Program Overview
The Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Masters program at the University of Birmingham is a one-year, full-time program that equips students with the theories, methodologies, and practices of HCI. The program emphasizes understanding the user and their abilities and constraints, as well as the need to build effective and innovative systems. Core modules cover principles, theories, and intelligent interactive systems, while optional modules include intelligent data analysis, machine learning, and visualization. Graduates find employment in academia, research, industry, and private organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Masters/MSc program at the University of Birmingham is a one-year, full-time program designed to equip students with the underpinning theories, methodologies, and practices of the discipline. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the people who use computer systems and their abilities and constraints, as well as the need to build systems that are effective and innovative.
- To develop students' skills in designing, evaluating, and implementing interactive systems.
- To foster students' creativity and innovation in solving problems related to HCI.
- To prepare students for careers in research, industry, or commerce.
Outline:
The program is structured as follows:
- Taught Modules (First 8 Months): Students spend half of their time studying taught modules, covering core principles, theories, methodologies, and application areas of HCI.
- Research Project: Students work one-to-one with a research-active staff member to explore an area in depth, analyzing the problem and existing solutions, developing new ideas, and building or evaluating prototype systems. This project allows students to develop their skills in analysis, research, technology, and communication.
Core Modules:
- Experiment Design, Evaluation Methods and Statistics (20 credits)
- Human Computer Interaction Theory and Practice (20 credits)
- Intelligent Interactive Systems (Extended) (20 credits)
- Project (60 credits)
- Research Topics in HCI (20 credits)
Optional Modules:
- Intelligent Data Analysis (20 credits)
- Machine Learning (20 credits)
- Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing (Extended) (20 credits)
- Visualisation (20 credits)
Assessment:
Assessment is conducted through a combination of practical and written coursework, as well as examinations. The project is assessed based on a practical demonstration and a written report.
Teaching:
- Learning is delivered through a combination of lecture classes, problem-based workshops, and one-to-one supervision.
- Students participate in group work as part of the taught modules and may have opportunities for industry-based project work.
- Students are part of a small, highly qualified group working closely with researchers within the HCI center.
Careers:
Graduates of the program find employment in a variety of environments, including academia, research, industry, government, and private organizations. Some potential career paths include:
- Software Engineering
- Software Applications
- Computer/Cyber Security
- Artificial Intelligence
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Operating Systems and Networks
Other:
- The program is intimately integrated into the research of the University's HCI center.
- The University of Birmingham is one of the leading universities in the UK for postgraduate study in computer science.
- The School of Computer Science has state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated laboratories for Computer Science students and research laboratories for Security, Medical Imaging, Intelligent Robotics, and Computer Vision.
- The University is a partner in The Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
- The Security and Privacy Group is recognized as an EPSRC/GCHQ Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research.
- The School of Computer Science is renowned for teaching and research excellence, and produces novel solutions for real-world applications.
Annual tuition fees for 2024/25 UK students: £11,340 International students: £31,410 Are you an international applicant? All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place. Find out more about the deposit >>. Postgraduate Loans (PGL) for Masters students UK and EU students (with settled or pre-settled status) looking to pursue a Masters programme in the UK can apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan will be paid directly to you, into a UK bank account. It is intended to provide a contribution towards the costs of Masters study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs is at your own discretion. Scholarships We offer a range of University scholarships Birmingham Masters Scholarship
