Course summary

Designing interactive products and services to support our increasingly digital lives requires a deep understanding of human capabilities, contexts and values; an appreciation of current and future directions in interface technology design; and an understanding of how design can bridge the gap from possibility to reality. This online MSc in Human-Computer Interaction meets these needs by training skilled Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) specialists who can apply and advocate for a human-centred approach to technology design, evaluation and research. As a graduate of this programme, you will possess a detailed understanding of HCI theories, frameworks and methods. You will also have communication and creative problem-solving skills of value in a variety of roles in the User Experience (UX) industry. The programme has been designed to support applicants in mid-career roles who wish to transition into a position in the UX industry, and new graduates who wish to gain a master’s degree in HCI remotely. Teaching will be delivered online and largely synchronously through live lectures, labs and seminars by world-leading researchers and educators based in the Bristol Interaction Group. Recordings of live lectures will also be made available. This MSc will provide you with opportunities to develop:

• A thorough grasp of key concepts and methodologies that underpin HCI, including principles of design, human factors, accessibility and inclusion, usability, human-AI interaction, and user experience;

• Flexible and sound judgement in how to design and evaluate interactive technologies for human use;

• The practical skills required to advocate for, manage, deliver and communicate human-focused projects in both academic and professional settings;

• The ability to apply user interface design and user experience research methods;

• Knowledge and understanding of theories of human factors, cognition, behaviour, social interaction and user experience in the context of technology use, including an appreciation for the historical and socio-cultural impacts of HCI;

• Reflective practice, encouraging you to critically evaluate your own work and that of others, acknowledging the personal, social, economic, cultural, environmental, and ethical aspects that may influence HCI and adoption;

• A critical engagement with the state-of-the-art in HCI research in both academia and industry;

• Skills that will prepare you to be part of the next generation of leaders in the HCI industry. These will include project management, team collaboration, responsible innovation, problem-solving, ideation, and research translation.