Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies) containing IT-related course modules comprising the equivalent of at least 30 credits in total.

Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

• IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
• TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
• Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Aims

The core subject of the programme is human – computer interaction, which includes

• Theories and methods for studying how IT systems and humans interact
• Theories and methods for design of IT systems, artefacts and services from a human-centred perspective
• Theories and methods for the evaluation and change of IT systems, artefacts and services from a human-centred perspective.

The programme provides the knowledge needed to work with all types of human-centred perspectives on IT-based technology, to independently participate in and plan a human-centred IT development process, to develop innovative IT-based systems, artefacts and services, and to maintain and extend computer systems from a human centred perspective. The programme prepares the students to participate in academic research within the area.

Learning outcomes

Goals Expressed as Expected Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work
• show deep knowledge about human centred perspective on IT-based systems, services and artefacts
• show deep knowledge about the broad scope of value perspectives on IT-based systems, such as sustainability, integrity and democratic values
• show basic knowledge about political, cultural, economical and organisational perspectives on IT-based systems, services, and artefacts
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study
• show deep knowledge about human-centred and value-centred methods for the analysis, design, and evaluation of IT-based systems, services and artefacts, as well as the scientific basis of these methods
• show ability to develop and evaluate methods and design solutions for IT-based systems, services and artefacts from a scientific perspective

Competence and Skills

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences,
• show ability to present and receive constructive criticism of own work and the work of others.
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
• show ability to produce functional prototypes with one or several interactive technologies and materials.
• show ability to participate in and plan IT-related organisational change processes.
• show insight into the importance of team work and collaboration with other professions and ability to participate in such team projects.

Judgement and Approach

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• show ability to investigate and evaluate the social and ethical consequences of IT-based systems, services and artefacts.
• show ability to integrate ethical perspectives in IT-based solutions.
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Layout of the programme

The programme covers the following areas:

First semester

Methods in HCI

Human-Computer Interaction 1

Usability evaluation

Theories and models in HCI

Second semester

User-centred systems design

Advanced interaction design

User interface programming

Humans in complex systems

IT, ethics and organisations

Third semester

Electives, covering the areas:

Social media

Perception and visual design

Universal design

Embodied interaction

Fourth semester

Degree project

Instruction

Instruction consists of lectures, seminars, project work, supervision, and laboratory work. A variety of examination forms will be employed, adapted to the course content and form. A particular ambition is to include industrial collaboration projects in the instruction in many courses.

All or parts of the instruction will be in English.

Degree

The programme leads to a two-year Master's degree comprising 120 credits in the major field of human-computer interaction, at least 60 credits of which are in the major field, including an independent degree project worth at least 30 credits.

Apart from courses on advanced level, a Master's degree can include basic courses corresponding to at most 15 credits. Such courses should concern complementary competence that is needed for acquiring the necessary depth in the core subject, and must not be included in the student’s basic level exam.

The programme may be concluded with a one-year Master's degree comprising 60 credits in the major field of human-computer interaction, at least 30 credits of which are in the major field, including an independent degree project worth at least 15 credits.

Other directives

Selection

Selection is based on previous academic studies, a short summary of previous thesis or other relevant work (maximum one page summary), and a statement of intent. Well documented knowledge of object oriented programming techniques is considered an important merit.