set within a broader remit where safety issues are part of a general risk management system with a balance of financial, quality and environmental concerns. The overall aim of the programme is to develop students’ skills and personal qualities to be able to undertake safety studies and manage safety and risk to the best national and international standards.

Professional Recognition

This MSc degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree. See http://www.jbm.org.ukfor further information.

The MSc and PgDip degrees have also been accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Graduates are eligible to join IOSH as Graduate members and then undertake an initial professional development process that leads to Chartered membership. http://www.iosh.co.uk for further information.

Programme Content

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Safety, Risk and Management is only available by attendance-free distance learning. The programme comprises eight courses. All courses have written examinations and some have compulsory coursework elements. MSc students are also required to complete an individual project (dissertation).

For the project component of the programme distance learners are likely to develop something based in their country of residence with advice and supervision from staff in the School. This may well include work with a local company or may involve independent study. Individual arrangements will be set up with each student.

For more detailed information on this programme please contact the Programme Leader before applying (see above).

Courses

• Risk Assessment and Safety Management
This courses aims to give students an appreciation of risk from individual and societal perspectives as well as understanding the basic principles of risk assessment and modelling and how safety management works in practice.

• Human Factors Methods
This course will equip students from academic and/or industrial backgrounds with knowledge on, and the means to deploy, a wide range of specialist human factors techniques. The emphasis is on method selection, application, combination and integration within existing business practices. Students will develop a critical awareness of what methods exist, how to apply them in practice and their principle benefits and limitations.

• Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of Control Rooms
The course will equip students from academic and/or industrial backgrounds with in-depth knowledge on, insights into, and the means to deploy a wide range of specialist techniques relevant to the ergonomic design and evaluation of control rooms. The emphasis is on key areas of control room operations and on actionable ways to deploy theory on human capabilities and limitations in order to improve performance, safety, efficiency and overall operator well being.

• Fire Safety, Explosions and Process Safety
Introduces students to the basic principles of fire safety science and engineering, and develops skills in associated modelling leading to an understanding of principal fire/explosion related issues in process safety.

• Environmental Impact Assessment
Provides the candidate with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes of the Environmental Impact Assessment. By the end of the course, the student should be familiar with the European EIA legislation and its translation into the Scottish planning system, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the EIA process, the tools and the agents involved in an EIA and the possible problems with using EIA as a decision making tool. . It is also intended that the student will be able to appreciate the purpose of the EIA process from a number of perspectives; that of a developer, an EIA practitioner and a policy maker.

• Project Management Theory and Practice
Provides students with an understanding of the concepts and practices of construction project management used to provide value added services to clients within the constraints of time, cost, quality sustainability and health and safety management.

• Learning from Disasters
Gives students an in depth understanding of some of the classic disasters and their consequences by using a range of practical accident investigation techniques. Students will learn to analyse complex histories in order to find the underlying root cause.

• Value and Risk Management.
Aims to introduce the concepts of value and risk management, apply them to strategic and tactical problems and illustrate their tools and techniques through case study.

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Delivering excellence in health and social care at an individual, team and organisational level is not just desirable but achievable.

Course details

The philosophy of this programme is that for excellence to flourish every member of staff must be committed to, and play their part in, an integrated governance approach. This is where people-centredness and people-centred approaches to care are afforded the same esteem and recognition as finance, performance, risk management, safety and quality.

The programme is designed to develop and equip critical champions and ambassadors for quality, safety and governance in health and social care. It enables you to apply your comprehensive knowledge, understanding, expertise and advanced skills to lead evidence-based enhancement of quality, safety and governance in your health and social care settings and evaluate the impact of this. The programme is suitable for individuals from the public, independent and voluntary sectors from any professional background, including clinical and support services.

What you study

Year 1 focuses on the transition to mastery and explores the context of safety, quality and governance in terms of policy, theory and experience, at a personal, local, national and international level. You also study different types and sources of evidence. You use these to identify a quality, safety or governance issue of relevance to your role based on an in-depth study of the principles, practices and tools of safety and governance in health and social care. You then develop and justify a business case for change based on this.

The modules studied in Year 1 make up the Advancing Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care, PgCert.

In Year 2, you plan and implement a change project based on your business case presented at the end of Year 1. To help you achieve this you study topics such as a human factors approach, strategic change management, action learning and leadership and evaluation methodologies. You then develop and critique an evaluation study proposal in Year 2 which you take forward during your dissertation module in Year 3. The modules studied in Year 2 make up the Advancing Human Factors in Health and Social Care, PgCert.

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

• Principles and Practice of Safety and Governance in Health and Social Care
• Using Evidence to Advance Quality, Safety and Governance in Health and Social Care

Year 2 core modules

• Leading Person-centred Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care
• Using a Human Factors Approach to Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care

Year 3 core modules

• Dissertation: Evaluating Impact

Modules offered may vary.

Teaching

How you learn

In Years 1 and 2 the programme is taught in short study blocks spread across the academic year over a total of 14 days. We use a range of teaching methods including lectures and workshops, student-led seminars, action learning, real-life scenarios and case study analysis, interactive and online learning activities, directed and self-directed study activities. Year 3 is mainly guided self-directed study with the support of a dissertation supervisor. You are supported by module tutors with extensive experience in this subject area and the programme leader who is a member of the founding cohort for the NHS England and Health Foundation Q initiative.

How you are assessed

We use a range of assessment modes throughout the programme. These include an essay on the nature and use of evidence, analysis of a quality, safety or governance issue using a human factors approach, a business case and the final dissertation evaluating the change you have implemented. 

Other modes of assessment include a poster presentation and defence, and an oral presentation with questions and answers. 

The programme is supported by a critical friends stakeholder support forum which consists of service users and carers, employer representatives and academic staff. Members of this group participate in student assessment as well as supporting programme design and delivery as a means of ensuring the person-centred approach pervades all aspects of the programme and to maximise employer/organisational benefit.

Employability

On successful completion of this programme you are equipped with a range of knowledge, expertise and experiences such as advanced reasoning and decision-making skills. You are also able to work collaboratively, present and research. And you have strong ICT skills that are highly sought by employers. The programme is relevant for you if you are working in or would like to work in a specialist quality, safety or governance role, or one covering these issues.

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