| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Human Computer Interaction at UCA
UCA's MSc degree in Human Computer interaction will provide you with skills that bridge a number of creative industries - from games design, product design, service design, software design to even designing interactive information systems.
On this course you'll be introduced to the field of human computer interaction as both an academic and design discipline, and you'll combine applied projects with theoretical knowledge.
Initially, you'll learn about human perception and action as well as the role of emotion and how this relates to the design of interfaces. So, you'll cover vision and hearing as well as external senses such as touch, taste and smell, and internal senses. We will also look at the importance of short and long-term memory as well as context and situation awareness.
You'll also focus on design methodologies and how they relate to field of interaction design, from methods of understanding the problem space, to prototyping and evaluating your work. You'll explore tools that support wire-framing and techniques for rapid prototyping, and you'll also learn about walk-throughs, user testing and focus groups.
There will be the opportunity to explore ideas through short assignments, collaborative thematic work as well as your Final Major Project.
Along the way, you'll be taught and supported by our mix of academic staff and experienced industry professionals, in our extensive facilities with cutting-edge technologies. There will also be opportunities to network with other industry professionals and experts in your field as this course is focused on building your network and position within a fast-paced and competitive industry.
Integrated Pre-Masters
We also offer this degree with an Integrated Pre-Masters course for international and UK students. The course prepares you for postgraduate study by improving your academic and creative skills before your degree begins.
Course Entry Options
Select from the following options to find out more about the different study options available for our MSc Human Computer Interaction degree:
- MSc
- MSc with Integrated Pre-Masters
Human Computer Interaction MSc
A one-year course of advanced study for furthering your research skills and specialising within your discipline.
Campus
- Farnham
Start Date(s)
- September 2025
- September 2026
Duration
- 1 year full-time
Entry Requirements
- Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in the subject/related discipline
- Relevant work experience
Human Computer Interaction MSc with Integrated Pre-Masters
This course includes a year-long preparatory course of study to ready you for your Masters course, developing your specialist knowledge, research skills and confidence in working alone.
Campus
- Farnham
Start Date(s)
- September 2025
- September 2026
Duration
- 2 years full-time
Entry Requirements
- A recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject
What You'll Study
The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.
Integrated Pre-Masters (if undertaken)
Our Integrated Pre-Master's course will prepare for postgraduate study by improving your academic and creative skills before your degree begins.
You'll build a portfolio of work whilst you explore your subject specialism and benefit from personal development tutoring that will support your academic growth and help refine your specialism.
If you need to enhance your English language skills you can opt to join a pre-sessional English course to improve your IELTS score as well.
Learn more about the Integrated Pre-Masters course
Term One
- Fundamentals of HCI: This unit introduces the field of Human Computer Interaction and covers topics such as cognition, role of emotion, design process, conceptual models, interface metaphors, requirements engineering, and evaluation methods. It also explores the role of a UX designer in practice and how this works as part of an agile software development team.
- Research Methods for Creative Technologies: You will learn to synthesise theoretical research methods and industry practices of interactive app evaluation to provide a critically informed and reflective toolset for analysing and critically assessing applications, interactive experiences, and their practice.
You will also learn about a range of methods for analysing interactive applications on the level of their content and form and develop an understanding of qualitative methodologies for capturing and evaluating the interactive experiences of a diverse range of users.
This unit aims to give you the analytical tools to not only interrogate and interpret existing applications and interactive experiences in written and verbal form, but to apply what they learn to their practice in a reflective report.
Term Two
- State of the Art: This unit will be split into two key areas. The first will be focused on qualitative and quantitative research, which forms a major part of the discipline of Human Computer Interaction. The second will involve a theoretical survey of the field, providing you with necessary language as well as highlighting key thinkers in this area. Another aspect of this unit will be a hands-on practice-based focus on experimenting with microcontroller and Arduino through a series of workshops and self-directed practical engagement.
A prototype for a physical computing project will be developed in conjunction with a clearly defined research methodology that aligns with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- HCI Lab: This studio-based unit is designed to be a stepping-stone to your investigations and interests, as well as a space for exploration and experimentation with alternative design processes and methodologies. It builds upon the previous units and as a studio class it delves into more detail regarding participatory design methods alongside a practical project with an external local community partner.
You will also undertake a collaborative professional practice group project - This is expected to involve groups of students across the postgraduate portfolio collaborating on a project which may be based on an industry brief.
Term Three
- Final Major Project: The Final Major Project is a culmination of your skills, passions and creativity as developed across your MA education. The final major project, and your role in it, should be ambitious but achievable, and framed by how you want to promote yourself as a Human Computer Interaction specialist.
Through this final project you will either utilise proposals you have been working on in other units or develop an entirely new proposal.
Alongside the project, you will be compiling a showreel of work to showcase your mini-projects and prototypes thus far. The unit and year will finish with an exhibition which celebrates the prototypes and projects completed for this unit and throughout the course.
MSc with Advanced Practice (if undertaken)
- Advance Practice: Should you choose to undertake Advanced Practice, this unit is designed to help you develop advanced approaches to research and the methodologies applied to the study, analysis and production of practice. As such, it further builds upon the basis that all practice, intellectual thought and knowledge acquisition is informed through distinct stages of research management.
Specifications
- Course information 2025/26 entry
- Course information annex for Integrated Pre-Masters 2025/26 entry
- Student regulations
Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
- 2025/26: £10,500 (UK)
- 2025/26: £18,000 (International)
UCA Scholarships and Fee Discounts
At UCA we have a number of scholarships and fee discounts available to assist you with the cost of your studies.
Current UCA students and alumni may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.
Additional Course Costs
In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.
These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. Please see the Additional Course Costs section of the Course Information Document for more details of the costs you may incur.
Facilities
Our outstanding computer games studios have high-end PCs dedicated to games design with games systems and interactivity software including Maya, Photoshop and Substance, and Unity and Unreal games engines. There are also sound production studios, a Foley studio and pro tools suites. There is a modern library with a wealth of books, journals, special collections and online resources.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course can expect to leave with essential knowledge in design methodologies, human perception and action, context and situation awareness and the role that emotion plays in the development of modern design and experience. This can help graduates to progress and begin their career within several different roles.
These include:
- UX researcher
- Product designer
- User Experience designer
- Accessibility engineer
- Front-End designer
- Product manager
You may want to undertake further study or research to specialise even further.
Entry Requirements
The MSc course does not require a portfolio but for the Integrated Pre-Masters course we will need to see your portfolio for review. Once you've applied our Admissions Team will provide information about how you can submit your portfolio.
View Portfolio Advice for the Integrated Pre-Masters Course
English Language Requirements
- If you are a national of a non-English speaking country, we will need to see evidence of your English language ability before we can confirm your offer.
- We accept IELTS, Pearson Test of English, and Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English.
- For more information about English language requirements, please see our English Language Requirements page.
Postgraduate Requirements
Integrated Pre-Masters Course
Our Pre-Masters courses require a recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject. Applicants will also need to meet any course-specific requirements.
Masters Course
For our Master's courses, we usually require that you have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree at a recognised university.
Equivalent Qualifications
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. Please see our Country Guides for more information about the qualifications we accept from your country.
International Students
For more information about studying at UCA as an international student, please see our International Students page.
Apply Now
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- My location: Select your location (UK/International)
- I am interested to start in: Select entry year
- I would like to study for: Select study option (MSc/MSc with Integrated Pre-Masters)
Apply
Related Courses
- Game Engineering MSc at UCA Farnham
- Human Computer Interaction MSc at UCA Farnham
- Immersive & Virtual Reality MA at UCA Farnham
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Please note that the content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.
Program Outline
- Develop expertise in designing and evaluating user interfaces and interactive systems.
- Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills within the context of HCI.
- Foster collaboration and communication skills essential for working in interdisciplinary teams.
- Prepare graduates for diverse career opportunities in the field of HCI.
Outline:
The MSc Human Computer Interaction program is structured as follows:
Term 1:
- Fundamentals of HCI: Introduces the core concepts of HCI, including cognition, emotion, design process, interface metaphors, and evaluation methods.
- Research Methods for Creative Technologies: Equips students with the necessary skills to analyze and critically assess interactive applications and experiences.
Term 2:
- State of the Art: Explores the current landscape of HCI research and introduces key thinkers in the field. Also includes a practical component with microcontrollers and Arduino.
- HCI Lab: Provides a platform for students to experiment with alternative design processes and methodologies through a participatory design project with a local community partner.
- Professional Practice: Offers two options: a collaborative professional practice group project or a creative business start-up option.
Term 3:
- Final Major Project: Students undertake an ambitious project culminating in a final exhibition showcasing their skills and creativity.
Course Schedule:
The program follows a three-term structure with each term focusing on specific modules and projects. Detailed class schedules and timetables are provided to students upon enrollment.
Individual Modules:
- Fundamentals of HCI
- Research Methods for Creative Technologies
- State of the Art
- HCI Lab
- Professional Practice
- Final Major Project
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
- Coursework assignments
- Project reports
- Presentations
- Examinations
- Final project evaluation
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and practical knowledge to the classroom. Teaching methods include:
- Interactive lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Group projects
- Individual supervision
Careers:
Graduates of the MSc Human Computer Interaction program can pursue a range of careers in the following areas:
- UX researcher
- Product designer
- User Experience designer
- Accessibility engineer
- Front-End designer
- Product manager
Other:
- The program offers opportunities for networking with industry professionals and experts in the field.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including computer games studios, sound studios, and a modern library.
- Scholarships and fee discounts are available for eligible students.
Conclusion:
The MSc Human Computer Interaction program at UCA provides a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of HCI, preparing graduates for successful careers in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 (see fee discount information) Tuition fees 2024/25 entry (MSc): £18,000 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 30 weeks): £17,500 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 15 weeks): £8,750
