Master's Programme in Human-Computer Interaction

120 credits

Programme syllabus, SMD2M

Code
SMD2M
Finalised by
The Faculty Board of Social Sciences, 25 May 2023
Registration number
SAMFAK 2023/52 Doss: 3.2.1
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
Responsible department
Department of Informatics and Media
Other participating department(s)
Department of Informatics and Media, Department of Information Technology

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 30 credits in IT-related fields of study or in one of the following subjects: design, psychology, sociology.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

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 different 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 evaluate 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

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
  • show ability to develop and evaluate methods and design solutions for IT-based systems, services and artefacts from a scientific perspective

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 consists of 120 credits. The program provides advanced knowledge in the subject of human-computer interaction.

Semester 1

During the first semester, courses are introduced that give an overview of the subject of human-computer interaction. During the semester, the subject's theories and theoretical orientations are presented, as well as the subject's practice and several common methods, both quantitative and qualitative.

Semester 2

During semester two, advanced courses are offered within interface development, design and design perspectives, as well as ethical perspectives and organizational perspectives.

Semester 3

During semester three, the student is offered the opportunity for broadening courses in related subjects such as human, technology and organization, social media and inclusive design. A work-place based internship course is also available.

Semester 4

During the semester the students conduct their master thesis work.

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 professional collaboration projects in the instruction in many courses.

The language of instruction is 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.

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