Teaching
The Centre offers a MSc in Human Centred Systems (HCS). This is a flexible course delivered in two modes, either as a full-time or a part-time course.
This course balances theory and practice of Interaction Design. We have a limited number of places on the course to ensure a staff-student ratio that can enable high-quality tuition and teaching. Upon graduation, you 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.
Centre staff teaching on this course:
Project ideas:
Please see our list of ideas for final year projects at MSc & Undergraduate project Ideas.
Twelve questions to ask of your Masters course
Is the course being taught to me by the right people
HCS will be taught to you by academics who are leaders in disciplines that include interaction design, systems evaluation, requirements engineering, mobile computing, digital information seeking, intelligent interfaces, creativity support tools and information visualization.
Does the course provide me with the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills?
HCS will teach you up-to-date theories, models and techniques about current topics, including collaborative work, mobile computing, creativity and user experience
Does the course give me access to cutting-edge technologies and tools?
HCS will give you hands-on access to and use of state-of-the-art technologies including a Tobii eye-tracker and software such as Morae, different interactive tables including the Microsoft Surface, and Wiis adapted for different uses
Will the course enhance my future career opportunities in human-computer interaction?
HCS will give you access to networks with which to develop your career, including 6 month work internships in human-computer interaction and contacts with working students who are sitting HCS in part-time mode. Guest lectures from industry are an important part of the course
Does the course give me direct access to consulting work and experience?
HCS is based in City's Centre for HCI Design, which runs consulting projects throughout the year that students can participate in and gain valuable experience. 2009/10 examples include redeveloping the web presence of Dance UK, designing a new web module with which to teach sustainability issues, and modelling safety-related changes to a new air traffic management solution with NATS.
How can I learn new theories, knowledge and skills in human-computer interaction at university whilst continuing to work?
HCS will allow you sit the Masters course part-time over 2 years, requiring you to attend University only one day a week for 3 of the 4 semesters.
What teaching and project support can I expect?
HCS guarantees a 6:1 student/academic staff ratio between HCS students and members of the Centre for HCI Design, because we limit intake to a maximum of 30 students per year. All dissertations are supervised directly by academic staff, and most tutorials involve at least one academic staff member.
Are you theory-led or practice-led?
HCS offers a healthy balance of both, with a strong focus on intellectually-stimulating applied research. All modules have theoretical and practical components.
What opportunities do I have for international collaboration?
HCS runs in conjunction with the MSc in Human-Computer Interaction at Uppsala University in Sweden. We offer opportunities for student exchanges, shared projects and internships with Uppsala and other collaborating Universities across Europe
What might I do for my dissertation work?
HCS offers a full range of dissertation styles and topics, from theoretical research to developing new technologies and conducting client-facing usability evaluation work. Recent examples including interaction design for new multi-touch systems in a London hospital and building an interactive tabletop for £400.
What's my overall experience going to be like?
HCS teaching takes place in a mix of larger and smaller, more dedicated classes. HCS students are also encouraged to become full members of the Centre for HCI Design throughout their studies, with use of the shared common room and Interaction Lab, and participation in Centre activities such as seminars, research events and fun days. You will also have access to the 75m2 Interaction Lab for dedicated teaching and dissertation work
Where will I be studying?
HCS will be taught to you in central London: nearest stations Angel / Farringdon / King's Cross. London offers numerous future career opportunities. City University London is located within an area strongly associated with the creative industries, including internet development and product design companies.