Human Factors study options
Human Factors is a multi-disciplinary applied science that integrates the
fields of psychology, engineering, ergonomics, management and industrial
design. Human Factors professionals are employed in a wide variety of
industry contexts and are responsible for the design, investigation and
analysis of issues relating to the interface between humans, their work
environment, and the technologies with which they work.
About the program
UniSA hosts a world-leading set of postgraduate coursework programs in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems. The programs draw on international research expertise and use innovative delivery mechanisms to create a benchmark in Human Factors postgraduate teaching. The programs are designed for a diverse student group including those working full time, and utilise interactive online course materials, alongside optional on-campus workshops each semester. The programs are designed to provide graduates with a wide range of advanced knowledge and skills in the area of Human Factors. Through exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and a series of applied projects within the coursework components of the programs, graduates will develop skills as Human Factors professionals in areas such as risk management, task analysis, interface design, usability evaluation, and incident and accident investigation. The focus of the programs are the development of generic applied Human Factors and Safety Management abilities in the areas of problem identification, analysis and solution evaluation within a variety of industry contexts.
Who is the program for?
The programs serve a diverse range of students. The flexibility offered by the external and parttime structure enables students who are working full time to study at the same time. Also, the programs are perfect for new graduates from psychology, engineering, and allied degrees looking for a specialist set of skills to compliment their existing knowledge and skills. Human Factors specialists can expect to work in a wide-range of industries including aviation, healthcare, rail, mining, maritime and defence and play a critical role in enhancing safety and productivity.
Industry relevance
The programs are designed and taught by a team of leading Human Factors researchers and consultants. The team is all currently working with industry and are internationally known as one of the leading university Human Factors groups. The programs are built around real world problem-based case-studies and projects and focus on developing industry-ready graduates.
Mode of Delivery
The programs adopt an innovative course structure involving a combination of online and intensive block teaching. The programs are officially external in nature, and there is no requirement to attend lectures on campus. Each course is structured around interactive online course materials and a printed book of readings. However, each semester UniSA hosts intensive on campus workshops (typically two days) for each of the core courses. These workshops are not compulsory, but provide an unrivalled opportunity to hear world-leading experts in the field as well as network with fellow students.
Entry requirements
Applicants will normally have completed an undergraduate degree in a psychology, engineering, safety or management discipline area, or equivalent and have at least five year’s relevant professional experience. Alternatively, entry for students with no previous university study is provided into the Graduate Certificate, with progression into the Graduate Diploma and Masters contingent on maintaining a credit average.
PhD Program
We offer a PhD program that takes advantage of our extensive industry-based research activities. For more information, please contact Dr. Chris Bearman, for an informal discussion of possibilities and examples of current candidate projects. How to apply Applications may be made through SATAC’s online GradStart portal, visit www.satac.edu.au
Human Factors pivots around the processes of effective system design, and deals with areas such as:
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personnel selection;
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personnel training;
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machine design;
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job design; and,
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environmental design.
The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters Degree form an articulated sequence of programs allowing direct entry into any one program or progression according to educational needs. Typically, all courses are offered in internal and online modes with an optional on-campus workshop at least once a year. This may vary according to the availability of staff, enrolment numbers and industry demand.