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.
Please note, the MSc course will be available for September 2024 entry, the Integrated Pre-Masters courses will be available for September 2023 entry.
The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.
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.
Your units will be as follows - more details to follow shortly
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.
Tuition fees - 2023 entry
UK students:
EU students:
International students:
Further information
For more detailed information about our course fees and any financial support you may be entitled to please see our fees and finance pages.
The fees listed here are correct for the stated academic year only. Costs may increase each year during a student’s period of continued registration on course in line with inflation (subject to any maximum regulated tuition fee limit). Any adjustment for continuing students will be at or below the RPI-X forecast rate.
Financial support
There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources.
Discover what support you might qualify for please see our financial support information
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.
You'll find everything you need to know for your level of study on our scholarships page.
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.
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.
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Games studios, UCA Farnham
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Games studio, UCA Farnham
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Sound studios, UCA Farnham
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Library, UCA Farnham
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:
You may also wish to progress onto a PhD or MPhil research degree.
MSc course
and/or
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:
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
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.
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 chcek the level of English language required:
Don't meet the international entry requirements or English language requirements?
You may be able to enter the course through the following entry pathways:
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