MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Loughborough University

Program Overview

Loughborough’s MSc in Ergonomics and Human Factors equips you to design systems, products, and environments that optimize human well-being and performance. It’s ideal for graduates from design, health sciences, psychology, engineering, or related fields who want to become accredited ergonomics and human factors practitioners.

Curriculum Structure

(Semester 1)
You’ll begin with the foundations of ergonomics, exploring Cognitive Ergonomics and Physical Ergonomics. These modules help you understand how people interact with systems, environments, and technology, focusing on perception, memory, workload, and the physical demands of tasks. You’ll also develop practical skills in Data Collection and Analysis, learning to apply scientific methods to real-world ergonomic problems.

(Semester 2)
The second semester deepens your expertise with Human Factors and Systems, where you’ll study complex socio-technical systems and how to design them for safety and efficiency. You’ll also take Interaction and Experience Design, applying usability and user-centered design principles to digital and physical interfaces. Alongside, you’ll refine your ability to evaluate and improve system performance through applied projects.

Summer Project
The program culminates in a substantial industry-linked project, giving you the chance to apply your learning in a professional context. Past students have partnered with organizations such as Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, and government agencies, tackling challenges in transport, healthcare, and product design.

Focus Areas

Human factors for inclusive design | Human factors in transport | Ergonomics for patient safety | Ergonomics in health and community care

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master ergonomics competencies aligned with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), including the ability to analyze human-system interactions, design for safety and usability, and apply scientific methods to optimize performance.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), ensuring graduates meet professional standards for practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

4th in the UK for Art and Design (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 including Dyson, Philips, Jaguar Land Rover, and leading consultancies

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning on Loughborough’s MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors is all about applying theory in real-world contexts. Students gain hands-on skills through purpose-built laboratories, industry-linked projects, and advanced digital tools. You’ll work in specialist facilities such as climate chambers, vision labs, and car simulators, while also collaborating on group projects and engaging with guest speakers from leading companies. This blend of practical training and professional exposure ensures you graduate ready to solve complex human-system challenges.

Here’s how those opportunities translate into concrete experiences:

Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre: Includes an environmental test suite, climate chambers, and light/vision labs where you study human interaction with temperature, lighting, and physical environments.
Car Simulator & PC Labs: Used to analyze driver behavior, system usability, and human-machine interaction in transport contexts.
Mac Computer Labs & Studio Spaces: Support design-focused modules like Interaction and Experience Design, giving you access to industry-standard digital tools.
Group Projects & Presentations: Assessment methods include collaborative evaluations and group presentations, building teamwork and communication skills.
Industry-linked Summer Project: Many students partner with organizations such as Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, and government agencies, applying ergonomics to real-world challenges.
Guest Lectures from Industry Experts: Past speakers include professionals from Rolls Royce, EDF Energy, and Humanscale, offering insights into current practice.
Design Building & Lecture Theatres: Purpose-built spaces for seminars, critiques, and practical sessions, fostering a professional learning environment.
Digital Learning Tools: Access to interactive online systems, virtual tutorials, and remote discussion platforms, ensuring flexibility for part-time learners.
Library & Research Support: Full access to Loughborough’s academic resources, including ergonomics-specific collections and research databases.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Loughborough’s MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors step into careers where human-centered design and safety are paramount. Typical job roles include Human Factors Consultant, Usability Designer/Engineer, Graduate Human Factors Engineer, and UX/Risk Consultant. Many alumni have gone on to work with leading employers such as Dyson, Philips, Jaguar Land Rover, and government agencies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This program is designed to launch you directly into professional practice, backed by strong industry connections and accreditation. Here’s how your future could unfold:

University Career Services: Loughborough’s Careers Network provides tailored support, including CV workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one guidance specifically for postgraduate students.
Employment Stats: Loughborough is consistently ranked in the UK’s top 10 for graduate employability, with over 94% of postgraduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Industry Partnerships: Students often collaborate with companies such as Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce, EDF Energy, and Humanscale during projects and guest lectures, gaining direct exposure to professional practice.
Accreditation Value: The MSc is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), giving graduates a recognized pathway to professional registration.
Graduate Destinations: Alumni have secured roles across diverse sectors including medical devices, defence, rail, automotive, nuclear, and oil and gas industries, as well as consultancy and research careers.

Further Academic Progression

For those who wish to continue their studies, graduates can pursue a PhD in Ergonomics, Human Factors, or related design and engineering disciplines at Loughborough or other leading universities. This opens pathways into academic research, teaching, and advanced industry innovation roles.