Human-Computer Interaction MSc

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:

• subject-specific taught modules
• a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words

You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.

A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

The MSc in Human-Computer Interaction is a one-year full time course, based on the Newcastle campus and delivered by the School of Computing. It includes:

• seminars
• lectures
• practical classes
• group and individual project work
• guided independent reading
• self-directed learning

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Design or creative project
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Written exercise

You'll complete a dissertation research project in the second half of the course. You'll have regular meetings with your project supervisor. They will help you to develop the specialist skills needed to complete your research project.

You'll be part of a close-knit cohort of fellow students. You'll also be part of a vibrant HCI community of over 50 staff, researchers and students within Open Lab. They'll help support your learning.

Our students have gone on to create a number of innovative digital technologies that have considerable real-world impact. They've worked with:

• community-led initiatives
• the public sector
• global NGOs
• local citizens

The School of Computing has a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor who understands the needs of our students.

They can be a confidential listening ear and provide guidance on a range of wellbeing issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

The programme is supported by academics at the School of Computing and is closely aligned with Open Lab. All our academics who work in HCI have international reputations for their contributions to the field and many have experience as practitioners in industry. You can find out more about Open Lab’s academic team on the Open Lab website.

Dr Nick Taylor, Degree Programme Director

Dr Nick Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at Open Lab in the School of Computing. He has over 15 years of experience as an HCI researcher and educator, working across both computing and design schools. His expertise sits at the intersection of design, technology and society, including:

• technology to support communities
• responsible approaches to the Internet of Things
• digital making and DIY

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.