Master's Programme in Human–Computer Interaction

120 credits

Human-Computer Interaction specialists make information technology interesting, useful, and enjoyable. Today information technology is an essential part of everyday life and almost every single product and service, and making it user-friendly is more important than ever. Whether you want to reinvent mobile phones, design the next generation of social media, or use information technology to empower people with disabilities, expertise in Human-Computer Interaction is crucial.

Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

The Master's Programme in Human-Computer Interaction in Uppsala presents unique opportunities to combine a social science perspective on human-computer interaction with thorough knowledge of best practices in user research and evaluation, and interaction design methodology. The programme offers in-depth knowledge of human-computer interaction and a look ahead at recent developments in technology.

What you can expect from the programme

  • You will learn methods, tools, and principles for design of IT interfaces, artefacts, and services;
  • You will study how people use information technology, understand how they feel about it, and how they appropriate it for their own purposes;
  • You will design in teams, together with people with different backgrounds, skills, and goals;
  • You will learn how to involve the users in the design process;
  • You will investigate and understand ethical and sustainability issues in IT design;
  • You will reflect on the development of IT products and services from a sociological and psychological perspective.

Your skill as an interface designer will depend on the theoretical foundation this programme gives you. It helps you understand why some interfaces work and others don't, and why the situation may be exactly the reverse in a different situation or with a different group of people.

To provide challenging and relevant practice throughout the programme many courses are based on project work, and there is opportunity for internships both in academia and industry.

After graduation you will be capable of working with all aspects of interaction design and usability, from analysis and requirements gathering to the design and implementation of interactive artefacts, user interfaces, and IT services. You will have expertise in a range of methods for evaluating systems under development as well as studying their use.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Social Science (120 credits) with Human-Computer Interaction as the main field of study.

The first three semesters in the Master's Programme in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) are organised into blocks of 15 credits each. The first semester provides an overview of human-computer interaction. It covers theories, scientific methods both quantitative and qualitative, and practical knowledge. The second and third semester includes elective courses.

During the second semester, you can choose courses covering interface development, design and design perspectives, or ethical and organisational perspectives.

Semester three offers courses in subjects related to humans, technology and organisation, social media, inclusive design and practice, etc.

The last semester is devoted to your 30-credit Master's thesis. This thesis work can, for example, take place within an existing research project at the department, be written as a part of a design internship at a company, or deal with an HCI-related field or topic that you choose.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

The courses in the Master's Programme in Human-Computer Interaction are given in the form of lectures, seminars, and practical assignments. Active participation in seminars is expected and sometimes compulsory, and many courses use this as their major form of examination. In a seminar, you present your ideas and discuss with your classmates a course book or other study material that you are required to read before the seminar; while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. All the students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

Lab space is available for creative work, innovation, critical sessions, development and user studies.

A significant part of the knowledge will be acquired through practical (individual and group) work. Practical fieldwork with tasks based on reality is used to complement the lectures and seminars. When doing group work, you will need to complete them together with your classmates. This way, you learn from each other and you train to be a team player. These skills will help you in your future career.

The programme is taught in Uppsala and the instruction is in English.

As an expert in the usability of IT systems, you will be in demand on the labour market and have many job opportunities; both in Sweden and around the world. Graduating from the Master's Programme in Human-Computer Interaction offers you very good opportunities for employment in a variety of sectors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the UX labour market in Sweden is good and expansive. Our broad education provides you with many opportunities after graduation.

Our previous students now work, for example, as:

  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • User Interface (UI) Designer
  • User Researcher

Examples of employers in Sweden include:

  • Spotify
  • Länsförsäkringar
  • Viaplay

Some previous students are also doing their PhD studies, for example, at Uppsala University, KU Leuven in Belgium, or Lancaster University in the UK.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

Is this programme right for you?

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Find information about the programme start and registration in the student gateway.

Students

As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.

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