Further study in ergonomics

THERE ARE undergraduate and certificate-level courses of various lengths available in several Australian universities (notably Victoria University of Technology), and postgraduate courses available at Curtin University (WA), University of Queensland, LaTrobe University (Victoria), and recently (see below) by distance at education at Monash University (Victoria).  Most regrettably, LaTrobe University has dropped its Post-graduate Diploma in Ergonomics.

Getting up-to-date information from course co-ordinators about entry requirements and curricula has been frustrating - why, we do not know.  We suggest you try and contact an institution of interest to you, or email the Federal Ergonomics Society of Australia.  Perhaps they can help make this sort of useful information more readily available.

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Monash University's Dr Jim Phillips has recently provided us with the following information about their new Postgraduate Diploma in Human Factors and Ergonomics, to be offered by Distance Education: 

"To be offered in 2002, the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Factors and Ergonomics is offered jointly by the Faculty of Art and Design, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Information Technology, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Science. The degree prepares graduates for careers in Ergonomics and Human Factors in a variety of settings within industry, including Occupational Health and Safety, Research and Development, Industrial Design, and Product Usability. 

Course duration and structure

"The Postgraduate Diploma in Human Factors and Ergonomics is taken on a part-time basis over 2 years.    It consists of four weekend schools; one during each semester of the course. 

Coursework

The subjects in the coursework are:  Human Factors and Ergonomic Principles; Product and Work Station Design; Human Performance; Issues in Human Factors and Ergonomics; Occupational Health and Safety; Professional Practice in Human Factors and Ergonomics. 

Thesis

"A minor thesis is required to demonstrate the capacity of the student to carry out an independent ergonomic intervention.  The expected length is approximately 10,000 words.

Admission requirements

"A previous tertiary qualification, with a background in an appropriate discipline, for example:- Art and Design (Industrial Design), Engineering,  Information Technology (Computer/Human Interaction), Medicine (Preventive Medicine), or Science (Psychology).   In general there will be provision for students who have experience or have completed coursework of equivalent standing to those in the program to be granted exemption to the relevant components. Up to  24 points of credit may be granted.

Professional Accreditation

"The PostGraduate Diploma in Human Factors and Ergonomics is a new degree, and accreditation with the Ergonomics Society of Australia is being sought. 

Fees

"The degree is offered by Distance Education and is a full fee-paying course.  Fees are reviewed annually.  For current fees consult the Administrative Officer, Department of Psychology PO Box 17 Monash University, Victoria 3800 Australia.  Ph: (03) 9905 3975. 

The Application Process

"Applications are due by October 31st.  Prospective students are advised to acquaint themselves with details of the program and with the application requirements by contacting The Administrative Officer (Postg