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Human-Computer Interaction MSc

Our MSc in Human-Computer Interaction will give you the skills to create, design and develop engaging interactive digital technologies from apps to immersive environments.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2024

Overview

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a cross-disciplinary practice in the field of computing. It combines understanding people (drawing on social sciences and psychology) with the design of technology (using practices from art/design, computing and engineering).

You'll be suitable for this Human-Computer Interaction master's if you’re from technical and non-technical backgrounds, including:

  • computer science, design, and psychology graduates
  • former teachers, artists, and professionals from a range of backgrounds

You’ll gain the professional and technical skills to work in careers such as:

  • user experience (UX) researcher / designer / consultant
  • interaction designer
  • usability engineer
  • research (via a PhD)

Throughout the Human-Computer Interaction master's you'll learn the principles of human-centred design and how to design better products for human experiences. You'll also build an understanding of how using digital technologies can impact people at an individual, group or societal level.

Our MSc is taught by staff from a world-leading HCI research lab within the School of Computing called Open Lab.

Open Lab specialises in digital social innovation. This is sometimes known as ‘Tech 4 Good’. Open Lab and the wider School of Computing build on a vast range of research partnerships across both industry and public sector organisations including:

  • the BBC
  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Barnardos
  • the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
  • numerous other charities and NGOs

These organisations offer rich opportunities for enhancing your learning through:

  • invited talks
  • collaborative dissertation projects
  • career-building activities

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Important information

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What you'll learn

Through compulsory and optional modules you'll:

  • learn the principles of human-centred design
  • build an understanding of the impact of digital technologies

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your development

The MSc in Human-Computer Interaction is a one-year full time course, based on the Newcastle campus and delivered by the School of Computing. It includes:

  • seminars
  • lectures
  • practical classes
  • group and individual project work
  • guided independent reading
  • self-directed learning

Your future

Careers

The Human-Computer Interaction master's prepares you for a wide range of careers such as:

  • user experience (UX) researcher / designer / consultant
  • interaction designer
  • usability engineer
  • research (via a PhD)

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

You'll have access to a range of facilities including:

  • workshops
  • a design space
  • a MakerSpace so you can build and test your own interactive products

We have:

  • 3D printers
  • a laser cutter
  • open-source hardware platforms (Arduino etc)
  • crafting materials
  • other items to help you learn to be creative with technology

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

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You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


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Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days
  • webinars

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Admissions Secretary
School of Computing
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736
Email: Computing.Admissions@ncl.ac.uk

Online

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

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