Ergonomist
Design equipment and workplaces which are easier and more comfortable for people to use.
Also known as: human factors specialist
About the job
What it's like
You would help to design equipment and workplaces which are easier and more comfortable for people to use.
You’d use your knowledge of anatomy, physiology and psychology to research:
The way muscles and limbs work
The physical capabilities and limitations of the body
How environmental factors such as noise, heat and lighting affect people
How people think and behave when they use equipment and systems
You’d combine this information with your knowledge of industrial sociology to influence the manufacture of equipment so that it’s better suited to people’s needs.
You’d try to develop equipment and systems that are easy to use. This means they are less likely to lead to errors and will be more efficient.
You’d also suggest changes to the set-up and organisation of workplaces and processes.
Your work would vary depending on the particular job, but you could:
Design office layouts
Advise on suitable furniture and equipment
Advise on the organisation of production lines and workstations
Design equipment for people with disabilities
Change vehicle design make them safer for drivers and passengers
Test new designs with users and give feedback to the manufacturer or client
Act as an expert witness in cases of industrial injury
You could also be involved in research or teaching.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- human factors
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- designing
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Human Biology
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There is no set route into this career but it is highly competitive.
Most ergonomists have:
a degree (SCQF level 9/10) or postgraduate qualifications (SCQF level 11) in ergonomics and human factors, engineering psychology with ergonomics
or a relevant degree (SCFQ level 9/10) in areas such as physiology, occupational therapy, product design, engineering or sports science
Your degree would be combined with short courses from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (IEHF).
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Loughborough University is the only university in the UK that runs undergraduate courses in ergonomics and human factors, but many courses in design, computer science and engineering offer modules in ergonomics.
Heriot-Watt University runs a postgraduate MSc in Engineering Psychology with Ergonomics (SCQF level 11), including a distance learning option.
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