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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.
Why Study Human Computer Interaction? | University of Birmingham
Title: Why Study Human Computer Interaction? | University of Birmingham
Duration: 01.15
Begins
[Tirth] I am Tirth, and I studied MSc in Human Computer Interaction (HCI).
The reason why I chose this particular course to study was that I was looking to study something which is interdisciplinary in nature and not only particularly focusing on computer science.
HCI was the perfect blend of computer science along with psychology and a bit of design.
It was not only the core modules of HCI that were being offered, but rather a more of interdisciplinary approach integrating machine learning, artificial intelligence, and few of the other courses, along with the mix of HCI.
When I was meeting the people who were simultaneously studying with me the course of Human Computer Interaction, they were not only from the background of computer science or design, but they were also from the domain of mechanical engineering, design aspects, graphic designers, they gave me a whole new perspective of how to solve any particular problem.
So, the modules that have been designed here are not only focusing to make you a better person out there in the world, but at the same time allow you to continue your research in the same way.
Currently I am also working as a professional research assistant in the same project which I did as a part of my dissertation.
Ends
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
Learning includes lectures, workshops, and 1:1 supervision, with group projects, potential industry work, and close collaboration with researchers.
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.
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 for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
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 |
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 |
Professor Russell Beale staff profile for the School of Computer Science
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.
in Computer Science or equivalent
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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
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.
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.
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