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. In this course you will cover the underpinning theories, methodologies and practice of the discipline.
You will also have the opportunity to broaden your studies on our Human Computer Interaction Masters/MSc 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.
The discipline of Human Computer Interaction is about many things: It is about the interface that a system provides (and, therefore, is the most important and most complex component of most systems) but it is also about so much more. We need to understand the people that use the systems and their abilities and constraints. We need to understand how to build systems that really work and also how to evaluate them. We also need to be able to think creatively in order to build innovative solutions to new problems and emerging applications and domains – to be able to solve the problems of tomorrow’s world rather than just those of today.
This course covers the underpinning theories, methodologies and practices of HCI. It includes specialist modules in application domains. Through course and project work your degree is intimately integrated into the research of the University’s HCI centre.
Why study Human Computer Interaction Masters/MSc at Newcastle?
- Newcastle is one of the leading universities in the country for postgraduate study in computer science, and we are proud to deliver outstanding programmes that offer a range of exciting career opportunities for students from around the world.
- State-of-the-art, multi-million-pound facilities include dedicated laboratories for Computer Science students, a teaching laboratory for Robotics, and research laboratories for Security, Medical Imaging Intelligent Robotics and Computer Vision
- We are a partner in The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence
- Our Security and Privacy Group is recognised as an EPSRC/GCHQ Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and we have a strong collaboration with the Centre for Computational Biology (CCB)
Award-winning development
At the School of Computer Science we are not just renowned for teaching and research excellence. We also produce novel solutions for real-world applications, including:
- Working with Jaguar Land Rover to make their vehicles more secure
- Contributing to the development of the Trusted Platform Module which makes many of our computers capable of secure cryptographic operations
- Deploying autonomous, intelligent robots in security and health support facilities
- Developing a revolutionary, award-winning method for diagnosing skin cancer
Institutional Accreditation
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
Human Computer Interaction Masters/MSc
Course Level:
Postgraduate, Taught
Credits
180
Course
CODE P1127
How long it takes:
1 year full-time
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$22,500
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
This is a one year, full-time course. In the first 8 months, you will spend half of their time studying taught modules. Here we will cover the core principles, theories, methodologies and application areas of the discipline, there will also be an opportunity to take optional modules.
You will also complete a research project. Here you will work one-to-one with one of our research-active staff to explore an area in great depth – analysing the problem and existing solutions, developing new ideas and building or evaluating prototype systems. You will develop your skills in analysis, research, technology and also in presenting and explaining your work clearly and effectively.
Core modules
- Project – 60 credits
- Research Topics in HCI – 20 credits
- Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing (Extended) – 20 credits
- Human Compter Interaction Theory and Practice – 20 credits
- Mini Project – 20 credits
- Research Skills, Evaluation Methods, and Statistics – 20 credits
Optional modules
Choose 20 credits, subject to timetabling constraints, example of optional modules are listed below:
- Intelligent Robotics (Extended) – 20 credits
- Teaching Computer Science in Schools (Extended) – 20 credits
- Individual Studies (Extended) – 20 credits
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Data Analysis (Extended) – 20 credits
- Software Workshop 1 – 20 credits
- Software Workshop 2 – 20 credits
Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.
Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.
This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
- Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
- Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
- Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs
Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21
MSc: Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300
Tuition fees for International students 2020/21
MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
A dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards.
The term computing covers every kind of digital technology that we use to create, store, communicate, exchange and use information. This makes it the foundation for small and large businesses to build their strategies and grow. It is also the key to making our personal lives easier and more fun: mobile phones, online shopping, social media – we owe them all and a lot more to computer science.
What can I do with a postgraduate degree in Computer Science?
Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations. The following is a short list of research and vocational areas:
- Software Engineering: developing methods for producing software systems on time, within budget and with few or no defects
- Software Applications: applying computing and technology to solving problems outside the computer field, eg, in education or medicine
- Computer/Cyber Security: covers all the processes and mechanisms by which computer-based equipment, information and services are protected from unintended and unauthorised access, change or destruction
- Artificial Intelligence: developing computers that simulate human learning and reasoning ability
- Information Technology: developing and managing information systems that support a business or organisation
- Theoretical Computer Science: investigating the fundamental theories of how computers solve problems and applying the results to other areas of computer science
- Operating Systems and Networks: developing the basic software computers use to organise themselves or to communicate with other computers
Where can I work?
You could join a technology consultancy firm like Accenture, PwC, CHP Consulting, LogicaCMG, BAE Systems, PA Consulting or Capgemini, or one of the global IT giants, such as Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Cisco Systems and Apple, amongst many others.
There are a huge number of IT-focused UK companies, not to mention opportunities in investment, retail banking and financial computing and analytics (such as Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of England, Bank of America, HSBC, Barclays, RBS); telecommunications companies (such as BT, Vodafone, Orange, AT&T); IT for retail businesses (such as eBay, Amazon, Tesco, Argos, Expedia) and public sector organisations (such as NHS, GCHQ, Home Office).
Some students choose careers in teaching, research or technology development at universities both in the UK and overseas. There is a great deal of potential for postgraduates looking to put their computing skills to good use.
What does the future hold?
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.
University Careers Network
Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Newcastle degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.
Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.