Certificate of Credit Cognitive Ergonomics and Psychology
Start date: January
Location: University of Derby Online Learning
The module will cover what is sometimes referred to as ‘Cognitive Ergonomics’ but goes beyond this to consider how an understanding of psychology impacts upon ergonomics/human factors in its broadest sense.
Human performance is informed by psychology, as it is necessary to understand the psychological processes that allow people to perform tasks and understand how people behave in certain situations. This course presents a framework of key cognitive factors, psychosocial factors, and individual differences, and goes on to consider how psychological influences can affect human performance, health and wellbeing.
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
Critically discuss and integrate knowledge across areas of psychology in relation to ergonomics/human factors
Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of empirical research in psychology
Critically position task performance in a psychological context
This is a CIEHF Accredited Training Course.
Delivery from experienced academics
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. 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.
What you will study
This 20-credit Level 7 module examines how cognitive processes, user psychology, human-system interaction, and usability influence the design and evaluation of products, systems, and environments within ergonomics and human factors practice.
We will advise you of your study plan when you are invited to enrol.
Important information regarding progression to the MSc: Although this module may be taken as a standalone CPD course, the CIEHF-accredited MSc follows a prescribed module sequence. Students intending to progress to the MSc and obtain CIEHF Qualifying Course recognised status should begin with this module and continue through the programme in the order set out in the study plan. Completing standalone modules outside the prescribed sequence may affect progression within the accredited pathway.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Online Discovering Online Learning Q&A: September 2026
Thursday, 10 September 2026 12.00 - 13.00
During this hour long webinar, we'll take you through how online learning works and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby.
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.
Offset course credits towards another qualification
Once you have successfully completed this 20-credit Level 7 module, you may be able to offset the credits towards our online Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc. This could reduce both the number of modules you need to study and the overall cost of achieving the qualification.
This module can be taken as a standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course. If you later enrol on the Ergonomics and Human Factors programme, the credits gained may be considered for credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), in accordance with University regulations.
Please note that the MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and follows a prescribed module sequence. Students wishing to progress through the accredited pathway and achieve CIEHF Qualifying Course recognised status must complete modules in the required order. As a result, the acceptance and application of prior credit will be subject to both University RPL regulations and the requirements of the accredited programme structure. Completing standalone modules outside the prescribed sequence may affect how credits can be applied towards the accredited MSc.
Pace of study
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.
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:
Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
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 ...
Dr Ruth Sims is a senior lecturer in psychology and ergonomics, teaching on-campus psychology, blended learning, and online ergonomics. She has 20 years of experience as a researcher and has now been teaching for over 7 years. Her inte...
This module supplies you with the knowledge and skills in the cognitive area of Ergonomics. It is particularly useful for those who are considering Ergonomics as a career and have expertise in other areas, such as physiology, physiotherapy or design and engineering.
The Cognitive Ergonomics and Psychology Certificate of Credit course focuses on you obtaining 20 credits at level 7 for your CPD.
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:
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
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
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.
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