Human Factors and Safety Assessment in Aeronautics MSc/PgDip/PgCert

Postgraduate Prospectus

Human Factors and Safety Assessment in Aeronautics MSc/PgDip/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 12 modules and a research thesis which 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 two aircraft cabin simulators used to investigate emergency evacuations and passenger behaviour, a driving simulator, access to two flight deck simulators, various eye-tracking and physiological monitoring equipment, and a growing 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 before students can progress 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:

Introduction to Human Factors
Research Methods and Statistics
Safety, Risk and Reliability
Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance
Fundamentals of Aeronautics and Air Transport
Management for Technology
Flight Deck Design
Human Performance and Error
Training and Simulation
Accident Investigation
Occupational Health
Aviation Safety Management

Individual 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.

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.