University of Birmingham School of Computer Science
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Programme Specification for the MSc in Human-Computer Interaction

NOTE: This is a formal specification for the degree programme. If you are not yet a student in the School, you will find more appropriate information on the Taught Postgraduate Admissions pages.

Final Award MSc
Interim Awards PGCert, PGDip
Programme Title Human-Computer Interaction
School/Department School of Computer Science
Banner Code 9151
Mode(s) of Study Full-time
Length of Programme 1 year
Total Credits 180
UCAS Code N/A
Awarding Institution The University of Birmingham
Teaching Institution The University of Birmingham
Designed for accreditation by -
QAA Benchmarking Groups Computing
Completed by Prof J E Rowe
Date 1 May 2012
Educational Aims of Programme

  1. To produce Masters level graduates who have a sound understanding of the core concepts and techniques of HCI and who are well equiped to move into either high level technical employment or to embark on a research career.
  2. Graduates will have both theoretical and practical understanding of the research tools and methods of HCI. They will have an understanding of the psychology of the user. They will also have and be able to aply the necessary technical skills.
  3. The programme will re-inforce students’ transferable skills through the research skills module and through project work.
Reference Points used to inform Programme Outcomes
Computing Benchmarking Statement, the University and School Teaching and Learning Strategies.
Special features of the Programme
None.

 

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge & Understanding
Ref A. Students are expected to have knowledge and understanding of... Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 Principles of HCI, usability and user experience, designing, building and evaluating interactive systems. Lectures, coursework, mini-projects, research project Coursework, examinations, mini-projects & research project
2 The psychology of the user, the social context of design, and the potentials and issues of next-generation interactive systems. Lectures, coursework, mini-projects, research project Coursework, examinations, mini-projects & research project
3 Research tools and methods used in HCI. Lectures, coursework, mini-projects, research project Coursework, examinations, mini-projects & research project

Skills & Other Attributes
Ref B. Students are expected to have attained the following skills and other attributes: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 Practical experience in HCI: usability and user experience, designing, building and evaluating interactive systems. Lectures, coursework, mini-projects, research project Coursework, examinations, mini-projects & research project
2 Applying knowledge of the psychology of the user, the social context of design, and the potentials and issues of next-generation interactive systems. Lectures, coursework, mini-projects, research project Coursework, examinations, mini-projects & research project
3 Selecting and using research tools and methods used in HCI. Lectures, coursework, mini-projects, research project Coursework, examinations, mini-projects & research project
(transferable skills)

Footnotes

  1. The Learning & Teaching and Assessment Methods above are not intended to be exclusive, but to indicate the main methods in use. Module Descriptions contain more detail.
  2. It is not intended to admit students to PGCert and PGDip programmes, although these qualifications will be available to students who have met the minimum requirements given in University Regulations.

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