MSc Ergonomics programmes

by Online Distance Learning

leading to the following named awards:

MSc Health Ergonomics
MSc Ergonomics (Human Factors)
MSc Ergonomics & Organisational Behaviour

incorporating Ergonomics Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma

Owing to the success of our online distance learning Masters in Health Ergonomics we have now added pathways in Ergonomics (Human Factors) and Ergonomics and Organisational Behaviour. All are studied from home or the workplace by UK, EU and International students. Since the course was launched in 2005 many students have decided to study with us. Most are working full-time for a range of organisations such as NHS Trusts, government agencies, oil industries, manufacturing companies and aerospace in the UK, EU and beyond. The programme is delivered on-line using web pages and discussion forums to allow contact with staff and other students. Further contact with staff is possible via e-mail, telephone and visits to campus if required. 

Why Choose Derby?

> High level of day-to-day support from teaching focussed staff with applied experience as researchers and consultants.
> Offers flexible work-based learning or full-time study*.
> Opportunity to bring new theories and skills to your workplace or start a new career in ergonomics.
> Access to a wide range of the latest electronic journals.
> Discuss ergonomics with other students from the UK and beyond.
> Relevant to continuing professional development.
> Enhancement and extension of current knowledge and skills.

 

Qualifying Course for Graduate Membership of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors 

The MSc Ergonomics programme at Derby has been accredited by the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (formerly the Ergonomics Society) as a Qualifying Course for Graduate Membership of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors. Graduate Membership is the first professional grade of membership of the Institute and an important step towards becoming a Registered Member of the Institute, which you can do after three years of Graduate Membership. For further information about the Institute see www.ergonomics.org.uk.

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Course Content

The content of the course has been informed by the core areas required by the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors  and a survey of potential applicants. Core modules for all three named awards in Ergonomics are:

• Introduction to Ergonomics
• Psychology & Human Performance
• Ergonomics Methods
• Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics
• Investigations & Analysis in Ergonomics
• Systems Ergonomics

The pathways have the own core modules:
Ergonomics and Design for Ergonomics (Human Factors)
Human Behaviour & Health for Health Ergonomics
Organisational Psychology for Ergonomics & Organisational Behaviour

And dependent on pathway a further optional module is taken from:
Behavioural Safety, Stress in Organisations and a 'negotiated module' - which allows students to choose the content of a module, allowing it to be relevant to their particular work or interests. An optional Applied Ergonomics Residential is also planned.

The Masters is awarded after completion of the final project during the Independent Scholarship in Ergonomics module.

The Ergonomics Masters degree pathways provide students with a knowledge of theory and the ergonomics methodologies and techniques needed to evaluate problems at work, propose solutions and assess how effective the solutions are. Staff will facilitate the application of ergonomics to students areas of expertise.

Please note: Modules are related to staff expertise and are subject to change.

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Course Structure

When the required number of modules have been passed the named Ergonomics MSc, PG Diploma or PG Cert will be awarded. This offers the flexibility of work-based ergonomics training required by those in employment or an opportunity to study for those looking for a career in ergonomics. Students who are not in full-time employment can complete the Health Ergonomics Masters in 1 year with the equivalent of full-time study at a distance*.

For those in employment, the course is studied part-time. This web based distance learning format provides flexibility in study and the opportunity to focus learning within a work environment. Students studying modules in the recommended structure can expect to complete the PG Cert in 15 months, PG Diploma in 2.5 years and the MSc in 3 to 4 years. There is some flexibility and it can take up to 6 years to complete if required.

There are three 12 week terms a year starting January, April and September (although there can be some flexibility). Usually one module per term will be studied, although it may be possible to study more. There are eight modules to complete, plus a final independent studies project. The PG Certificate consists of four modules and the PG Diploma eight modules.

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What will I get from the course?

The course provides excellent additional skills for people who contribute to the evaluation and design of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. The course will enable students to work as an ergonomist or in an associated discipline, perhaps related to any first degree held. It will enable some students to change career direction and can also form health professionals continuing professional development.

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What is Health Ergonomics?

Ergonomics (Human Factors) is a multi-disciplinary subject that promotes a holistic human centred approach where considerations of physical, psychological, organizational and environmental factors are applied to practical problems in a variety of situations to ensure good design, comfort, safety and health. The Health Ergonomics course combines core ergonomics topics with a Health Psychology module, the study of how behavioural and social factors influence health - important knowledge for practicing ergonomists. 

The core areas of ergonomics/human factors are covered and throughout the course there are opportunities to study areas of specific interest to you. This may be in the form of coursework topics or module selection.

The MSc Health Ergonomics is appropriate for anyone with an interest in ergonomics and will also be of particular interest to those working in the fields related to occupational health such as Occupational Health professionals, Health & Safety practitioners, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Nurse Advisors. 

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Programme Aims

Common to all awards
1. To cover and combine the core areas listed by the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, thereby meeting subject needs and producing modern ergonomists able to take forward the biopsychosocial approach to ergonomics in their work.
2. Provide a supportive and challenging learning environment for students wishing to improve their skills and prospects at work, while maintaining flexibility utilising elearning for those at work or studying full-time.
3. Develop mastery of, and the ability to, critically evaluate theoretical and methodological aspects of ergonomics and apply them in practice.
4. Identify and investigate ergonomics problems and propose and critically evaluate solutions based on a thorough grounding in research methods and appropriate data analysis techniques.
5. Develop a deep understanding of the user, their abilities and limitations in the context of the wider physical and systems environment as applicable to task performance.

Each named award has the following additional programme aims:

MSc in Ergonomics (Human Factors)
> To provide a deep understanding of ergonomics in the design process.

MSc in Health Ergonomics
> To provide a deep understanding of how psychological theory aids our understanding of the relationship between human behaviour and health in an ergonomics context.

MSc in Ergonomics & Organisational Behaviour
> To provide a deep understanding of how human behaviour is influenced by organisations and culture in an ergonomics context.
 

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* Students who are not in full-time employment can complete the Health Ergonomics Masters in 1 year. All pathways will be available to study in one year from Sept. 2011.