A A A

MSc Human-Computer Interaction with Ergonomics

Information About | Modules & Assessment | FAQ

Information about the MSc Human-Computer Interaction with Ergonomics UCL Interaction Centre, and before it the UCL Ergonomics Unit, have been training HCI and human factors professionals and academics for over thirty years.

We offer three taught programmes in Human-Computer Interaction with Ergonomics at postgraduate level. Each differs in terms of length and the number of study components:

The aim of these programmes is to learn, through information, demonstration, exploration and application, a scientific human-centred approach to the design and evaluation of a wide range of interactive systems and products, and their contexts of use.
Following this course, a graduate should:

  • Understand the theoretical relevance, and the application, of human physical, cognitive, social and affective knowledge, to the design of interactive systems.
  • Be able to analyse the user requirements for an interactive system or product.
  • Understand the influence of context of use (both local and organisational) on user-system interaction.
  • Be able to characterise a range of human-computer interaction and user-centred design styles and apply these appropriately to software and hardware for the design of interactive systems and products.
  • Be competent to test and analyse user performance, user preferences and user experience in relation to human-centred interactive systems.
  • Be competent in a range of appropriate HCI and Ergonomic research and development techniques to apply to any of the above.
  • Have acquired a range of transferable skills and the independent learning ability to equip them for future positions in industrial, academic or consultancy environments.

Structure of the Programme | More details
UCLIC postgraduate programmes draw on knowledge from a number of background disciplines. All students pursue studies in a number of topics, via lectures, practical work, group work, field studies, and so on. Most lectures should be regarded as keynotes suggesting profitable avenues in self-study, and lecturers are free to teach in novel and interesting ways as appropriate to the topic. All courses include exercises done individually or as group work, and will often involve experiments, data collection, discussions, presentations etc.

Assessment
 		What current students say
Some of the taught modules are assessed through practical work and individual coursework, and some through written examinations (one unseen and one prior disclosure). The Project module is assessed by dissertation.

Coming from Computing, I found the breadth of courses and an emphasis on professional skills invaluable. The diverse backgrounds of the class from Design and Engineering to Psychology made my UCLIC experience insightful and thoroughly enjoyable.
Mrudula, UCLIC class of 2005, Senior Consultant, Webcredible, London, UK.

The UCLIC MSc course was an amazing year for me. Very full-on, but a great way to start developing a feel for the huge breadth and potential of this professional field. To have such a highly-motivated group of people on the course, from such diverse backgrounds, made it all the more engaging.
John, UCLIC class of 2006, Voice User Interface Designer, Nuance Communications, Berkshire, UK.

UCLIC offers a great learning environment, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and creative groupwork.My MSc course at UCLIC helped kick-start a great career in user experience design and gave me lots of friends and professional contacts around the world.
Alexander, UCLIC class of 2006, User Experience Consultant, Webcredible, London, UK


What do people do with a postgraduate qualification in Human-Computer Interaction with Ergonomics
 Further Information

Careers open to graduates of the programmes include:

  • Usability specialist
  • User-centred design expert
  • Interaction designer
  • Applied ergonomist
  • User experience expert
  • Information architect
  • HCI expert
  • Human factors specialist

Some more information about careers can be found here. In addition, MSc graduates can move on to a PhD or applied research in similar areas.

Find out here what students did after the programme.

Please select the links below for further information

Funding Opportunities
For information on general scholarship opportunities, please select the link below:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships/graduate

Applying for postgraduate programmes in Human-Computer Interaction and Ergonomics

HCI is a broad discipline that has grown out of psychology and computer science but also includes elements of design, ergonomics, informatics and so on. We therefore require you to have an appropriate background from one of these disciplines. This means either:

  1. A minimum of an upper second-class degree in Computer Science, Psychology or Ergonomics OR a minimum of an upper second-class degree in a Computer Science-, Psychology-, or Ergonomics-related field (e.g. interface design, Business IT, Product Design). Account will be taken of any relevant practical or work experience.
  2. The equivalent degree from a non-UK university (click here for equivalent non-UK qualification)
  3. Account will be taken of any relevant practical or work experience. 
  4. It is mandatory that all prospective students whose first language is not English mus provide proof of Good Level of English Proficiency by sending the scores for one of the test shown on the UCL website.
  5. Personal Statement is a critical part of the selection process. Please see more details on the Faculty of Brain Sciences website

If you are not sure you have the right background find out more here. Note that we consider all applications on their own merit and you are welcome to discuss queries about your own background with our Admission Tutor Nadia Berthouze.

Applications must be submitted on the standard UCL Graduate Application Form with the required documentation. Please note the following deadlines:

  • 1st March 2011: Deadline for applicants that would like to apply for MSc Scholarship to start September 2011 (UK/EU students, Overseas students)
  •  Final Deadline - 3rd August 2012. If the course becomes full before the specified deadline, we will put you on a reserve list.


Contact:
Our FAQ may answer some of your questions, please click here. For any further information about the postgraduate programmes in Human-Computer Interaction and Ergonomics, please contact Romy Beattie



.


Page last modified on 25 jan 12 11:01 by Romy Beattie