Online course details
Study options
Part-time: 3 years
UK/EU fee
£8,820 (2019/20) ‡
International fee
£8,820 (2019/20) ‡
Start dates
September, May
Online course description
This course was the first online Ergonomics MSc 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 Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), it meets their high standards and gives you the opportunity of graduate membership which is your first step to registered status as an ergonomist.
Ergonomics promotes a holistic human-centred approach. This theme naturally links the modules within the programme. There are modules designed to cover physical and psychological characteristics, Ergonomics methods and wider systems issues. You will be able to complete one of three pathways in Ergonomics (Human Factors), Health Ergonomics, and Ergonomics and Organisational Behaviour, which are all accredited by CIEHF and offer you the opportunity to tailor your studies to meet your own career interests.
Our tutors have many years of experience in Ergonomics and they understand the pressures of balancing study around work and family commitments.
New, from 2020
From 2020, our MSc Ergonomics is being redeveloped. If you joined the current online Ergonomics MSc in September 2019, you will be able to transfer your credits from the current programme on to the new Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc or one of the pathways in 2020, subject to the new Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc being successfully validated.
Flexible enough to fit around you
You can complete this part-time masters course in three years. 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.
An introduction to the course
Our short introductory video gives you a snapshot of what you will learn on our online Ergonomics MSc degree course.
We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enrol. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered. In addition, where demand is high, some modules may be subject to a cap.
This course is made up of six 20-credit modules and one 60-credit module (Independent Scholarship). These will be a mixture of core and optional modules.
You will need to complete all of the core modules and then select the optional module relevant to your preferred specialist pathway:
- Ergonomics and Design for the Ergonomics (Human Factors) pathway
- Human Behaviour and Health for the Health Ergonomics pathway
- Organisational Psychology for the Ergonomics and Organisational Behaviour pathway
The online MSc Ergonomics course comprises three progressive stages: postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and MSc.
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.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Pace of study
We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester. If you aim to study two modules in one trimester, we recommend 40 hours of study per week.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Applicants should normally have a minimum of a lower second class (2.2) honours degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline. However, 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 qualifications
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 6.5
- TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (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
‡2019/20 Fees
| Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
UK/EU/International |
£980 |
7 (six 20-credit modules and one 60-credit module) |
£8,820 |
2020/21 Fees
| Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
UK/EU/International |
£1,010 |
7 (six 20-credit modules and one 60-credit module) |
£9,090 |
About your fees
This figure would be the total cost of this course in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
However, please also note that you can receive a 5% discount if you either:
- Pay your full course fees upfront, or
- When enrolling in September, pay for all of your modules to be studied in that academic year upfront
Flexible payment plans available
Choose from three options:
-
Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying
-
Pay your full course fees upfront, receive 5% discount and avoid annual increases
-
Pay for all modules studied in the year and receive a 5% discount (September enrolment only)
Masters funding options
Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to help with living costs and tuition fees whilst studying your masters programme.
Students should apply directly to the University.
Apply now
Documents to support your application
You'll need to provide:
- Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence
- Current CV
- Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
- Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- The date of the translation
- The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
- The translator’s contact details
A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.
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 CIEHF website.
Graduate membership
Our MSc Ergonomics is accredited by CIEHF 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 CIEHF 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. After three years, you 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. Registered ergonomists can also apply for chartership by returning an acceptable continuing professional development (CPD) submission.