Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Loughborough University

Program Overview

This master’s program empowers you to design safer, more efficient systems and environments by combining psychology, design, and engineering with practical application. It is ideal for graduates in design, engineering, psychology, health sciences, and related fields who want to become professional ergonomics or human factors practitioners.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Semester 1)
You’ll begin by mastering the foundations of human interaction with systems. Modules such as Cognitive Ergonomics and Physical Ergonomics explore how perception, memory, and physical capabilities influence design. Alongside this, Human Factors and Systems introduces you to analyzing complex environments and improving safety and usability.

Year 1 (Semester 2)
The focus shifts to applied methods and design practice. In Data Collection and Analysis, you’ll gain hands-on skills in gathering and interpreting ergonomics data. Interaction and Experience Design develops your ability to create user-centered solutions, while pathway modules such as Human Factors in Transport or Ergonomics for Patient Safety allow you to specialize in areas that match your career ambitions.

Summer Project
You’ll complete a major project, often in collaboration with industry partners like Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, or Philips. This capstone experience lets you apply your learning to real-world challenges, producing professional-level research or design outcomes that enhance your employability.

Focus Areas

Human factors for inclusive design | Transport ergonomics | Patient safety | Health and community care

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop competencies aligned with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), including the ability to analyze human-system interaction, design for safety and usability, and apply scientific methods to professional practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), ensuring your qualification meets industry-recognized professional standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
39th in the world for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Strong graduate destinations include Dyson, Philips, Jaguar Land Rover, NHS Trusts, and leading consultancies in medical devices, defence, transport, and energy.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is built around practical application, ensuring you graduate with the skills employers value most. You’ll gain hands-on experience in specialist laboratories, use industry-standard software, and work on projects directly linked to real-world challenges. The emphasis is on learning by doing — whether through group projects, applied research, or collaborations with leading companies — so you leave with both knowledge and confidence.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your MSc journey:

Specialist Laboratories: Access to the Design Ergonomics Laboratory and Human Factors Research facilities, equipped for usability testing, motion capture, and physical ergonomics experiments.
Software Tools: Training in professional packages such as SPSS and ergonomics-specific analysis software to evaluate human-system interaction.
Group Projects: Collaborative design and evaluation projects that simulate consultancy work, often linked to industry briefs.
Industry Partnerships: Opportunities to work with Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, Philips, and NHS Trusts through applied projects and research collaborations.
Digital Tools & Simulation: Use of advanced digital prototyping and simulation platforms to test and refine design solutions.
Libraries & Institutes: Full access to the Pilkington Library and the Design School’s research institutes, supporting ergonomics and human factors innovation.
Professional Accreditation Pathways: Practical experiences aligned with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), preparing you for chartership.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are highly sought after in industries where human-centered design and safety are critical. Many move into roles such as Human Factors Specialist, Ergonomics Consultant, Usability Engineer, or Safety Analyst, applying their expertise across transport, healthcare, defence, energy, and product design.

Here’s how Loughborough supports your progression and future success:

University Services: The Careers Network provides tailored employability support, including one-to-one guidance, employer connections, and workshops designed to help you secure roles in ergonomics and human factors.
Employment Stats: Loughborough is ranked Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026), reflecting strong outcomes for Design School graduates.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, Philips, and NHS Trusts give students direct exposure to real-world projects and professional networks.
Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), the MSc provides a pathway to chartership, ensuring long-term professional recognition.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into consultancy, industry, and government roles, with many securing positions in leading organizations and specialist ergonomics firms.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students may continue into doctoral research (PhD) within Loughborough’s Design School or related institutes. Areas of further study include advanced ergonomics, human factors in healthcare, inclusive design, and applied human-system interaction, opening pathways to academic careers or specialist research leadership roles.