Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors (Online Learning) MSc
The University of Edinburgh
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( 4.2)

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Main Campus

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Study mode

Part Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Online/Distance Learning

Study mode

Online

Start date

SEP

Duration

3 Years

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Course info

Who is this programme for? This three year, part-time, online MSc programme in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors aims to support graduate health care professionals, ranging from nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, veterinarians, paramedics and those working in healthcare management. Students learn how to use evidence -based tools and techniques to improve the reliability and safety of everyday health care systems and processes. As an applicant of this degree, you will be looking to ...Read more

Who is this programme for? This three year, part-time, online MSc programme in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors aims to support graduate health care professionals, ranging from nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, veterinarians, paramedics and those working in healthcare management. Students learn how to use evidence -based tools and techniques to improve the reliability and safety of everyday health care systems and processes. As an applicant of this degree, you will be looking to distinguish yourself as being an expert in patient safety and looking to move towards specialising or taking a management lead in this field. The programme will draw on teaching materials from a global network of experts. Due to the unique and completely online nature of the teaching, the programme is an attractive option if you are a professional wishing to secure academic credit or a higher degree in patient safety and are unable to commit to attend on-campus teaching. From August 2025, teaching on this programme will be delivered by the Edinburgh Medical School. (Revised 1 August 2025 to update reference to Edinburgh Medical School) Programme structure Year 1 and 2 of the programme each consist of three 20-credit courses. On successful completion of Year 1 and Year 2 courses, students complete an independent research project in Year 3. This programme has the following exit awards: Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert: 60 credits) Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip: 120 credits) Master of Science (MSc: 180 credits) Year 1 Year 1 will cover: a broad introduction into the current state of safety in health care how harm comes to patients a detailed understanding of clinical human factors and ergonomics Year 2 Year 2 will follow on from the state of healthcare to look at how we can improve safety in healthcare. This involves examining how good teamwork influences patient outcomes, as well as improving healthcare and medicine management. You will also focus on quality improvement research and methodologies. Year 3 Year 3 will follow the highly successful iterative module used by the Masters in Surgical Sciences, involving: submission of a project outline abstract submission with poster preparation completion of a dissertation

Key stats

  IDP Connect
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
18th

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in any healthcare-related subject, including but not limited to medicine, biomedical science, veterinary science, pharmacology/pharmacy, nursing, or psychology. Candidates currently working in healthcare-related industries with degrees in life sciences, social sciences, economics, management, or other related disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

We may also consider your application if you have relevant work experience in a related scientific area, for example hospital or primary care for 3 or more years. Experience in patient safety or quality improvement would be advantageous. Please contact the programme team to check before you apply.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Rest of World

£6,370 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

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Uni info

The University of Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.2 miles away
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