StudyQA — Master: Human-Centred Interactive Technologies

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Description Contents Requirements

The MSc in Human-Centred Interactive Technologies course is currently being offered as a full-time MSc, running for 12 months from October, the start of the academic year. The first half of the course is taken up by taught modules. Each of the MSc HCIT modules comprise a mixture of lectures, problem classes and practical classes plus a significant amount of personal study time. In the second half of the course, students undertake an individual research project, under the supervision of a member of staff.

The course has two key aspects:

* Emphasis on the sound theoretical basis for the design and evaluation of interactive technologies. This is primarily seen in the modules Understanding Users, Human Computer Interaction and Advanced Topics in Interactive Technologies.
* Research methods to provide a sound empirical basis for the design and evaluation of interactive technologies. There are three taught modules on research methods: Quanititative Methods, Qualitative Methods and Advanced Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction. These courses give students a thorough grounding in the empirical methods that can be used to support the design and evaluation of interactive technologies.

The MSc in Human-Centred Interactive Technologies aims to provide participants with a thorough grounding in the design and evaluation of interactive technologies of all kinds, from the perspective of the human user(s). It is aimed at graduates with a first degree in a computing discipline who wish to develop knowledge and skills in this area before undertaking industrial work or further academic study in this area. However, we will also consider applicants who have significant, relevant work experience since graduating, if you do not have an appropriate computing degree.

The unique emphasis of the MSc in Human-Centred Interactive Technologies course is on developing an understanding of users capabilities and requirements, including users with particular requirements (such as older and disabled users, or users in a diversity of cultural settings) and developing a range of techniques to work with these users to produce interactive technologies that best suit their capabilities and requirements.

Course aims
* to provide a specialist education in the theories of and methods for designing and evaluating interactive technologies
* to provide a specialist education in the range of current research and practical topics of designing and evaluating interactive technologies
* to provide practical experience (through practical work and the project) of designing and evaluating interactive technologies

Learning outcomes
A fundamental objective of the programme is to provide students with a sound theoretical knowledge and practical experience of the skills essential to the design and evaluation of interactive technologies.

In particular, having completed the programme students will be able to understand theories of the design of interactive technologies and critique individual technologies from a theoretical viewpoint; (a) choose appropriate methods for empirical investigations for the design, prototyping and evaluation of interactive technologies, including both quantitative and qualitative methods; (b) plan and undertake a range of empirical investigations of existing or proposed interactive technologies at all stages of the development lifecycle, (c) analyse, draw conclusions from and present the results of such investigations; and (d) conduct a range of expert and theoretical analyses of interactive technologies to investigate their usability, accessibility and appropriateness for different user groups.

Graduates completing the course will be equipped to play leading and professional roles related to the designed and evaluation of interactive technologies in industry, commerce, academia and public service. The MSc in Human-Centred interactive Technologies is also intended to provide a route into a PhD or research in this rapidly expanding field.

Course Content

Requirements Engineering

Gathering and analysing requirements for interactive systems

Human-computer interaction

An introduction to the user-centred design process

Research Methods - Qualitative

Developing qualitative research methods skill such as interviewing, questionnaire design and observations

Research Methods - Quantitative

Developing experimental design and statistical analysis skills

Advanced Research Methods for HCI

Methods specific to research in interactive technologies, including eyetracking, contextual inquiry and cognitive modelling

Advanced topics in interactive technologies

A broad range of topics reflecting the cutting edge of research and development of interactive technologies such as inclusive design and accessibility, domestic technology and cultural diversity

Web Design

Skills to design, implement and evaluate a web site

Project preparation

Project

A substantial, independent research project building on the taught course

Personal Tutor
Each student is assigned to a tutorial group (usually containing no more than five students), and hence to a personal tutor who will monitor progression.

Assessment
Assessment of students' performance in the course modules will take place in a variety of forms: practical exercises, reports, closed examinations, open assessments and a dissertation for the project. Students are deliberately exposed to a variety of assessment methods so that they are not disadvantaged by background. Assessments will take place at various times during the year. Practical exercises, reports and other forms of open assessment will be due either during the course module or just after its completion.

Timescales, Modules and Project Descriptions may be subject to change.

Typically applicants will have achieved at least a second class degree (or international equivalent) in a computing-related discipline. We will consider applicants who do not have an appropriate computing qualification but have other relevant experience, for example appropriate industrial experience.Applicants are required to nominate two referees, of which at least one should be from the applicant's current employer or place of study. Applicants are normally interviewed before acceptance either in person if UK based or by telephone for international students.English Language Requirements The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.