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Human-Computer Interaction MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is concerned with the design and use of computer and mobile technology, focusing on the interfaces between people and systems. This interdisciplinary programme sits at the intersection of engineering, behavioural sciences, and design. It combines academic rigour with practical and professional skills highly valued by employers.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£15,100
£7,550
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
All applicants: 16 Oct 2023 – 12 Feb 2024

Applications closed

Applications that meet the minimum entry requirements will be reviewed together after the closing date.

Find similar courses still open

Entry requirements

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.

Attention must be given to the instructions in writing the personal statement.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4
Students who have worked or studied in country considered by UCL to be majority English speaking for less than 3 years must provide evidence in the form of a UCL approved test.

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students develop an understanding of the relevance and application of human physical, cognitive, social, and affective knowledge to the design of interactive systems. They learn to analyse and test user performance, preferences and experience in relation to human-centred interactive systems. Students will be able to characterise and apply a range of human-computer interaction and user-centred design styles.

Who this course is for

The programme is suitable for students with appropriate backgrounds in psychology, computer science, or a closely related discipline who wish to develop skills to equip them for future positions in industrial, academic or consultancy environments in the field of human-computer interaction.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme is taught by the UCL Interaction Centre (UCLIC), a world leading Centre of Excellence in Human-Computer Interaction, working collaboratively with industry and the research community. UCLIC, and before it the UCL Ergonomics Unit, have provided training in this field for over thirty years. We have excellent links with industry partners, offer students a weekly industry speaker series and run visits to consultancies and field sites.

Our modules use a combination of lectures and practical activities. Activities are often structured around individual or group projects, such as the evaluation of a system or the creation of a prototype. Assessments are varied and include design portfolios, presentations, videos and reflective reports as well as academic essays and exams.

The MSc research project allows students to undertake cutting-edge research in human-computer interaction. Many former projects have been published and presented at leading international conferences.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

This degree is highly regarded by our colleagues in industry. Along with developing HCI research skills, the programme allows students to demonstrate skills in presenting, writing and collaboration that are valued by employers. We have a large network of alumni working in London and across the world. Many of them are involved with our industry speaker series and careers events, and they regularly send opportunities to our jobs mailing list for recent graduates.

Employability

Our graduates are employed by technology multinationals, start-ups, government agencies, consultancies and in academia. They take up roles such as User Experience (UX) Researchers, Interaction Designers, Usability Specialists and Information Architects. Many progress to senior roles within a few years of graduation.

Networking

We offer students regular opportunities to hear from HCI professionals, including many alumni of the programme, as part of the the MSc HCI Industry Speaker series.

Teaching and learning

Our modules use a combination of lectures and practical activities. Activities are often structured around individual or group projects, such as the evaluation of a system or the creation of a prototype. Learning is supported by online activities and materials.

Project supervision supervision usually combines individual and group supervision - the exact balance will be determined by the project supervisor.

Modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework is varied and includes design portfolios, presentations, videos, and reflective reports, as well as more traditional academic essays. One compulsory module and some optional modules include assessed group projects. The final MSc HCI project is assessed by a written dissertation report.

We estimate that full-time students spend 35 - 42 hours per week on their studies. In Terms One and Two, 12-16 hours per week are spent on teaching-related activities.The remainder of the time is independent study. Over the summer, students can expect up to 12 hours of supervision for their project.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months or flexible up to three years is offered) consisting of two compulsory 30-credit core modules and four 15-credit optional modules. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), full-time three months or flexible up to two years is offered. This consists of one 30-credit core module and 30 credits of optional modules.

Modules

In Term One, you will study compulsory modules in Interaction Science and Interaction Design which will prepare you for further topics and set the foundations for your research project.

In Term Two, you will choose from a range of optional modules that are designed around the research areas undertaken by UCLIC's academic team and choose a research project.

In Term Three, you will undertake an individual research project.

In Year One, students take one compulsory module in Term One and two optional modules in Term Two.

In Year Two, students take their second compulsory module in Term One and a further two optional modules.

Students will complete their project in Year Two.

Modular flexible students take one compulsory module in Year One, Term One. They then complete their second compulsory module, four optional modules and their project flexibly over the remaining years.

Modular-Flexible students must submit their project in the year they register for the project module.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules






The Digital Workplace


Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Human-Computer Interaction. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Human-Computer Interaction.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £15,100 £7,550
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students may be encouraged to submit work to conferences as part of taught modules.

Where students are successful, we normally provide up to £500 support for conference registration, travel and accommodation costs. Depending on conference location, the full cost may be higher than this and students who attend will need to meet those additional costs. Attendance at conferences is optional.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Human-Computer Interaction at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Human-Computer Interaction at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

References must be received within 2 weeks of the closing date.

We currently review all complete applications (references received) that meet the minimum entry criteria together after application deadline. We aim to return decisions no later than mid May. Applicants that do not meet the minimum entrance requirements may be rejected before the closing date.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Psychology and Language Sciences
Division of Psychology and Language Sciences

uclic-stla@cs.ucl.ac.uk

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