Safety and Human Factors in Aviation

The Safety and Human Factors in Aviation MSc, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), equips students with industry-relevant skills, delivered through a mix of lectures and practical exercises by Cranfield University's well-established Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, which has supported global safety and investigation for over 30 years. This course attracts a wide variety of students, from aviation professionals in civil and military domains to high-quality graduates in engineering and social science disciplines. In the past we have welcomed students with backgrounds in civil and military aviation, avionics engineers, psychological practitioners, medical care and air traffic controllers. This wide range of skills and knowledge represented by students on the course provides a unique learning environment. Delivered through the specialist Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, operating for over 30 years to support global safety and investigation, this course is unique in that it synthesises the study of human factors with the study of safety and safety assessment, creating a powerful combination that enables graduates to add value in applied aviation and safety critical contexts. It is designed to provide industry with successful and well equipped professionals who can make a real and lasting improvement to performance and safety through the application of skills and knowledge learned on the course. Exclusive to Cranfield University, you will have the opportunity to fly during a Student Experience Flight in our National Flying Laboratory Centre’s (NFLC) light aircraft. This flight experience will complement your MSc studies, focussing on the effects of control, spatial disorientation and the cognitive challenges associated with flight. During the flight you will have the opportunity to take control of the aircraft. Each experience is 2 to 3 hours in duration and includes a pre-flight safety briefing outlining the details of the manoeuvres to be flown, a flight of approximately 1 hour, and a post-flight debrief. Read Wifan's blog on her flight experience.