PGCert Usability and Human Computer Interaction

Course overview

This course is designed to be undertaken by those who need to apply the knowledge of the role of human factors/ergonomics in the design, evaluation and use of interactive systems.

It will provide an understanding of the key issues related to the design, evaluation and use of user-centred technologies and provide you with additional resources to facilitate the learning process.

The distance learning format means that most of the material and background reading can be undertaken in your own time but with access to and support from University staff.

The course consists of two, 30-credit modules, each studied over six months.

Why choose this course?

• Work from home: Distance learning permits you to work from home and fit study around other life commitments
• 3rd in the UK for research power (REF 2014)
• TEF Gold standard of teaching (Teaching Excellence Framework Awards)

Course content

The distance learning format means that most of the material and background reading can be undertaken in your own time but with access to and support from University staff.

The course consists of two, 30-credit modules, each studied over six months.

Modules

• Human Factors in Interactive Systems 30 credits
• Practical Ergonomics Investigation (full year) 30 credits

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

• Seminars
• Distance learning materials

The course is delivered by distance learning. Candidates will have defined email and telephone access to a tutor, and tutorial support online (typically via Microsoft Teams). Material from the tutorials will be available on Moodle.

How you will be assessed

• Coursework

Assessment is through assessed coursework only.

Contact time and study hours

Overall study time will be approximately 600 hours across the entire course (300 hours per module) inclusive of learning activities, self-study, coursework and project work carried out.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.

Home / UK students

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 in a relevant subject

EU / International students

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 in a relevant subject
• International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
• IELTS: 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)
• English language requirements: As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

English language support

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

For presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

Fees

• UK students: Confirmed August 2020 *
• International students: Confirmed August 2020 *

The UK government has confirmed that EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals starting courses in the 2021/22 academic year will no longer be eligible for home/UK fee status or the same financial support as in previous years. We will update our guidance for students when more information becomes available.

Careers

Average starting salary and career progression

92.3% of postgraduates from the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £28,000, with the highest being £32,000.

* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates who were available for employment, 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.