Human Computer Interaction MSc

Program Overview

The Human-Computer Interaction program combines computer science and engineering to explore the relationship between humans and digital technologies. You'll learn to develop software and systems that better meet the needs of users, with core modules covering mixed reality, user experience (UX) design, and human-computer systems. Optional modules provide flexibility to explore specialist areas like games software and virtual reality, and students complete an individual research project that can involve collaboration with industry partners or university research labs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Human computer interaction specializes in understanding the relationship between people and digital technologies. Global industries are developing user research and design to improve their products and services. There is an increasing demand for graduates in this innovative field. You will learn how to develop software and systems to better respond to the needs of customers, clients and users. This interdisciplinary masters is taught by academics from the School of Computer Science and the Department of Engineering. You will study core modules that cover topics including mixed reality and user experience (UX) design. Optional modules give you the flexibility to study specialist areas such as games software and virtual reality. All students will undertake an individual research project. This can be in collaboration with an industry partner or with one of our research groups: the Mixed Reality Laboratory and Human Factors lab. Past projects have covered topics such as; augmented reality, location based services, virtual reality and voice interfaces.

Outline:

You will study a total of 180 credits, split across 120 credits of compulsory and optional modules plus a 60-credit individual project. No computer programming experience is needed. If you are from other subjects you will study modules in fundamental computer science.

Modules:

Core modules

• Mixed Reality (20 credits)
• Human-Computer Systems (10 credits)
• Advanced Methods in Human Factors and Human-Computer Interaction (10 credits)
• Individual Project: Human-Computer Interaction (60 credits)
• Design Ethnography (20 credits)
• Studying Human Performance (autumn) (20 credits)

Optional modules

• Collaboration and Communication Technologies (10 credits)
• Fundamentals of Information Visualisation (10 credits)
• Games (20 credits)
• Information Visualisation Project (10 credits)
• Data Science with Machine Learning (20 credits)
• Simulation and Optimisation for Decision Support (20 credits)
• Physical Ergonomics (10 credits)
• Simulation, Virtual Reality and Advanced Human-Machine Interface (10 credits)
• Software Engineering Management (20 credits)
• Work Systems and Safety (20 credits)
• Human-AI Interaction (20 credits)
• Programming (20 credits)
The final degree classification will be the average of all credits, eg an average of 120 taught credits and 60 credits on your project. To pass a module you’ll need at least 50%.

Teaching:

You will work in classrooms and labs to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of this subject. Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postgraduate research students or postdoctoral research fellows.

Careers:

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students. Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers. Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

Other:

• 98% of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ (4 ) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3 )
• Ranked 6th in the UK for universities targeted by the largest number of top employers in 2019-2020
• 96.4% of postgraduates from the School of Computer Science secured work or further study within six months of graduation
• Joint 1st in the UK for research environment

UK

Fees: £12,500

International

Fees: £28,600