Course overview
The content of the course reflects contemporary issues in human factors and patient safety theory, including the exploration of human-centric design, understanding systems that contribute to mistakes, team effectiveness and dynamics. You benefit from opportunities to use a range of tools and techniques to explore why errors occur.
In a global society where digital technology is rapidly developing, the impact this has on reliable and safe healthcare features as part of the course.
Supporting information for applicants
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
You explore ergonomics and examples of human factors influences with more complex tools and techniques explained.
Develop the knowledge and skills you need to design and manage primary or secondary research, audit or evaluation project relevant to your practice, preparing you for dissertation. You also cover research governance and ethics, to prepare you to apply for ethical approval or release.
You are assessed through a written 4,000-word proposal for a research, audit or evaluation study, which is worth 100% of the module marks and should be submitted in week 13.
Here you consolidate and develop further skills and knowledge from previous modules. More specifically you synthesise learning as you apply your research-related knowledge to identify a researchable problem, plan and execute a study. You use a range of different methodologies for your study, such as quantitative, qualitative or systematic review.
In this module, you review the science of human factors, and you consider the tools and techniques for implementing the assessment of errors. The psychological capital and systems thinking approaches are features of the module.
Leadership, Culture and Context
This module explores how the organisational culture impacts on the leadership style and effectiveness of clinical areas. You consider how the context of where you work impacts on the safety of patients
Legal and Ethical Influences of Leadership
In this module, you study wider influences of leadership and the impact this has on performance. A personal review of ethical philosophy is a feature of the indicative content.
Principles and Practice of Patient Safety
This module focuses on the governance and involvement of service users in the service provision. You explore risk assessment and management strategies.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The course is entirely on-line so there will be engagement with Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) and different strategies will be used:
- Recorded key lectures
- Directed reading
- Video resources
- Webinar type events
- Group seminar through Collaborate Extra
The assessments also range in type and include on-line presentation.
How you are assessed
The transition to master’s level study is embedded in the first core module, which is formatively assessed.
All material is available through the virtual learning environment. Summative assessments include poster presentations, written assignments, contribution to written commentary as well as a final dissertation.
Entry requirements
You should have an honours degree at 2.2 classification or above.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language are expected to demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.5.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
You are prepared for a career in a human factors or patient safety leadership role.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.