Human Factors and Ergonomics (MSc)

To study this course you'll need a UK 2:1 honours degree or an equivalent international qualification in a relevant discipline.

Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to:

• engineering and technology
• design and industrial design
• psychology and behavioural science
• biomechanics
• computing and human-computer interaction

If you have a UK 2:2 degree or an equivalent and relevant professional experience, your application may still be considered by the academic admissions team.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This MSc Human Factors and Ergonomics degree runs for 12 months of full-time study. You can also study this course part-time over 2 years, and you'll have the option for online learning. 

During the first 8 months of full-time study, you'll cover your first and second semester, where you'll study a combination of core and optional modules. At the end of each semester you'll complete your examinations and assessments.

The final 4 months of the course are dedicated towards your research project. You'll spend some time in semester 2 preparing for your research project to ensure a smooth transition into full-time research over the summer.

Throughout the course you'll be able to specialise your knowledge through your choice of optional modules.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You'll benefit from different learning and teaching techniques, including lectures, tutorials, and labs. Individual and group discussions are encouraged throughout your learning, where you'll have the opportunity to contribute your professional experiences and thoughts.

Many of your modules are underpinned by scientific theory, so you'll focus on problem-based learning and case study analyses. This is also reflected in your assessments with many of them being case-based coursework assignments. Through this learning experience you'll develop real-world skills that will help you to excel in your career.

Several modules will bring in guest lecturers, so you'll learn directly from experienced industry practitioners.

Assessment

On this course you'll be assessed through a variety of methods that offer different ways to demonstrate your learning and understanding.

These methods include:

• written examinations
• assessed coursework
• problem solving exercises
• assignments
• laboratory reports
• individual projects

Many modules include assessed coursework assignments where you'll study selected topics, either individually or in a group, to develop a considerable depth of understanding and specialist knowledge.

Through these assessment methods you'll demonstrate that you have a fundamental understanding of the subject matter and can rationally use taught material. You'll receive feedback on all submitted work.

Academic Support

Throughout your studies, you'll have support from your personal academic tutor, as well as student support services such as The Student Hub.

They'll be able to help with any questions or concerns you may have relating to:

• wellbeing and disability support
• exams and assessments
• course queries
• accommodation
• fees and finance

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £11,000.
• EU and international students pay £32,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit an academic transcript and a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this subject
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references.

If you're applying for this course based on relevant professional experience, rather than an academic background, you'll also need to submit a CV. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and, if you are a non-native English speaker, your IELTS English language test score. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000