Ranking
6th
Complete University Guide 2025
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Become a specialist in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) with our MSc course. You’ll learn the skills for exciting roles in areas from gaming and entertainment to healthcare and communication.
Build your knowledge of the underpinning theories, methodologies and practice of HCI. From businesses building their strategies to online shopping and social media, you’ll be able to solve challenges we’ll face in the future.
The curriculum covers not only the core principles, theories, and methodologies of HCI but also offers the flexibility to explore specialised areas through optional modules, such as Robotics. The emphasis on project work, integrating students into the research activities of the HCI Centre, provides a hands-on experience that goes beyond theoretical knowledge.
Course structure
Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is probably the single most important area for the success of a computer system and also provides great opportunities for innovation and creativity. You'll cover the underpinning theories, methodologies and practice of the discipline.
You'll study a range of core, HCI-specific modules. You will choose 20 - 40 credits of optional HCI-specific modules, and will begin to develop plans for your MSc project.
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Course highlights
You’ll not only learn about the interface a system provides, but how to build and evaluate systems. We’ll encourage you to think creatively to build innovative solutions to new problems and emerging applications and domains.
As well as becoming a specialist in HCI, you’ll develop skills in analysis, research, technology and how to present your work. You’ll be well prepared for a broad range of careers from interaction designer and UX/UI to games design or front-end developer.
- Learn from experts involved in cutting-edge research
- Benefit from our partnership with the Alan Turing Institute
- Develop your skills in state-of-the-art, multi-million-pound facilities for Computer Science students.
- 6th
in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
Study our continually updated curriculum and degree programmes that align with industry needs, ensuring you are highly sought after in the global job market.
Your degree is closely connected to the research conducted at the University’s HCI Centre, through both coursework and project work.
Course delivery
Learning includes lectures, workshops, and 1:1 supervision, with group projects, potential industry work, and close collaboration with researchers.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
- Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance understanding of the material
- Learn collaboratively in workshops through group work which will enhance your teamwork skills and your ability to appreciate others perspectives
You'll have the opportunity to broaden your studies on our Human Computer Interaction Masters through an optional module in areas such as Robotics. The course builds upon the world-class research of the HCI Centre through project work and is designed to prepare you for a career in research or in industry or commerce.
We offer modern facilities, including two dedicated computing labs for computer science students, collaborative teaching spaces, study areas with large displays and presentation screens, GPU cluster and full wireless network, and research laboratories for Security and Medical Imaging.
We have dedicated Computer Science Student Experience Officers and Student Wellbeing Officers, whose sole job is to ensure our students are supported, both physically, mentally and holistically with their studies and life as a computer science student.
Lecture
Tutorial
Workshop
Projects
Practical assignments
Module information
The course consists of 180 credits. As well as six 20-credit modules, you'll also undertake a 60 credit research project.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2025/26
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Experiment Design, Evaluation Methods and Statistics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human Computer Interaction Theory and Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Intelligent Interactive Systems (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Project - HCI MSc | 60 | Full term |
| Research Topics in HCI | 20 | Semester 2 |
Optional modules
Select 40 credits of options. Examples of options listd below:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Machine Learning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Visualisation | 20 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Professor Russell Beale
Programme Director
Professor Russell Beale staff profile for the School of Computer Science
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in Computer Science or equivalent
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £13,040
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
You'll be able to apply your learning on the course to a number of relevant industries including health care, games and entertainment and mobile communication. you'll have the skills to undertake a wide range of roles, such as user experience, user research, interactive design or information architecture. In addition, you'll be well prepared to continue your studies through research for a PhD.
Your career prospects are great and computing graduates with a good degree are in demand. Plus, with the number of computer science graduates from the UK diminishing at the same time as jobs are increasing, students with a postgraduate degree have an excellent chance of securing employment.
A dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards
Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations
You could join a firm like Accenture and PwC, or one of the global IT giants such as Microsoft and Google
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.