MSc in Human-Centred Systems

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'The MSc in Human-Centred Systems provided me with valuable skills and experience, especially how to apply user centred design principles on commercial IT projects. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone wishing to gain a deeper insight and appreciation of how computer based systems should be designed to promote ease of use, and meet the needs of end users.'
Richard West
Nokia

The course aims to develop:

City University London's MSc in Human-Centred Systems will equip you with latest research, theories and techniques with which to design, implement and evaluate interactive computing systems based on up-to-date mobile and tabletop technologies. Its curriculum is based on leading-edge academic research to offer an intellectually stimulating course still relevant to the workplace in 2010 and beyond. Upon graduation, you will have excellent knowledge and skills for:

Analyzing requirements for systems that involve people and computers
Advanced interaction design
Designing effective information visualizations
Conducting usability and accessibility evaluations
Designing and evaluating systems to be inclusive
Designing advanced mobile applications
Designing collaborative work
Undertaking and leading creative design activities
User experience and agile development projects
Linking user-centred design to development techniques such as UML.

Overview

This course is offered as a full-time, 1 year or 2 year part-time MSc.

This course is limited to a maximum of 30 students in 2010/11 to ensure a staff-student ratio that can enable high-quality tuition and teaching.

You will be taught by academic staff in City University London's Centre for Human Computer Interaction Design. Teaching and dissertation work can take place in the Interaction Lab.

The course is suitable for those with a background in computing or programming. No prior exposure to the topics of human-computer interaction (HCI) or user-centred design (UCD) is necessary. Upon graduation, you will be equipped for careers as usability and accessibility specialists, interaction designers and information architects. The course is also excellent preparation for doctoral (PhD) study.

Twelve questions to ask of your Masters course

Is the course being taught to me by the right people?: HCS will be taught to you by academics who are leaders in disciplines that include interaction design, systems evaluation, requirements engineering, mobile computing, digital information seeking, intelligent interfaces, creativity support tools and information visualization.
Does the course provide me with the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills?: HCS will teach you up-to-date theories, models and techniques about current topics, including collaborative work, mobile computing, creativity and user experience
Does the course give me access to cutting-edge technologies and tools?: HCS will give you hands-on access to and use of state-of-the-art technologies including a Tobii eye-tracker and software such as Morae, different interactive tables including the Microsoft Surface, and Wiis adapted for different uses
Will the course enhance my future career opportunities in human-computer interaction?: HCS will give you access to networks with which to develop your career, including 6 month work internships in human-computer interaction and contacts with working students who are sitting HCS in part-time mode. Guest lectures from industry are an important part of the course
Does the course give me direct access to consulting work and experience?: HCS is based in City's Centre for HCI Design, which runs consulting projects throughout the year that students can participate in and gain valuable experience. 2009/10 examples include redeveloping the web presence of Dance UK, designing a new web module with which to teach sustainability issues, and modelling safety-related changes to a new air traffic management solution with NATS.
How can I learn new theories, knowledge and skills in human-computer interaction at university whilst continuing to work?: HCS will allow you sit the Masters course part-time over 2 years, requiring you to attend University only one day a week for 3 of the 4 semesters.
What teaching and project support can I expect?: HCS guarantees a 6:1 student/academic staff ratio between HCS students and members of the Centre for HCI Design, because we limit intake to a maximum of 30 students per year. All dissertations are supervised directly by academic staff, and most tutorials involve at least one academic staff member.
Are you theory-led or practice-led?: HCS offers a healthy balance of both, with a strong focus on intellectually-stimulating applied research. All modules have theoretical and practical components.
What opportunities do I have for international collaboration?: HCS runs in conjunction with the MSc in Human-Computer Interaction at Uppsala University in Sweden. We offer opportunities for student exchanges, shared projects and internships with Uppsala and other collaborating Universities across Europe
What might I do for my dissertation work?: HCS offers a full range of dissertation styles and topics, from theoretical research to developing new technologies and conducting client-facing usability evaluation work. Recent examples including interaction design for new multi-touch systems in a London hospital and building an interactive tabletop for £400.
What's my overall experience going to be like?: HCS teaching takes place in a mix of larger and smaller, more dedicated classes. HCS students are also encouraged to become full members of the Centre for HCI Design throughout their studies, with use of the shared common room and Interaction Lab, and participation in Centre activities such as seminars, research events and fun days. You will also have access to the 75m2 Interaction Lab for dedicated teaching and dissertation work
Where will I be studying?: HCS will be taught to you in central London: nearest stations Angel / Farringdon / King's Cross. London offers numerous future career opportunities. City University London is located within an area strongly associated with the creative industries, including internet development and product design companies

Centre for HCI Design

The Centre for HCI Design specializes in research in Human-Computer Interaction and Software Engineering. It undertakes fundamental long-term research, funded largely by the EPSRC and EU, alongside more applied research in collaboration with organisations including the Equality and Human Rights Commission, NATS, FIAT, CA and Microsoft. It researches holistic system design methods, usability evaluation, tools and methods for interactive system design, assistive technologies and designing for diverse users, culture and creativity in design, social software, social interaction in Second Life, and requirements engineering for socio-technical systems.

Find out more about the Centre for HCI Design

Internship option

Six months of professional IT industry experience as part of your postgraduate degree (optional)

Professional recognition

The British Computer Society recognises this course for exemption from the BCS Certificate, Diploma and Diploma Project.