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Centre for HCI Design

MSc in Human Centred Systems (HCS)

We are pleased to announce that starting from the academic year 2004-2005 the Centre for Human-Computer Interface Design (HCID) will be offering an MSc in Human Centred Systems (HCS).

Course Overview

Students taking this course will be equipped with the theory and techniques from computer science, software engineering, cognitive science and psychology for the design, implementation and evaluation of computing systems that take the user into consideration.

Upon completing this course you will have excellent skills in designing and evaluating software computing systems. Skills will range from advanced human-computer interaction design skills, requirement analysis and design, skills in designing and conducting complex evaluations of new or existing software computing systems and unique expertise in designing and evaluating systems for people with disabilities and the elderly.

The course is suitable for those with a background in computing and programming but no (or limited) prior exposure to the topic of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and/or User-Centred Design (UCD).

The course synthesises strong theoretical foundations with practical skills and activities in the form of interactive team work and tutorials.

The course can be taken in one year full-time. Delivery of the modules is done through a combination of lectures, online activities and interactive workshops and tutorials.

What will I learn?

Career Benefits

Current trends indicate that there is an increasing need of Computer Scientists that have a broader knowledge from the classical CS. Especially companies involved in designing interactive systems (e.g. websites design, e-learning applications, multimedia design companies) are looking for graduates with an understanding and appreciation of the human elements in design.

The degree aims to provide you with skills and knowledge that can lead you in obtaining positions in HCI consulting companies, big companies that are in need for HCI expertise for evaluating their interactive systems, and in general in design companies that appreciate the need of incorporating HCI issues in the design of interactive systems. Examples of possible positions are: Usability and Accessibility specialists, Interaction Designers, Information architects.

Typical services offered by our graduates are the development and evaluation of highly usable and accessible interactive systems (e.g. websites, multimedia), setting up and running usability studies of software prototypes with users, managing the introduction of new software into organisations.

The HCS MSc is also good starting point for students who wish to study for a PhD in the areas of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW), and related fields.

The course is offered by the Centre for HCI Design which has significant research and service expertise in engineering requirements for socio-technical systems (i.e. business and other systems that have a major human component) and interaction and product design for all, in particular disabled and elderly users. Research and service-rendered opportunities have expanded rapidly in this area in the last 4 years. For example, the UK's Disability Discrimination Act requires organisations to develop software-based products that are accessible and usable by all, thus creating a new market for software developers sensitive to all people's needs. Recent EU initiatives place the citizen at the centre of Europe's technological society, again requiring software developers to have a greater awareness and skill set to hand people's requirements. This increasing demand has been reflected in both increased research contract and service-rendered income to the Centre, and more frequent requests for training and education courses to disseminate the Centre's expertise more widely. In a related initiative, the Centre is currently developing its Interaction Laboratory within the University - a space designed both to support its research activities and to be available to outside organisations.

Course Contents

The HCS MSc is offered as a one year full time course comprised of 8 taught modules and a substantial student project.

The taught modules and the student project provide the theoretical foundations and skills for analysis, design and evaluation of interactive software computer systems.

The taught modules are:

1. Human Computer Interaction Design: Introduces the importance of usability and HCI in interactive systems, explain the key concepts and theoretical foundations of the field of HCI and provide students with HCI techniques for the design and evaluation of interactive systems;

2. Requirements Engineering: Delivers state-of-the-art knowledge of requirements engineering so that MSc students understand the importance of requirements in socio-technical systems and that can undertake certain key requirements-related activities;

3. Systems Specification: Delivers knowledge of the principles of system specification, object orientation and extensive practice in the application of these principles using the RUP and UML, and how to use system specifications in different types of development process;

4. Inclusive Design: Make students aware to assistive technology, disabilities and interaction design, aging, and cultural and creativity issues to design, and use of relevant techniques such as participatory design;

5. Multimedia Design: This module will provide instruction and practice in the skills of planning, designing and rendering animated, interactive websites and multimedia systems;

6. Advanced Human-Computer Interaction: Delivers knowledge of advanced theories and models of human-computer interaction, and advanced techniques and tools for designing and evaluating interaction design and interactive products;

7. Evaluation of Systems: Providing a deep presentation of available user-based and expert-based usability evaluation techniques used in HCI;

8. Professional and Research Skills: Raises understanding of professional issues in computing and of the managerial context and project management of computing projects. To enable students to define and plan individual projects which use appropriate research methods and yield appropriate deliverables. Experimental methods, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis should be included to adequate level in this module.

Course Modes of Study.

The course can be taken in one year full-time. Delivery of the modules is done through a combination of lectures, online activities and interactive workshops and tutorials.

Each module is assessed through a combination of coursework and a final exams.

Entry Requirements

The basic entry requirement is an Honours degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Business Computing or related fields of at least 2.1 classification, or 2.2 classification with a minimum of one year's relevant full time work experience after graduation. Equivalent professional qualifications in a relevant subject are also accepted. Applications from mature applicants with relevant commercial experience who do not have the necessary formal academic qualifications will also be considered.

For Students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 600 (250 computer-based version) is acceptable.

The selection decision is based on the completed application form and supporting documentation, with follow-up interviews as required. We are happy to arrange telephone interviews for overseas applicants. Please note that competition for places is fierce, and applications are not judged on academic ability alone. It is essential that your personal statement about why you want to undertake this programme should cover motivation, career, and commitment to the subject in some detail.

Fees and Funding

The following fees will be charged to students taking the course in 2004/05. Fees in subsequent years are subject to change.

Full time fees for EU students: £4950.00
Full time fees for overseas students: £9950.00

Further Information

If you require further information, please send an email to pgenquire@soi.city.ac.uk.