Human Computer Interaction

In the field of interactive technologies, specific methods and approaches are necessary in order to design IT artifacts for use in areas of human practice, mainly for mobile and ubiquitous applications. These encompass interface design, user-centred design, usability engineering, qualitative empirical methods, and the integration of organisational and technology development processes, all of which constitute the core elements of the HCI Master's programme.
Anyone looking for successful socio-technical systems (i.e., humans and machines) will discover that good, long-term interactive design geared to humans is essential. The key to the HCI Master's programme in Siegen is to provide students with a solid, broad grounding in methods and techniques. This is the basis for well-founded conception, design, and implementation as well as for testing IT systems for humans.
Classic usability often centres on (quantitative) lab studies. In Siegen, we are convinced this is simply not enough because it reduces human involvement to a minimum. This is the reason why our work is particularly embedded in the qualitative ethnographical field, i.e., directly in user practice. One main focus is on the involvement of users when designing systems. We refer to this as Grounded Design.
In Siegen, research and teaching go hand in hand. Students often work directly on research projects that are commonly conducted in partnership with industry. Not only does this signify high research relevance and the possibility of genuine scientific work but it also provides a very close link to practice.

Educational organisation

The course of study includes four core taught modules (33 ECTS), four elective modules (24 ECTS) and two supplementary modules (18 ECTS). The taught part will be followed by an independent research project (9 ECTS), an HCI internship, (6 ECTS), and the Master's thesis (30 ECTS).

Taught Core Modules (33 ECTS):

• Computer supported learning and work (9 ECTS)

Computer Supported Cooperative Learning / Supported Cooperative Work

• HCI (9 ECTS)

Human Computer Interaction / User Experience Design

• User Orientation (9 ECTS)

Industrial and Organisational Psychology / Usability and Empirical Design Methods

• Art Work and Design (6 ECTS)

Taught Elective Modules (24 ECTS):

• Integrated Technology and Organisation Development (6 ECTS)
• IT Controlling (6 ECTS)
• GUI-Development with Windows Presentation Foundation (6 ECTS)
• Information Management
• Decision Support Systems (6 ECTS)
• Selected Areas in HCI (6 ECTS)
• HCI Combi-Seminars (two topics) (6 ECTS)

Taught Compulsory Modules (18 ECTS)

• IT Security (9 ECTS)
• New Media Management (9 ECTS)
• Statistics (9 ECTS)
• Media Law (9 ECTS)

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exam, research/design project, seminar paper, assignment, presentation

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the HCI Master's programme, graduates are capable of efficiently and effectively designing and implementing applications that support various practices and social systems, e.g., organisations, communities, home, and leisure settings. In light of its interdisciplinary and yet practice-oriented focus, the programme opens the way to a number of careers in the IT industry, ranging from interface designer and usability specialist to designer of innovative products. HCI specialists are actively sought after by many large corporations. With the focus lying more on the target group-specific development of usable software and software systems, many medium-sized companies are also likely to be among potential employers.

The degree "Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction" qualifies graduates to participate in post-graduate studies and to complete a PhD programme in the field of information systems, computer science, and media science.

Language requirements

If English is not your first language or if your first degree was not achieved in a programme taught entirely in English, you will need to provide additional proof that you have a sufficient command of the English language (level B1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)). English language qualifications comparable to a "B1 level" can be certified as follows:

• TOEFL test a minimum of 550 points (written test), or 213 points (computer-based test) or 79 points (Internet-based test). The TOEFL code for the University of Siegen is 8429.
• IELTS test with a minimum score of 5.5 points
• Cambridge Certificate: PET
• English language qualifications obtained through at least five years of English instruction in secondary/high school. You are required to enclose copies of your secondary/high school certificates, including course and examination descriptions of your English language course for these five years.

Academic requirements

To apply for the HCI Master's programme, you need to have an appropriate first degree (BA or BSc) covering at least six semesters of study in information systems, applied computer science, information technology, or a comparable course of study with software and media design as a core subject. If you have completed a different study programme, you must be able to provide proof of prior knowledge in the design and programming of software. This proof may take the form of relevant test results (i.e., college transcripts), information about related experience in professional environments, or details of other programming and/or design experience. Furthermore, you must have completed your undergraduate studies with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher using the German GPA scale.
If English is not your first language or if your first degree was not achieved in a programme taught entirely in English, you will need to provide additional proof that you have a sufficient command of the English language (level B1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)).

Enrolment fees

Approx. 250 EUR per semester for a public transport ticket (valid for six months in the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia), social services contribution and students' activities

Costs of living

The city of Siegen is one of the German cities with very moderate costs for accommodation, but it has excellent living conditions. Living expenses including accommodation and health insurance range from 650 to 750 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Siegen hosts a large number of mid-size industrial companies in electrical and mechanical engineering, some bigger examples being SMS (http://www.sms-group.com/) and Achenbach Buschhütten (http://www.achenbach.de/en/home/). A lot of smaller but very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, examples of these being PMDTechnologies (http://www.pmdtec.com) and Asentics (http://www.asentics.com), which are spin-off companies from the university.
As a result, employment chances are very good for students to gain part-time employment during the semester vacation and full-time employment after the completion of studies.

Funding opportunities within the university

University scholarships for students and doctoral students (early stage researchers) are available for individual programmes. Furthermore, individual scholarship programmes for students and early stage researchers exist at the central scientific research institutes (e.g., ZESS, http://www.zess.uni-siegen.de/home/news-presse/news/stipendien.html).
http://www.sff.uni-siegen.de/antraege/

Arrival support

Personal support after arrival is provided by the staff of the Department International Student Affairs, a tutor, or an experienced programme member.

Services and support for international students

All international students are supported by the Department International Student Affairs, a tutor, and experienced members of the individual programmes.

Accommodation

German universities usually do not have campus systems like the universities in some other countries where students can find accommodation directly on university property. Therefore, students must find rooms on their own. Rooms in private accommodation cost 280 EUR on average. Rooms in student residences cost between 220 and 400 EUR. Direct support for finding suitable accommodation is offered by the Department International Student Affairs.

Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found at:
http://www.uni-siegen.de/start/studium/studentisches_leben/wohnen.html.en?lang=en

Our International Office (http://www.uni-siegen.de/isa) will also provide you with further information about private accommodation.