Career Info | Ergonomics MSc
Course code: MJ9AA Level: 7
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.
A snapshot of how you'll learn
Watch our short introductory video below to find out more about this online degree.
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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 1 year full time, or 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.
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.
This course is made up of seven 20 credit modules. These will be a mixture of core and optional modules - examples are listed below.
Once you have chosen your preferred pathway (e.g. Health Ergonomics) we will advise you on the modules you need to take. For further information or to disuss your options, please contact us.
- Approaches in Ergonomics (20 credits)
- Organisational Psychology (20 credits)
- Physical Characteristics and Ergonomics (20 credits)
- Systems and Ergonomics (20 credits)
- Cognition, Behaviour and Performance (20 credits)
- Ergonomics and Design (20 credits)
- Human Behaviour and Health (20 credits)
- Investigations and Analysis (20 credits)
- Independent Scholarship in Ergonomics (60 credits)
You'll need a UK undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline. If you have key practical experience and work based training, you may also apply.
International students require equivalent qualifications and may be asked to supply references to support your application.
English language qualification
If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
- IELTS 7.0
- TOEFL 600 (paper based) 250 (computer based) or 100 (internet based)
- Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
- London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
- International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
- International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C.
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK/EU | £725 | 9 | £6,525* | Sept/May |
| Overseas | £840 | 9 | £7,560* | Sept/May |
*Prices correct for 2013/2014. Subject to annual increase in September 2014.
Flexible payment plans available
Choose from three options:
- Pay only for the modules you are studying
- Pay your full course fees upfront, receive a 5% discount and avoid annual increases
- Pay for all modules studied in the year and receive a 5% discount (September enrolment only)
During this course you will develop excellent skills to help you evaluate and design tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems that are compatible with the needs and limitations of people.
Employment prospects for Ergonomists can be diverse as demand for these specialist skills can be found in a range of fields from healthcare to aviation, nuclear safety to product design. Further career information is available on the IEHF website.
Graduate Membership
Our MSc Ergonomics is accredited by the IEHF as a qualifying course for Graduate Membership. This is the first step in developing a career as an Ergonomist and brings you a whole range of benefits including:
- discounts on books, journals and insurance
- events and talks that keep you updated about changes in your field
- regular news and jobs alerts.
Once you have obtained your MSc Ergonomics, you can apply to the IEHF to be a graduate member.
As a graduate member you can begin to build your expertise under the guidance of a mentor, building a portfolio of work that after 3 years can be considered by the professional body in order for you to be recognised as a ‘Registered Member’ and allowed to use the letters MIEHF after your name. The IEHF is currently working towards a Royal Charter - once achieved, Registered Ergonomists would become Chartered Ergonomists.
