Course summary
Access flexible online human factors training. Study with psychologists and industry experts, and earn human factors qualifications. 10% discount for NHS staff. Join this flexible online postgraduate diploma (PgDip) and develop your qualifications in human factors and safety. You’ll learn to make valuable contributions to improving safety, efficiency, and human performance in sectors including aviation, energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. With the support of human factors experts from academia and industry, you’ll explore human factors principles and how to apply them in a range of work environments. You’ll develop specialist expertise in:
- human factors in industrial practice
- safety critical skills in industry
- organisational culture and conflict, and
- organisational safety and risk.
Modules
Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. You’ll learn from practising psychologists who have extensive research and university teaching experience. You’ll also learn from your fellow students. You’ll be studying online alongside individuals from a range of backgrounds who may be based all over the world.
Assessment method
This qualification is assessed online. We use several types of assessment throughout the programme, including multiple-choice tests and your contribution to discussion boards.
How to apply
International applicants
This distance-learning postgraduate diploma in Human Factors and Safety is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirements for the PgDip or PgCert are a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree (or equivalent), or relevant experience that supports this level of study.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £8360 | Whole course |
| International | £8360 | Whole course |
| England | £8360 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £8360 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £8360 | Whole course |
| Wales | £8360 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £8360 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £8360 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2026. The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.
Sponsorship information
You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen. NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate degrees and short courses offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; our School of Psychology; and our ILM leadership courses.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX