Course overview
There is a growing recognition of the importance of human factors in healthcare.
You gain an introduction the key concepts of human factors science and consider the contemporary healthcare landscape, particularly the safety culture. The notion of patient harm is explored and the impact this has on individuals, teams and the organisation.
A range of research literature supports your understanding of human factors and patient safety in contemporary healthcare contexts at a national and international level. You bring your practice experience and organisational culture to the course, and knowledge and experiences as a resource for the group. This integration of experience and scholarly activity develops confidence, criticality, creativity, adaptability, articulation and aspiration.
The course team are drawn from a wide range of clinical and non-clinical disciplines. They have extensive experience in providing online education and use their skills to develop your digital literacy, introducing you to a wide range of digital tools and platforms.
Top five reasons to study this course:
- Flexibility: study online, accessing learning materials when convenient for you.
- Support: benefit from course staff who are experienced in delivering distance learning and supporting students online.
- Study skills: gain support in the transition to postgraduate study, with guidance on using electronic databases to identify relevant material and critical evaluation of research literature.
- Multi-disciplinarity: learn from tutors with a wide range of experience alongside learners from a variety of healthcare professions. The exchange of experience and ideas allows you to appreciate and engage with those from other disciplines and form useful professional networks.
- Contemporary healthcare context: you are immersed within the context and challenges of contemporary health care practice. Built around your workplace experience, this course allows you to critically examine the context, challenges and issues facing you to transform the care of service users, carers and their families.
Course details
What you study
Gain an introduction to human factors science and tools to critically evaluate your role in enhancing patient safety and staff experiences in healthcare environments.
How you learn
The course runs from September to January with taught content provided September to December and submission of assignments in January.
You apply theory to practice in contemporary healthcare contexts. Learners come from a wide range of healthcare and governance roles, creating an inter-professional learning context where you learn with, from and about each other, supporting effective multi-disciplinary working in the clinical setting.
You learn online through Teesside University Online Learning. Recorded keynote lectures and other online material is provided for you to access when convenient. Live online sessions led by experienced tutors are provided – these are recorded if you cannot attend. One-to-one tutorials are available through Teams for additional support and to prepare for assignments.
The recommended total learning time you should spend on this module is 400 hours. 22 hours are delivered as online lectures and seminars, and the remaining should be used for guided independent study, including reviewing module learning materials, undertaking further reading and completing assessments.
How you are assessed
You complete a formative assessment halfway through the course – the feedback contributes to the development of your academic skills but won’t affect your final mark.
The final assessment consists of two components, both worth 50% of your final mark. The first component is a 2,000-word action plan to enhance positive organisational behaviour using the evidence presented in your formative assessment. The second is a 20min recorded presentation of a proposal to address a specific hypothetical scenario.
You receive written feedback on all assessments within 20 working days of submission.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You should have an honour’s degree of 2.2 classification or above in a health or social care-related subject or in leadership or management. Applicants with other qualifications and experience may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they can provide evidence of their ability to study at master’s level. Such applicants will be invited to discuss their experiences and abilities with the Course Leader. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to satisfy the English Language requirements, which are a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5.
Basic digital literacy skills will be required. Students should have the ability to use Microsoft Office applications (or equivalent) and have access to a PC with a reliable internet connection, webcam and microphone. Induction activities in the first week of the course will provide instruction on navigating the Teesside system.
Employability
Career opportunities
The Student Futures team provide expert advice and guidance to help students achieve their aspirations. Together with colleagues from across the university, they ensure you have access to industry leaders and current career thinking so you can make informed choices about the possibilities open to you after the course.