Physical Ergonomics Certificate of Credit

Program Overview

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Physical Ergonomics 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.

Course Description

It is ideally suited to those who wish to build on their knowledge and skills about physical ergonomics, for example anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and anthropometry. It provides a holistic view of ergonomics/human factors by considering the impact of the physical environment (noise, vibration, vision, and thermal environments), work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.

You will explore emerging issues in physical and mental health, such as the ageing population, obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This course critically analyses these issues and the evidence-base for their impact in typical workplace performance, comfort and health problems. A key area explored in the course is the idea of optimisation of the work situation together with the strengths and weaknesses of 'physical ergonomics' as an approach.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Critically analyse the evidence base for the impact of interventions in the physical domain of ergonomics
• Have a deep appreciation of the interaction between physical domain issues and other factors (including the physical environment) within the workplace and what this means for health, safety, performance and well-being
• Demonstrate the ability to translate evidence-based approaches into practical applications in the workplace through communication with key stakeholders

Delivery

We've over 20 years' experience in the delivery of online ergonomics courses which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education. Our specialist ergonomics and human factors academic team will guide you through the module, providing regular contact and feedback to ensure you stay on track.

What You Will Study

• Stage 1
  • Core modules
    • Physical Ergonomics

Module Details

Physical Ergonomics

This module will begin with a holistic view of ergonomics/human factors, to show how the module fits with the course, and subject as a whole.

This module will help you to understand the physical domain in ergonomics/human factors including anatomy, physiology, anthropometry, and biomechanics.

The module will cover the impact of the physical environment (noise, vibration, vision, and thermal environments), work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health. You will also explore emerging issues in physical and mental health: the ageing population, obesity, sedentary lifestyles. This module critically analyses these issues and the evidence-base for their impact in typical workplace performance, comfort and health problems. A central tenet of the module is the idea of optimisation of the work situation and with this the strengths and weaknesses of ‘physical ergonomics’ as an approach are discussed.

Assessment

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

Who Will Teach You

Dr Victoria Filingeri

Programme Leader

Dr Victoria Filingeri

Academic Lead in Ergonomics, Dr Victoria Filingeri, 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) and human factors in healthcare.

Careers

This Physical Ergonomics 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.

Utilise Our Careers and Employment Service

Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for three years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.

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

Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.

Per 20 credits	Modules	Cost
UK/EU/International	Per 20 credits £1,050	Modules 1	Cost £1,050

2025/26 for new entrants

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

Per 20 credits	Modules	Cost
UK/EU/International	Per 20 credits £1,080	Modules 1	Cost £1,080

About Your Fees

Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.

Flexible Payment Plan Available

• Pay monthly for the course that you are studying

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

Application Deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.

Documents to Support Your Application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when 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.

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 wish to build on their knowledge and skills about physical ergonomics, for example anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and anthropometry. It provides a holistic view of ergonomics/human factors by considering the impact of the physical environment (noise, vibration, vision, and thermal environments), work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health. You will explore emerging issues in physical and mental health, such as the ageing population, obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This course critically analyses these issues and the evidence-base for their impact in typical workplace performance, comfort and health problems. A key area explored in the course is the idea of optimisation of the work situation together with the strengths and weaknesses of 'physical ergonomics' as an approach. On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Critically analyse the evidence base for the impact of interventions in the physical domain of ergonomics
• Have a deep appreciation of the interaction between physical domain issues and other factors (including the physical environment) within the workplace and what this means for health, safety, performance and well-being
• Demonstrate the ability to translate evidence-based approaches into practical applications in the workplace through communication with key stakeholders

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Outline:

• Stage 1:
• Core modules:
• Physical Ergonomics:
This module will begin with a holistic view of ergonomics/human factors, to show how the module fits with the course, and subject as a whole. This module will help you to understand the physical domain in ergonomics/human factors including anatomy, physiology, anthropometry, and biomechanics.
• The module will cover the impact of the physical environment (noise, vibration, vision, and thermal environments), work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.
You will also explore emerging issues in physical and mental health: the ageing population, obesity, sedentary lifestyles. This module critically analyses these issues and the evidence-base for their impact in typical workplace performance, comfort and health problems. A central tenet of the module is the idea of optimisation of the work situation and with this the strengths and weaknesses of ‘physical ergonomics’ as an approach are discussed.

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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:

• 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.
• The course 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 online Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc, giving you a wider perspective of cognitive ergonomics and psychology from your global student community.
• Pace of study: We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Dr Victoria Filingeri: Programme leader, Academic Lead in Ergonomics, Dr Victoria Filingeri, 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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• UK fee: £1,050 (2024/25)
• International fee: £1,050 (2024/25)
Flexible payment plan available Pay monthly for the course that you are studying