Engineering Psychology with Ergonomics MSc/Diploma/Certificate

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • September

Overview

The interface of engineering and the human sciences has an increasing number of global challenges. These include questions regarding the usability, efficiency and safety of systems and products. Do work processes comply with the latest human interaction guidelines? How can one manage environment and behavioural change? How do we address the challenges of humans working in socio-technical systems, e.g., efficient process control, maintaining workplace health or designing effective products, amongst many others? The key issue is that whether designed, built, used, maintained or disposed of, all systems, large and small, involve human as well as engineering components.

The Engineering Psychology with Ergonomics programme exposes students to the established field of study which operates at this important interface, equipping you with state of the art knowledge and actionable methods to enable a significant contribution to be made to complex real-world problems.  The objective of the programme is to consider the human in systems from a physical, cognitive and organisational perspective. A key feature is the strong relationship between theory and practice. Engineering Psychology is an applied science and the programme reflects an insistent focus on converting theoretical knowledge on human capabilities and limitations into actionable, credible means of assessment to inform design and best practice in a wide variety of domains.

At the end of the programme graduates will be equipped with a sound base of theoretical knowledge, the ability to apply it to practical problems, and a critical awareness of how Engineering Psychology can be integrated into existing business practices in order to meet the goals of system safety, performance and wellbeing. An MSc in Engineering Psychology represents a highly desirable set of skills with ready application within a wide range of careers. It is suitable for applicants from engineering and/or human science backgrounds, and particularly relevant to professionals in various fields who wish to convert their previous experience into a set of career enhancing competencies.

Programme duration

MSc programmes last for one year (September to August inclusive) and include a substantial research project. The Diploma covers the same classes as the MSc but lasts for just 9 months (September to May inclusive). Students admitted to the Diploma and who perform well in the taught modules may be invited to transfer to the MSc programme.

Programme content

The programme comprises six mandatory courses relating to human performance in physical, cognitive and organisational settings, of which, two courses cover methods and techniques, and one integrates knowledge gained via analysis of significant case studies.

Students are then able to select two further elective courses drawing from a considerable body of Cross-School expertise. The electives facilitate specialisation of the programme to the student’s personal interests. 
To achieve an MSc level qualification, eight courses have to be undertaken and subject to satisfactory performance, a research dissertation. The dissertation grants students an opportunity to work on a project of relevance to their current employer or own interests, and to do so with close collaboration with an expert member of staff. A Postgraduate Diploma requires satisfactory completion of eight courses minus the research dissertation. A Postgraduate Certificate requires the study of six courses.

Core courses include:

  • Consumer Ergonomics
  • People and the Physical Work Environment
  • Social and Organisational Change
  • Research Methods
  • Learning from Disasters
  • Human Factors Methods

Elective courses include:

  • Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of Control Rooms
  • Human Factors in the Built Environment
  • Fire Safety, Explosion and Process Safety
  • Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings

Entry requirements

For MSc level entry, students must hold:

  • A good (minimum 2:2) honours degree in a relevant discipline and/or
  • Full membership of a relevant professional institution and/or
  • Equivalent UK/overseas qualifications which may be considered on an individual basis

Modes of study

Full or part time study at our Edinburgh Campus is available, as is flexible independent distance learning. In all cases the programme has been designed to provide an enhanced teaching and learning experience supported by an expert body of academic staff combined with excellent links to industry and external subject matter experts.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:

  • 2 semesters English (for IELTS of 4.5-5.0);
  • 12 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5);
  • 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5*-6.0). (*minimum 5.5 reading and writing)

Distance learning students

Please note that independent distance learning students who access their studies online will be expected to have access to a PC/laptop and internet.

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries