MSc Human Computer Interaction

For our students coming from a non-UK educational background, UCA has launched an Integrated International Pre-Masters year. On this course you’ll prepare for postgraduate study with a mix of online and face-to-face learning that will give you the study skills required to complete a Master’s, and you’ll also improve your English for academic study.

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.

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.

Professional Practice
In this unit, you can choose from two options:

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.

A creative business start-up option - This is being developed by the Business School for the Creative Industries which will also lead on the delivery. The Creative Startup component is based on active-reflective learning. A real-world practical business experience is at the core of the unit component, but it will also encourage you to adopt a critical and reflective approach to your work and specific behaviours.

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. 

You may also wish to progress onto a PhD or MPhil research degree.

MSc course

• A good honours degree or equivalent qualification in a related discipline
  
  

and/or

• Relevant work experience, demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level.
  
  

Consideration will also be given to applicants who can make a strong case for admission in relation to a particular project and can demonstrate their potential to satisfactorily complete the course.

Portfolio requirements

This course does not require a portfolio.

MSc course

The entry requirements will depend on the country your qualifications are from, please check the equivalent qualifications for your country:

• Non-UK equivalent qualifications

Any additional entry requirements listed in the UK requirements section, e.g., subject requirements, work experience or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants applying with equivalent qualifications.

Portfolio requirements

This course does not require a portfolio.

MSc course with Integrated International Pre-Masters course

• A recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject.

Any additional entry requirements listed in the UK requirements section, e.g., subject requirements, work experience or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants applying with equivalent qualifications.

Portfolio requirements

For this course we will need to see your portfolio for review. We request students to prepare 3-5 pages portfolio showcasing your utilisation of computer skills within a creative field. Please highlight experiences that may have developed your creative or visual skills, problem-solving abilities, design thinking, or visual communication, even if they aren't directly connected to Human Computer Interaction. Further information will be provided once you have applied.

English language requirements

To study at UCA, you'll need to have a certain level of English language skill. And so, to make sure you meet the requirements of your course, we ask for evidence of your English language ability, please check the level of English language required:

• English language requirements