Course description
This course is delivered by the internationally renowned Centre for Human Computer Interaction Design(HCID) - London's largest research group in human-computer interaction - and is suitable for those with a background in computing or programming. No prior exposure to the topics of human-computer interaction (HCI) or user-centred design (UCD) is necessary.
The course provides you with skills in designing and evaluating interactive systems and other types of computer-based systems in which people are a major element. Skills range from advanced human-computer interaction design skills, requirement analysis and design, and designing and conducting complex evaluations of new or existing software computing systems, to unique expertise in designing and evaluating systems for people with disabilities and the elderly.
Students benefit from being able to use the new HCID Interaction Lab, established with the support of the Vodafone UK Foundation and equipped with the latest high-tech technology.
Graduates of the course will be equipped for careers as usability and accessibility specialists, interaction designers and information architects. The course is also excellent preparation for doctoral (PhD) study.
You will gain:
* skills in implementing a user-centred design approach to developing computer-based systems, from discovering the requirements for and analysing the system, to prototyping, implementing and evaluating it once developed
* skills in designing interactive systems for the elderly and people with disabilities
* skills in determining requirements for and designing socio-technical systems.
Why study the MSc in Human-Centred Systems at City University London?
Strong ties to industry -Co-location with AbilityNet
The Centre has well-established links with industry, charity organisations and government agencies that have an interest (and are prospective employers of our graduates) in the topic of human-centred computing. Our teaching is grounded in best practices and co-located with AbilityNet, a national charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the Internet. During your studies, you will be exposed to AbilityNet's techniques, technologies and case studies.
Internships
You will be able to undertake 4 to 6 month internships with design and usability companies in the UK and abroad.
State-of-the-art Facilities
You will benefit from working in a £12 million state-of-the-art, purpose-built space in City University's historic College Building. The Centre's 75m2 Interaction Lab, which is sponsored by the UK Vodafone Foundation, will enable you to have access to state-of-the-art evaluation tools for screen capture, eye-tracking, data recording and analysis.
Excellent teaching staff
Our staff is enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate. Plus you will get the opportunity to be taught and work with academics who have years of experience in the topics covered in this MSc and are engaged in cutting edge research on the topics covered.
Enhanced learning experience
The course runs in conjunction with the MSc in Interactive Media at the University of Limerick in Ireland and the MSc in Human-Computer Interaction at Uppsala University in Sweden. We offer opportunities for student exchanges, shared projects and internships at both Universities.
Central London Prime Location
We are conveniently based in central London: nearest stations Angel / Farringdon / King's Cross. London offers numerous future career opportunities. City University is located within an area strongly associated with the creative industries, including internet development and product design companies. The Centre will offer you the opportunity to undertake projects and other work in collaboration with these local companies as well as with high-profile national European organisations.
Strong Research
City University's Centre for HCI Design is London's largest research group in human-computer interaction. The Centre for HCI Design's research is respected nationally and internationally and has attracted numerous research projects from research councils and EU frameworks. This research will be demonstrated throughout the course in all modules.
Online learning environment
All modules in the MSc in Human-Centred Systems are supported by the University's innovative online learning environment (CitySpace). You will be able to access lecture materials and engage in discussions with student colleagues, teaching staff and the course team.
Centre for HCI Design
The Centre for HCI Design specializes in research in Human-Computer Interaction and Software Engineering. It undertakes fundamental long-term research, funded largely by the EPSRC and EU, alongside more applied research in collaboration with organisations including the Equality and Human Rights Commission, NATS, FIAT, CA and Microsoft. It researches holistic system design methods, usability evaluation, tools and methods for interactive system design, assistive technologies and designing for diverse users, culture and creativity in design, social software, social interaction in Second Life, and requirements engineering for socio-technical systems.
