Cranfield University

What you'll study

The programme combines human factors science, safety management systems and system safety engineering to develop a rounded understanding of how people, technology and organisational processes interact in aviation. Teaching blends lectures, case studies, laboratory work and team-based projects to apply theory to operational contexts.

• Human Factors and Human Performance — perception, cognition, workload, situation awareness, decision making, fatigue and the application of human factors methods to cockpit and air traffic control environments.
• Safety Management Systems (SMS) — principles of SMS, organisational safety culture, risk assessment, safety assurance, safety promotion and implementation of regulatory SMS requirements.
• System Safety and Risk Management — hazard identification, probabilistic and deterministic risk assessment methods, fault tree analysis, bow-tie analysis and safety case development.
• Accident Investigation and Causal Analysis — investigation processes, data collection and analysis, human error models and techniques for causal factor identification and prevention strategies.
• Aviation Operations and Human–Machine Interaction — aircraft systems, avionics human interfaces, automation, decision support tools and design principles to enhance human–system integration.
• Safety Data and Performance Monitoring — safety reporting systems, data quality, trend analysis, safety indicators and the use of safety data for proactive risk control.
• Research Project / Dissertation — an individual research project addressing a practical safety or human factors problem in aviation, allowing students to apply research methods and produce a substantive piece of work.

Modules are typically taught through a mixture of taught modules and practical workshops, with assessment by coursework, simulations, group projects and a final research dissertation or applied project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) in engineering, psychology, aviation, air traffic management, or a related discipline. Professional experience in aviation operations, safety, regulatory roles or technical positions can be considered in lieu of, or to supplement, a formal qualification.

Other typical requirements include:

• Evidence of quantitative ability and analytical skills demonstrated through prior study or professional experience.
• Proficiency in English. International applicants whose first language is not English will be required to meet the university's English language requirement.
• Motivation and a clear personal statement outlining interest in aviation safety and human factors. References or employer support are often helpful for applicants with significant work experience.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across the aviation sector and related industries where safety and human factors expertise is required. Common destinations include:

• Safety manager or safety analyst roles within airlines, airports and ground handling organisations.
• Human factors specialist roles supporting cockpit design, air traffic control, training organisations and equipment manufacturers.
• Accident investigation and safety oversight positions with national aviation authorities and independent investigation bodies.
• Risk and reliability engineering roles in aerospace engineering firms and suppliers.
• Consultancy roles advising on safety case development, SMS implementation, human performance improvement and regulatory compliance.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for further research or doctoral study in human factors, safety science and systems engineering.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield has a long-established focus on technology and management for the aerospace sector, offering specialised teaching and applied research directly aligned to industry needs. The university's close relationships with industry, regulators and defence organisations provide students with access to current operational perspectives, guest lecturers and project opportunities.

Teaching facilities include dedicated human factors laboratories, flight simulators and specialist safety analysis tools used in real-world safety assurance. Small-group teaching and industry-linked projects ensure that learning is applied and vocationally relevant, preparing graduates for immediate contribution to aviation safety and human factors roles.