
MSc Human Factors in Aviation
Validated by Coventry University
Duration
2 years part-timeStudy Mode
OnlineTotal Tuition
£10,440Monthly Payment
£435Qualification
Master’s Degree (MSc / MA / MPH)Start Date
SeptemberProgramme Overview
The MSc Human Factors in Aviation from Coventry University is a 100% online, part-time master's degree designed for aviation and aerospace professionals who want to advance their careers by developing specialist expertise in human performance, aviation safety, decision-making, operational error, crew performance and safety management. The programme is 180 credits and normally takes two years part-time, making it particularly suitable for Caribbean aviation professionals who want to continue working while pursuing a postgraduate qualification. The programme is accredited by the European Association for Aviation Psychology (EAAP) and focuses on the application of psychology, ergonomics, human factors and research to real-world aviation operations. Students develop expertise in areas including human information processing, decision-making and error, flight deck design, stress and human performance, aviation training and simulation, crew resource management, and human factors-based safety management. There are no separate formal "specialisations" or tracks listed by Coventry; instead, these specialist areas are embedded throughout the curriculum.
For Caribbean students, this programme is particularly relevant to professionals working in or seeking advancement within airlines, airports, air traffic services, aircraft maintenance and engineering, aviation safety, flight operations, ground operations, aviation training and aerospace-related organisations. Applicants should ideally have an honours degree at 2:2 or equivalent in a cognate, psychology, medical or engineering discipline and experience in operational aspects of aviation. However, Coventry states that applicants with relevant professional experience and qualifications, or an undergraduate degree in another discipline, may also be considered individually. The English-language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. The current published tuition fee is £10,440 for the full 180-credit MSc. Divided across the normal 24-month duration, this represents an indicative equivalent of approximately £435 per month; however, Coventry does not publish £435 as a fixed monthly payment and offers flexible payment options, including payment by module or instalments. The current intake is September 2026, with one intake per year.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should ideally hold an honours degree 2:2 or an equivalent international qualification or above in a cognate, psychology, medical or engineering discipline, and have experience in the operational aspects of the aviation industry.
However, applications from candidates with relevant experience and professional qualifications, or those with an undergraduate degree in another discipline will also be considered on an individual basis.
Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director. Some international students may require an ATAS certificate to study this course.
Who is this course for?
With online learning, part-time delivery, the course is aimed at industry professionals within the aviation and aerospace industry that hold operational front-line positions. As such, this Human Factors in Aviation MSc course is best suited for working professionals who are looking to advance in their career and specialise in the essential skills and techniques used in the industry.
Airline and aircraft operations professionals
Pilots and aviation operational personnel
Air traffic control professionals
Aviation safety professionals
Aviation training and simulation professionals
Aircraft maintenance and engineering professionals
Aerospace professionals
Aviation managers and supervisors
Aviation regulators and safety personnel
Professionals seeking to transition into human factors, aviation safety or related specialist roles
Aviation professionals who want to progress into leadership or consultancy positions
Career Opportunities
Aviation Human Factors Specialist – Apply knowledge of human performance, behaviour and system design to improve aviation operations.
Aviation Safety Manager – Develop and implement strategies for reducing operational risk and improving safety performance.
Human Factors Consultant – Advise airlines, airports, regulators and aviation organisations on human performance and safety issues.
Crew Resource Management (CRM) Specialist – Develop and evaluate training relating to communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making and situational awareness.
Aviation Training & Simulation Specialist – Support the design, delivery and evaluation of aviation training and simulation programmes.
Aviation Risk Management Specialist – Identify, assess and mitigate operational risks associated with human and organisational factors.
Aviation Safety Investigator/Analyst – Examine the human factors associated with aviation incidents and accidents.
Human Factors Researcher – Conduct applied research into human performance, safety, technology and aviation operations.
Aviation Operations Manager – Apply human factors principles to improve operational efficiency, safety and decision-making.
Aerospace Human Factors Specialist – Apply human factors expertise to aircraft systems, automation, interfaces, engineering and aerospace operations.
Programme Highlights
This module examines how people process information within aviation environments and how human cognitive capabilities affect operational performance. Students explore workload, situational awareness and methods of measuring these factors, with particular attention to how human information processing affects the design and evaluation of aviation systems. For Caribbean aviation organisations operating in complex or resource-constrained environments, understanding workload and situational awareness can be particularly valuable for improving operational reliability and reducing human error.
This module focuses on the psychology and processes behind aviation decision-making and human error. Students examine different approaches to decision-making, the causes and characteristics of errors, and strategies for mitigating them. The module is highly relevant to pilots, operations managers, air traffic personnel, safety professionals and aviation leaders because effective decision-making is fundamental to managing risk in aviation environments.
Flight Deck Design explores the human factors involved in designing and operating modern aircraft flight decks. Topics include displays and controls, automation and human-computer interaction. As aviation becomes increasingly dependent on advanced digital systems and automation, this knowledge can help professionals understand how aircraft technology interacts with human capabilities and limitations, contributing to safer and more effective aviation system design.
This module examines the relationship between individual characteristics, psychological stress and aviation performance. Students explore areas such as personality, cognitive ability, psychological stress and environmental stressors, as well as how these factors influence human performance. The subject is particularly relevant to organisations responsible for selecting, training and managing aviation personnel working in demanding operational environments.
Training and Simulation examines the complete aviation training lifecycle, including training needs analysis, design and evaluation, together with the use of simulation in aviation training. This is especially valuable for Caribbean airlines, airports and aviation training organisations seeking to strengthen workforce capabilities without compromising operational safety. Professionals can apply these principles to develop more effective training programmes and evaluate whether training is actually improving performance.
This module develops advanced academic and professional research skills by requiring students to critically examine scientific literature relating to human factors. Students learn how to search, analyse, synthesise and report research evidence. Previous student topics have included just culture, fatigue, psychological stress, flight simulation, crew resource management, incident reporting and unmanned aerial systems. This provides a strong foundation for professionals who want to use evidence and research to address aviation challenges in Caribbean organisations.
Crew Resource Management focuses on the non-technical skills essential to safe aviation operations, including decision-making, communication, leadership, teamwork, situational awareness and fatigue management. Students also explore how these skills can be identified, trained and assessed in aviation environments. This module has direct relevance to airline operations, flight crews, air traffic services, airport operations and aviation training across the Caribbean.
This module examines human factors within the broader organisational safety-management function. Students explore risk management, operational error and approaches for investigating the human factors associated with aviation accidents and incidents. It is particularly relevant for aviation safety managers, regulators, airport and airline executives and professionals responsible for developing safety-management systems and organisational safety cultures.
The 60-credit research thesis represents the major independent research component of the MSc. Students undertake an empirical, research-based investigation into a real-world human factors problem in aviation, allowing them to apply the knowledge and research skills developed throughout the programme. For a Caribbean professional, this could provide an opportunity to investigate a practical issue affecting an airline, airport, air navigation service, aviation training organisation, maintenance operation or other regional aviation stakeholder.
Related Courses
No related courses available at this time.
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