Investigation and Analysis Certificate of Credit - Ergonomics and Human Factors

Program Overview

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Investigation and Analysis Certificate of Credit

Overview

This course is an optional module within our online MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors and can be completed as a standalone 10-week course. You will gain 20 credits at level 7 with a Certificate of Credit to evidence your learning achievement.

Study Options

• Part-time: 10 weeks
• UK fee: £1,050 (2024/25) ‡
• International fee: £1,050 (2024/25) ‡
• Start dates: September, January, May
• Location: Online

Course Description

This course is ideally suited to those who want to know more about the research design, ethical practice in research, and qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. It will develop your ability to perform appropriate statistical analyses to address research questions about human behaviour. You will learn to design, conduct and report an ethically sound, quantitative research study exploring human behaviour, and develop a critical understanding by evaluating qualitative research designs and findings.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Develop an ethically and methodologically sound empirical research study exploring a pertinent psychological theory
2. Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)

Module Content

The indicative content for this module may include:

• Explore quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Cover ethical aspects of the research process by completing an ethical application
• Cover research planning and the design of a study by using mixed methods

Assessment Method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Student Support and Guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

Careers

This Investigation and Analysis Certificate of Credit focuses on you obtaining 20 credits at level 7 for your CPD.

The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) is an excellent resource for employment opportunities and for information about gaining experience in ergonomics.

Entry Requirements

You should possess one of the following:

• A UK undergraduate degree or equivalent international qualification
• Equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline

We will also consider applications which demonstrate evidence of relevant key practical experience and work-based training.

English Language Qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
• International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C
• ASE Proficiency: Pass

Fees and Funding

• 2024/25 for new entrants: £1,050
• 2025/26 for new entrants: £1,080

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
• Current CV
• Where you do not have an undergraduate qualification (but do have substantial experience in the field), a reference is required to verify your ability to work to a masters level. The written reference should be supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher who has worked to a masters level or above
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Program Outline

You will gain 20 credits at level 7 with a Certificate of Credit to evidence your learning achievement. It is ideally suited to those who want to know more about the research design, ethical practice in research and qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. It will develop your ability to perform appropriate statistical analyses to address research questions about human behaviour. You will learn to design, conduct and report an ethically sound, quantitative research study exploring human behaviour, and develop a critical understanding by evaluating qualitative research designs and findings. You'll cover philosophical background to empirical research and investigation plus generating and exploring hypotheses and empirical research questions and qualitative approaches. For example: assumptions and basics, epistemology, differences between methods and methodology, approaches to qualitative methods, validity and reliability. On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Develop an ethically and methodologically sound empirical research study exploring a pertinent psychological theory
• Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
• Critically appraise a contemporary qualitative research paper using selected criteria.

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Outline:

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Stage 1

• Core modules
• Investigation and Analysis
• Code:
7PS503
• Description:
This module advances the concepts of mixed research methods and covers research design, ethical practice in research, and qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. You will develop the ability to perform appropriate statistical analyses to address research questions about human behaviour. In addition, you will demonstrate an ability to design, conduct and report an ethically sound mixed methods research study exploring human behaviour.
• Module learning outcomes:
• Develop an ethically and methodologically sound empirical research study exploring a pertinent psychological theory
• Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
• Module content:
• Explore quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Cover ethical aspects of the research process by completing an ethical application
• Cover research planning and the design of a study by using mixed methods
• Credits:
20

Assessment:

Coursework

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Assessment:

• This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

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Teaching:

• The module is delivered 100% online over 10 weeks using a range of interactive learning materials and some live classroom sessions.
• Provision is made for discussion and interaction with tutors and fellow students through live virtual classroom sessions and online discussion forums.
• You will study alongside students who are on the Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc, giving you a wider perspective of cognitive ergonomics and psychology from your global student community.
• We have over 10 years' experience in the delivery of online courses which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education.
• You can be assured of a supportive and structured learning experience and our online learning advisors are on hand to provide non-academic support throughout your studies.
• Dr Victoria Filingeri
• Programme leader
• Academic Lead in Ergonomics
• Completed her BSc in Psychology with Ergonomics, MSc in Health Psychology, PhD and postdoctoral research at Loughborough University, looking into crowd behaviour, rail safety (funded by the Rail Safety and Standards Board), teenagers trespassing (funded by Network Rail), and the ageing population.

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Other:

• We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
• There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.

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UK fee£1,050 (2024/25) ‡ International fee£1,050 (2024/25) ‡