Loughborough University

What you'll study

The programme covers core human factors and ergonomics theory together with applied patient safety and systems approaches used in healthcare. Teaching mixes lectures, laboratory practicals, case studies and a substantial research or consultancy project. Typical themes and modules include:

• Foundations of Human Factors and Ergonomics – human performance, perception, cognition and physical ergonomics.
• Patient Safety Science – safety concepts, human error, incident investigation and the safety culture in health services.
• System Design and Risk Management – sociotechnical systems, resilience engineering, hazard analysis and risk assessment methods.
• Methods for Human Factors Research – quantitative and qualitative methods, experimental design, observational techniques and measurement in complex settings.
• Applied Simulation and Usability – simulation in healthcare, usability evaluation of devices and interfaces, and human–machine interaction.
• Quality Improvement and Implementation – improvement methodologies, change management and evaluating interventions in clinical environments.
• Independent Project or Dissertation – an extended piece of applied research or consultancy, often carried out with a clinical partner or industry sponsor.

Students follow a taught component leading into the independent project. Teaching emphasises real‑world application, with opportunities to work on case studies, simulated clinical scenarios and industry/healthcare placements where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in a relevant discipline such as health sciences, medicine, nursing, psychology, engineering, design or a related area. Candidates with substantial professional experience in healthcare, safety, quality improvement or human factors may also be considered. Entry typically requires evidence of the ability to undertake postgraduate study and research, including prior study in research methods or relevant practical experience.

International applicants for whom English is not a first language must demonstrate competence in English through an approved qualification or test. Applicants should supply academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining relevant experience and aims, and references; professional applicants are encouraged to highlight workplace projects or responsibilities that demonstrate suitability for the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles where human factors and patient safety expertise is applied to improve systems, devices and services. Typical career paths include human factors practitioner or ergonomist in healthcare settings, patient safety or quality improvement lead roles within hospitals and health systems, regulatory or inspection positions, and consultant roles offering risk assessment and usability evaluation to health technology companies.

Other opportunities include working in medical device design and usability, clinical simulation and training, policy and strategy roles in health services, and further academic research at doctoral level. Employers include NHS trusts and health services, medical technology and pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies, independent consultancies and research organisations.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough combines strengths in engineering, design and applied human factors research with a practical, industry‑engaged approach to teaching. The university offers access to well‑equipped laboratories, simulation facilities and interdisciplinary supervision, enabling hands‑on learning and applied research projects with clinical or industry partners.

Students benefit from close links with healthcare providers and the medical technologies sector, a strong culture of workplace collaboration, and support for employability and careers development. The programme is designed to produce practitioners who can translate human factors knowledge into measurable improvements in patient safety and system performance.