Human-Computer Interaction BSc & MSc

1-4 Years

What does the subject denote?

Human-Computer Interaction denotes the interaction between humans and machines. HCI focuses on almost all forms of information technology design. It deals with the structure and implementation of interfaces. Thus, it builds various kinds of tools and enables machines to understand humans’ needs. Smart machines nowadays have made many tasks easier for humans.

HCI is a big and popular field of modern study and investigation. It is actually a multidisciplinary area of computer science, Human factors engineering, and cognitive science. Some outcomes of HCI are:

  • Flexible smartphones
  • Emotion-sensing
  • Voice search applications
  • Brain-computer interface
  • Flexible smartphones
  • ATM machines


  • What are the advantages of studying Human-Computer Interaction?

    1. It opens up modern and multi-range job opportunities. Renowned organisations offer handsome salaries to experts.

    2. This course will teach you to discover new technologies and their applications.

    3. By making effective use of HCI, you can make machines work smartly. And new solutions will make human lives easier.

    4. You can use smart machines in your business to raise company value. It will also increase the company’s competitiveness.

    5. Human-computer interaction is becoming part of our daily lives. This growing field has a bright future indeed.

    UK Universities for Human-Computer Interaction BSc

    There are many direct and related subjects of HIC. For bachelor’s degrees, you can find them in many UK universities. Some subjects you may consider studying are-

  • Interactive Computing (Hons)
  • International Foundation in Engineering and Science—Computer Science (Human-Computer Interaction) (MEng)

  • Computer Science (Human-Computer Interaction) with Industrial Experience
  • Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (Hons)
  • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (Hons)
  • Applied Computing: Human-Computer Interaction (Hons), etc.

  • The University of Manchester

    The interested high school leavers can choose a BSc Computer Science (Human-Computer Interaction) at Manchester University.

    It is a wide and flexible programme. Students can pick any suitable topic from this course. It will equip students with the necessary expertise to work and study their dream subject further. The university got the world’s first stored computer in 1948.

    Intake- September
    Duration: 3 years
    Study Mode: Full-time
    Tuition Fees: £25,000 per year

    Entry requirements-

  • A-Level with mandatory subjects of- Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics,

  • Computer Science, Psychology and/or Statistics. For IB, an overall score of 37 is needed, or equivalent qualification.

  • English language proficiency: overall 6.5 in IELTS and a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-part. For other test points, check the university website.

  • For other subject-specific requirements and documents, students should check their website before applying.

  • The university rewards students with scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships, and other financial support. Students can find details on their website.

    Brunel University London

    Brunel offers business computing (human-computer interaction). Students who have an interest in HCI can consider this course.

    The whole programme is a combination of theory and practical things. Learners will gather knowledge of user experience broadly. They will learn about new systems, their uses, identify problems, and their solutions. This is a flexible course, and students can select modules and design the course. Again, they will do a project under the course as well.

    Intake- September
    Duration: 3 years, 4 years with placement
    Study Mode: Full-time
    Tuition Fees: £17,875 per year

    Entry requirements-

  • BBB in A-level, DDM in BTEC, 30 points in IB or equivalent degree
  • English language proficiency- Overall 6.0 and minimum 5.5 in all sub-areas of IELTS. For other test scores, check their website.

  • The institute offers scholarships and financial support to encourage students. All information is available on the website.

    UK Universities for Human-Computer Interaction MSc

    As we know, HCI is a vast field, and students of related backgrounds can choose any related topic for their masters. Several good UK universitiesprovide these courses. Some of those are-

  • Human-Computer Interaction, including placement year
  • Human-Robot Interaction
  • Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning)
  • Human-Computer Interaction Design
  • Human Factors and Ergonomics, etc.

  • University of Nottingham

    Nottingham University presents a Human-Computer Interaction postgraduate course. It is a popular and dynamic programme.

    Throughout the whole course, students will get some core and optional modules. They will acquire complex subject knowledge and problem-solving capabilities. Theory and practical classes, seminars, individual projects, etc. have made the course rich and worth pursuing.

    Intake- September
    Duration- 1 year
    Study Mode- Full-time

    Entry requirements-

  • A 2:1 standard honors degree or any similar undergraduate qualification.
  • English language proficiency- Overall 6.5 in IELTS with at least 6.0 in each element. Other tests such as TOEFL, PTE, GCSE, etc. are accepted too.

  • Nottingham offers financial help including an Excellence in Computer Science scholarship and many international master’s scholarships. Details are available on the website.

    Newcastle University

    Human-Computer Interaction MSc is available at Newcastle. Any technical or non-technical background student can take this postgraduate.

    The interested students will gather knowledge of the core principles of HCI. They will learn to make useful tools and products to ease human tasks. The design techniques, real-world problems, their solutions, and applications all are included in this programme.

    Intake- September
    Duration- 1 year
    Study Mode- Full-time
    Tuition Fees- £24,900 per year

    Entry requirements-

  • A honors degree of 2:2 standard or any similar international degree. Score 26 in IB, BBB-BCC in A level or equivalent high school degree or experience.

  • English language proficiency- Overall 6.5 in IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill. Other tests like TOEFL, Pearson, etc. are also accepted.

  • Various ranges of scholarships and financial rewards are available at the university. So, students no need to think about cost burdens.

    Employability

    The area of Human-Computer Interaction is huge without any doubt. It is becoming more popular day by day and has a great future ahead. Some jobs you may do within this field are-

  • Visual Designer
  • Human Factors Engineer
  • User Experience Researcher
  • Software Engineer
  • Product Manager & Designer
  • Accessibility Engineer
  • Front-End Designer or Developer
  • Cognitive Systems Engineer
  • Interaction Designer, etc.
  • FAQ's

    What is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)?

    HCI is a field of study that focuses on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. It examines the interactions between humans and computers, aiming to create effective, efficient, and enjoyable user experiences.

    Which universities in the UK offer a Human-Computer interaction course?

    Several universities in the UK offer HCI courses, including University College London (UCL), Cranfield University, the University of Glasgow, Brunel University London, and Regent's University London, among others.

    What is the duration of a typical human-computer interaction course in the UK?

    The duration of an HCI course in the UK can vary. Typically, an undergraduate degree in HCI is three to four years long, while a postgraduate degree, such as a Master's or a PhD, can range from one to three years, depending on the programme and level of study.

    What are some key subjects covered in a human-computer interaction course?

    HCI courses cover a range of subjects, including user interface design, user experience (UX) design, interaction design, usability testing, cognitive psychology, information visualization, human factors, and programming for interactive systems.

    Are there any specific entry requirements for studying human-computer interaction in the UK?

    Entry requirements can vary between universities. Generally, for undergraduate studies, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent qualifications, including specific subjects such as mathematics or computing. For postgraduate studies, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science or design.

    Are there any HCI research groups or centers in the UK?

    there are several HCI research groups and centers in the UK. Examples include the UCL Interaction Centre (UCLIC), Cambridge Computer Laboratory's HCI Group, and the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Nottingham. These research groups contribute to cutting-edge HCI research and provide opportunities for students to engage in research projects.