Diploma in Human Factors and HFACS in Accidents
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in human factors and HFACS in accidents: 8 modules covering human factors, operator physiology, the HFACS model and its application to accident analysis, CRM, automation and interfaces, and interventions, with an assigned technical tutor.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand human capabilities and limitations in aviation.
Assess physiological conditions such as fatigue.
Apply the HFACS model to real accidents.
Analyse human factors in databases statistically.
Integrate CRM principles into error prevention.
Assess the risks associated with automation.
Propose effective interventions based on the analysis.
Who it's for
- Human factors specialists.
- Accident investigators.
- CRM instructors.
- Safety analysts.
- Aviation psychologists.
- Crew training managers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to work for airlines.
What you'll work with
- ICAO Doc 9683 (Human Factors Training Manual)
- Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 (Part-66 and Part-145 human factors requirements)
- Regulation (EU) 965/2012, ORO.FC (CRM training requirements)
- CS-25.1302 (installed systems and equipment for use by the flight crew)
- ICAO Doc 9966 (Manual for the Oversight of Fatigue Management Approaches)
- Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 (aircrew licensing)
- ICAO Annex 19 (safety management)
- ECCAIRS 2
- SPSS
- NVivo
- SAFTE-FAST
- Excel
8 modules
1.1The SHELL model of human factors1.2Human performance and limitations1.3Perception, attention and memory1.4Decision-making under pressure1.5Situational awareness and its levels1.6Mental workload1.7Human error according to Reason1.8Spatial disorientation in flight1.9Dupont's Dirty Dozen1.10Workshop: SHELL analysis of a maintenance incident
2.1Fatigue and circadian rhythms2.2Fatigue risk management systems (FRMS)2.3Hypoxia and altitude effects2.4Acute and chronic stress2.5Alcohol, medication and substances2.6Mental health and medical fitness2.7Visual and vestibular illusions2.8Flight deck ergonomics2.9Environment and noise2.10Practical: fatigue assessment with biomathematical models
3.1Origin of the HFACS model3.2Unsafe acts: errors and violations3.3Preconditions for unsafe acts3.4Unsafe supervision level3.5Organisational influences level3.6Nanocodes and adapted versions3.7HFACS-ME for maintenance3.8Inter-rater reliability3.9Limitations of the model3.10Practical: HFACS coding of a general aviation accident
4.1Selection of information sources4.2Extracting factors from reports4.3Coding by level4.4Relationships between HFACS levels4.5Statistical analysis of databases4.6Trends by type of operation4.7Comparison with other models4.8Linking to recommendations4.9Validity of coding4.10Lab: HFACS analysis of a series of reports
5.1Evolution of CRM5.2Communication and assertiveness5.3Leadership and teamwork5.4Threat and error management5.5Competency-based training5.6Assessment of non-technical behaviours5.7CRM in maintenance (MRM)5.8CRM in air traffic control5.9Landmark accidents and lessons5.10Case study: analysis of flight deck communication
6.1Trust and complacency with automation6.2Mode surprise and system awareness6.3Loss of manual flying skills6.4User-centred design6.5CS 25.1302 requirements6.6Alarms and alert management6.7Crew monitoring6.8Lessons from automation-related accidents6.9The future of reduced-crew operations6.10Case study: mode surprise during an approach
7.1From HFACS analysis to intervention7.2The HFIX intervention matrix7.3Human factors training programmes7.4Procedure redesign7.5Just culture and reporting7.6Measuring effectiveness7.7Integration with the SMS7.8Human factors in certification7.9Peer support programmes7.10Workshop: proposal of HFIX interventions
8.1Selection of the accidents to study8.2Review of official reports8.3Complete HFACS coding8.4Analysis of patterns and relationships8.5Comparison with another model8.6Proposed interventions8.7Monitoring plan8.8Discussion of results8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ECCAIRS 2, SPSS, NVivo, SAFTE-FAST and Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: HFACS coding of accident reports, analysis of flight deck communication and assessment of crew fatigue. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ICAO Doc 9683 (Human Factors Training Manual), Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 (Part-66 and Part-145 human factors), Regulation (EU) 965/2012 (ORO.FC CRM), CS-25.1302, ICAO Doc 9966 (FRMS), Regulation (EU) 1178/2011, ICAO Annex 19.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with ECCAIRS 2, SPSS, NVivo, SAFTE-FAST and Excel, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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