Human Factors in Aviation MSc at Coventry University

From flight crew to cabin crew, air traffic controllers to aircraft engineers, the human element is vital to the safe and efficient operation of all aspects of the aviation industry.

Over the past three decades a better understanding of human behaviour has resulted in significant safety benefits, with the human factors discipline forming a cornerstone of every aviation safety management programme.

Accredited by the European Association for Aviation Psychology (EAAP), this specialist distance learning course is taught by staff with expertise in the academic and professional disciplines of human factors, ergonomics and occupational psychology within aviation. This course aims to equip aviation professionals with a thorough appreciation of all aspects of the discipline and how they can be applied to best effect in the aviation industry.

Please note: As part time you will be expected to take 90 credits each year, so pay 50% of the full time fee. Tuition fees for subsequent years are subject to increase

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

The course covers the theoretical basis for the study of human factors in aviation, demonstrating how these concepts are applied in aspects of aviation operations. Throughout the modules, you are encouraged to apply the theoretical material to real world issues within the aviation industry, as human factors practitioners would.

The course consists of eight mandatory core modules covering the main areas of human factors in aviation and a critical review of contemporary literature on a relevant topic, and then an applied human factors research thesis within the field.

Career prospects

After the United States, the UK has the second largest aerospace industry in the world, employing around 230,000 people in over 3,000 companies, including BAE Systems, GKN and Rolls-Royce, and a range of international companies with operations in the UK, such as Airbus, Cobham, AgustaWestland, Finmeccanica, Thales, Boeing and Bombardier.

It is estimated that up to 75% of all aircraft accidents have a Human Factors aspect to them, (Civil Aviation Authority, 2013). As a result work is ongoing by human factors professionals to understand human factors issues to promote the safe and efficient operation of all aspects of the aviation industry.

Potential destinations for human factors professionals include airlines and aircraft operators, air traffic control services, engineering organisations, aerospace manufacturers, safety consultancies and research organisations.

In addition to the knowledge and application of the areas of human factors addressed, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable professional skills during your studies, including the ability to produce written reports, engage in self-directed study, design, plan and execute a piece of applied human factors research and demonstrate a critical awareness of professional, legal, social and ethical issues.

Following the course, if you wish to look at a change of employment, you will also have the opportunity to receive support from our award-winning Faculty careers service, EEC Futures, which won the ‘Best Placement Service in the UK’ award at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards in 2015 and 2016. Support can be adapted to distance learning students where applicable.