StudyQA — Master: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

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In the English-language Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Master of Science programme, students acquire sound knowledge on theoretical and practical state-of-the-art methods and technologies in the fields of interface design, usability and interactive system development with a focus on technical aspects. The research-oriented programme is taught by internationally renowned professors. It also offers students the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary research and design projects. As part of their electives, students can attend courses from the Media Informatics Master's programme as well as from all non-Computer Science degree programmes offered at the university, including Media Art and Design, Media Studies, Media Management, and other faculties of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

The international Master's degree programme is accredited by ACQUIN until 30 September 2020. It has already attracted students from all over the globe. The programme is based on the following pillars:
(a) The study of current topics within the field of human-computer interaction: usability, user-centred design and user interface testing and research, and innovative interface technologies in virtual reality, mobile systems, adaptive systems, mixed reality, ubiquitous computing, and graphic interfaces.
(b) Acquisition of key skills and competences through a project-based study approach that includes active training of scientific communication, presentation, and written skills in small groups.

Students work in modern laboratories of the research groups at the Digital Bauhaus Lab and other on-campus buildings, which provide an excellent infrastructure including highly precise eye tracking equipment, 3D printers and other rapid prototyping technologies, unique multi-user stereoscopic projection, latest generation of head-mounted displays, a high resolution tiled display wall with multi-touch, 3D scanners, various unmanned aerial vehicles, and more. They are regularly involved in research and development projects during their studies and in international publication activities. Teaching and research assistantships as well as other jobs are readily available at the university and with local companies.

Usability is becoming more and more important for computer systems. Moreover, computers are now embedded in many aspects of everyday life, as mobile systems and ubiquitous computing become pervasive. The ability to design complex systems and user interfaces with regard to usability and appropriateness for the usage context thus increases in importance. Job adverts for software developers often request knowledge of usability and interface design. Our graduates can work both in software development, in particular in conception and development of novel interface technologies, and in the area of usability and user research, which are both growing in demand.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme comprises lectures, tutorials, seminars, and two student research projects as well as a Master's thesis. Students can choose from various specialised fields for the Master's thesis topic.

The programme comprises 120 ECTS, which are divided into the following compulsory, elective, and research components:

Four compulsory modules (Advanced HCI, Information Processing and Presentation, Virtual/Augmented Reality and Mobile HCI), each comprising 9 ECTS (36 ECTS in total)
Elective modules (24 ECTS in total)
Two research projects (15 ECTS each) in small groups of three to six students (30 ECTS in total)
The Master's thesis module (30 ECTS).

Research projects are offered by most of our professors each semester.

The elective module (24 ECTS) provides students with the opportunity to select courses from other degree programmes and faculties alongside the general catalogue of courses offered within Computer Science and Media on a Master level. The elective modules also allow for the inclusion of a range of courses from the fields of Media Studies, Media Art and Design and Media Management as well as the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, and the Faculty of Art and Design or in Civil Engineering. An additional project from the HCI Master's programme comprising a maximum of 15 credit points may also be incorporated.

The third semester is an ideal semester for students to spend abroad, since it offers greater flexibility with respect to the choice of classes. The fourth and final semester is reserved for undertaking the Master's thesis project.

The standard duration of studies for the Human-Computer Master's programme is four semesters, leading to the award of a Master of Science degree. All Master's courses are offered in English.

For information about part-time studies, please contact the International Counsellor for details:
http://www.uni-weimar.de/de/medien/international

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants have the option of spending one to two semesters abroad at one of the many international partner universities of the Faculty of Media.

Forms of assessment

Credits are earned through project presentations, marked assignments, written and oral exams. Course requirements are described in the module descriptions online.

Course objectives

The Master's programme in Human Computer Interaction is designed to provide graduates with advanced analytical, creative, and research skills for the development of application systems for digital media and for user research in the field of HCI.
Problem-based active learning and interdisciplinary coursework are central and important aspects of our curriculum. This significantly advances the soft skills of our graduates, particularly in teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.
Future graduates will work in industry and research to design and implement innovative interface technologies, usable systems and to evaluate these, as well as in consultancy positions on similar areas of expertise. We expect them to work in areas such as system design and implementation of novel user interfaces, virtual reality and visualisation systems, mobile systems, geographic information systems, usability engineering, and user research.
As the programme started in 2015, it has yet to produce alumni. However, based on feedback by alumni of our other MSc degree programme in the area of Media Informatics, we expect excellent job opportunities for future HCI alumni. Alumni of these other programmes frequently find employment in R&D departments at large companies (e.g., Volkswagen, BMW), research institutes (e.g., Fraunhofer), as well as at universities and tertiary educational institutions, where they often pursue a doctorate.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of English at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - CEFR). Equivalent tests: IELTS (minimum 6.0 points) or TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum 80 points.
Applicants must also provide proof of German at level A1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - CEFR).
In order to register for the Master's thesis, students must provide proof of English at level C1 (CEFR). As part of our study programme, we offer advanced English classes up to level C1, which count towards the degree.

Academic requirements

The prerequisite for admission to the Master's degree programme is a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, media informatics, media technology, or related fields with a strong focus on computer science.

English skills at level B2 (CEFR)
German skills at level A1 (CEFR)

FAQ application HCI:
http://www.uni-weimar.de/en/media/studies/computer-science-and-media-hci/faq-application-hci/

Enrolment fees

Approx. 160 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services and the student council. It further includes free regional transport, student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria, and theatre and museum tickets as well as many other activities. The additional fee for the student ID ("Thoska") is 20 EUR (one-time only fee).

Costs of living

In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend that students budget at least 700 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

There are many opportunities for students to find teaching and student assistantships at the university and with local companies.
Basic English is spoken nearly everywhere, as the historic city of Weimar attracts many visitors from all over the world. However, once in Weimar, it will be useful to acquire some knowledge of the German language to simplify your daily life. Teaching and research assistantships, as well as a variety of other jobs, are readily available at the university and with local companies. The Student Services and the Student Council support students in finding jobs.

Funding opportunities within the university

There are scholarships granted by Bauhaus-Universität Weimar as well as scholarships granted by the International Office, which particularly supports international students and students going abroad for studies or internships.
http://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/international/to-weimar/scholarships/

Arrival support

International Office
E-mail: international-office@uni-weimar.de
Phone 1: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 65
Phone 2: +49 (0)36 43-58 23 73
Fax: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 75
Address for visitors: Weimar, Campus.Office: Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 15, Germany

Weimar International Network
Information, services, and buddy programme for international students prior to arrival
See: http://www.uni-weimar.de/win