Postgraduate Prospectus

Human Factors and Safety Assessment in Aeronautics MSc/PgCert

Suitable for students wishing to gain a grounding in human factors and safety assessment specifically applied to the aerospace industry.

Takes you on to further career opportunities in aviation and other safety-critical industries. This MSc has received strong support from the aerospace industry, including Boeing, the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services. There are strong employment prospects for graduates in safety-related management and operational positions.

You will be taught by a team of academic staff and visiting lecturers with a wide range of expertise in many aspects of human factors and aeronautical operations. Teaching staff include world leaders in aviation psychology, human factors, accident investigation and aircraft design.

Course description

This world-leading course attracts industry professionals from organisations such as BAE Systems, British Airways, the RAF, Oman Air Force, as well as graduates from engineering, psychology and other degree courses. The MSc comprises ten compulsory modules, one non-assessed module and a research thesis and the PgCert comprises of a selection of six modules. The programmes aim to provide students with an understanding of the human factors and safety issues in design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance throughout the aeronautical industry.

“This multidisciplinary MSc has proved instrumental to the successful design and implementation of core HF training to UK military aviation personnel and has helped formulate a more rigorous and coherent HF policy.”

Lieutenant Commander Justin Saward – UK Defence Aviation Safety Centre

Students benefit from the Department of Human Factors’ range of specialist equipment which can be made available for research work. This currently includes a suite of aircraft flight deck and cabin simulators, eye tracking and physiological monitoring equipment and a library of psychometric test and assessment materials

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and seminars, case studies, group work, individual projects, business games, visits and guest lectures. Successful completion of the taught modules is required for MSc students before progressing to the research thesis.

“My newly acquired academic knowledge has helped me to be a better airline pilot.”

Peter Twang – Captain 747-400 Singapore Airlines Ltd

Modules:

Assessed Modules:
  • Introduction to Human Factors
  • Research Methods and Statistics
  • Safety, Risk and Reliability
  • Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance
  • Flight Deck Design
  • Human Performance and Error
  • Training and Simulation
  • Accident Investigation
  • Occupational Health
  • Aviation Safety Management
Non Assessed Module:
  • Fundamentals of Flying
Individual MSc research thesis

The research thesis allows students to select an area of particular interest in aviation and aerospace human factors and examine this issue in more detail. This promotes co-operation with industry and forms links useful for a future career path. Recent thesis work has seen students working with organisations including Airbus, British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and the military.

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Entry requirements

Typically a 1st or 2nd class UK Honours degree or equivalent in engineering, aeronautical engineering, mathematics, ergonomics, psychology or other science. Other qualifications (eg HND or alternative) may be acceptable, provided that there is evidence of sufficient relevant work experience.

Duration

MSc 1 year full-time, 3 years part-time. PgCert 2 years part-time.

Start date

October.

Number of places

20.

Assessment

Coursework assignments, examinations, and for the MSc, an individual research project (assessed by thesis and presentation).

Funding

Some funding may be available for suitably qualified UK/EU students. Please contact us for details.

Further details & applications

Further information

Course Website

Video testimonial

Contact

SoE Admissions (ATM)
T: +44 (0)1234 754236
E: soe_atm@cranfield.ac.uk

ATAS certificate required

Students requiring a Tier 4 General Student visa to study in the UK may need to apply for an ATAS certificate to study this course.

Application process

Application form.

Online application

Human Factors & Safety Assessment in Aeronautics

Teaching location

Cranfield campus, School of Engineering.