Engineering Psychology, a branch of engineering and applied psychology, deals with the observance of human behaviour with technology-enabled tools and devices. It is the study of human performance in a technological arena. After analyzing human behaviour, engineering psychologists create technologies and devices that are convenient to use and safe for daily use. Some of the top courses in this field are available at top universities in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and other countries. After completing the courses, the students or graduates are equipped to design human-friendly devices and systems.
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Why Study Engineering Psychology?
Engineering Psychology or Human Factors Engineering is the study of human interaction with technology and machines. People interested in the science of designing products, devices, and systems can opt for this academic discipline. Students of this branch of engineering focus on the safety and performance of technology-enabled devices and products. This field of science enables students to devise products that are easy to use and can interact with every functioning human being. Students of this science domain apply psychological methodologies to improve the functioning of essential products like medical equipment and aviation computer systems.
With the completion of Human Factors Engineering, students become capable of:
- Describing different dimensions of cognitive abilities, sensory attributes, and motor abilities of people that influence human performance in operating machines.
- Identifying and analyzing human and technological errors in malfunctioning machines.
- Formulating safe and effective methods to design improved machinery and technologies used in daily lives and in critical situations like hospitals and aeroplanes.
- Develop experimental designs that are dependent on hypotheses and test these designs in human settings.
Also Read: What is Forensic Psychology?
Engineering Psychology Abroad
Human Factors Engineering is available in universities in the USA, UK, Ireland, and many other English-speaking nations. Indian students with an interest in this academic field can apply for different courses in academic institutions around the world.
Top Universities and Colleges
International students can opt for the following courses in universities tabulated below:
Universities | Courses | QS World University Rankings 2023 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA | Bachelor’s in Human Factors Engineering | 1 |
University of Derby, UK | MSc Ergonomics & Human Factors (Online) | 1001-1200 |
Loughborough University, UK | MSc in Ergonomics & Human Factors; PGDip in Ergonomics & Human Factors; PGCert in Ergonomics & Human Factors | 256 |
Staffordshire University, UK | MSc Human Factors for Patient Safety | – |
University of Nottingham, UK | Human Factors & Ergonomics MSc | 114 |
Coventry University, UK | MSc Human Factors in Aviation | 651-700 |
Cranfield University, UK | MSc Safety & Human Factors in the Aviation | – |
University of Edinburgh, UK | MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Patient Safety & Clinical Human Factors (Online Courses) | 15 |
University College London, UK | MSc Human-Computer Interaction | 8 |
Heriot-Watt University (UK, Malaysia, Dubai) | Master’s in Safety and Risk Management (Online) | 281 |
University of Leicester, UK | PGCert/MSc/PGDip in Quality & Safety in Healthcare | 279 |
Rochester Institute of Technology, USA | Advanced Certificate in Engineering Psychology | 1001-2000 |
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong | MPhil in Industrial Engineering & Decision Analytics | 40 |
Wright State University, USA | MSc in Industrial & Human Factors Engineering | – |
Technical University of Munich, Germany | MS in Human Factors Engineering | 49 |
University of Aberdeen, UK | MSc in Human Factors Engineering | 220 |
University College Cork, Ireland | MSc in Occupational Health | 303 |
Fees
Annual tuition fees of some of the aforementioned universities are given below:
Universities | Annual Fees |
Wright State University | INR 15.95 lakh |
University of Derby | £9,495 (INR 9.63 lakh) |
Loughborough University | £28,100 (INR 28.5 lakh) |
Stafford University | £8,460 (INR 8.58 lakh) |
University of Nottingham | £27,200 (INR 27.58 lakh) |
University College Cork | €10,300 (INR 9.19 lakh) |
Read: MSc Business Psychology
Eligibility Criteria
To secure admission to a foreign university, an international student is required to appear for English Language Proficiency Tests like PTE Academic, TOEFL, or IELTS. This is the common criterion for admission, but each programme level requires distinct academic qualifications for application and enrolment. Given below are the basic requirements to secure admission to the Engineering Psychology courses abroad:
- For undergraduate courses, the applicant must have completed 10+2 in Science Stream from an accredited academic institution.
- For postgraduate courses, the candidate must have at least 1 bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science or Engineering from a recognised university or college.
- For doctoral candidates, it is mandatory to have at least 1 graduate degree from an accredited university.
- Applicants must have a scorecard of accepted English language proficiency tests.
- Candidates must have valid passports.
Admission Process
Students can directly apply to Engineering Psychology at universities of interest, however, the process is very exhausting. To ease the application process, students can reach out to experts at Leverage Edu. Our experienced study-abroad team helps students with:
- Selection of courses and universities through our AI Course Finder.
- Compilation of Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Statement of Purpose (SOP), academic transcripts, IELTS/PTE Academic/TOEFL scorecards, and all necessary documents.
- Student visa application.
- Study abroad loan and scholarship application.
Also Read: Psychology Scholarships
Documents Required
Students enrolled in a study abroad program must produce the following documents to complete the application process:
- Academic transcripts
- Student Visa
- Passport
- Financial Evidence
- LORs
- SOP
- English Language Proficiency Test scores
- Portfolio
- Updated CV
- Work experience certificates, if asked for
Career Scope
After getting a degree in Engineering Psychology, individuals gain specialization in virtual; reality (VR), product design, ergonomics, product design, aerospace, usability, healthcare devices and technology, environmental safety, human-computer interaction, or human performance. After specializing in any or multiple domains, an engineering psychologist or human factors engineer work on the development of GPS systems, medical equipment, aviation technology, automobiles, mobile phones, and military equipment.
Salary
The average annual salary of Engineering Psychologists in India is INR 22 lakh. The estimated annual salary range is INR 27 lakh to INR 33 lakh.
FAQs
To opt for this career, one must pursue a course in Human Factors Engineering.
An engineering psychologist or human factors engineer is engaged in designing and developing GPS systems, office technology, military equipment, medical devices, motor vehicles, and other technology-enabled devices.
The average annual salary of an experienced Engineering Psychologist in India is INR 22 lakh.
Navigate different study abroad programmes with Leverage Edu and Leverage Live. To learn about multiple options call on 1800 572 000 to get a 30-minute free counselling session.