MSc in Human-Centred Systems

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Careers as a Usability and Accessibility Specialist, Information Architect, and Interaction Designer

The course aims to develop:

City University's MSc in Human-Centred Systems will equip you with techniques and theories with which to design, implement and evaluate interactive computing systems for the widest range of users. Upon graduation, you will have excellent knowledge and skills for:

Designing advanced human-computer interactions
Analyzing requirements for systems that involve people and computers
Designing and conducting complex evaluations of interactive computing systems
Designing and evaluating systems for people with disabilities and the elderly
Designing effective information visualizations
Linking user-centred design to mainstream development approaches, e.g. the UML.

Overview

This course is offered as a full-time, 1 year or 2 year part-time MSc.

You will be taught by academic staff in City University's Centre for Human Computer Interaction Design. Teaching and dissertation work will take place in the Interaction Lab.

The course is suitable for those with a background in computing or programming. No prior exposure to the topics of human-computer interaction (HCI) or user-centred design (UCD) is necessary. 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.

Why study the MSc in Human-Centred Systems at City University London?

Strong ties to industry - Co-location with AbilityNet	The Centre has well-established links with industry, charity organisations and government agencies that have an interest (and are prospective employers of our graduates) in the topic of human-centred computing. Our teaching is grounded in best practices and co-located with AbilityNet, a national charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the Internet. During your studies, you will be exposed to AbilityNet's techniques, technologies and case studies.
Internships	You will be able to undertake 4 to 6 month internships with design and usability companies in the UK and abroad.
State-of-the-art Facilities	You will benefit from working in a £12 million state-of-the-art, purpose-built space in City University's historic College Building. The Centre's 75m2 Interaction Lab, which is sponsored by the UK Vodafone Foundation, will enable you to have access to state-of-the-art evaluation tools for screen capture, eye-tracking, data recording and analysis.
Excellent teaching staff	Our staff is enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate. Plus you will get the opportunity to be taught and work with academics who have years of experience in the topics covered in this MSc and are engaged in cutting edge research on the topics covered.
Enhanced learning experience	The course runs in conjunction with the MSc in Interactive Media at the University of Limerick in Ireland and the MSc in Human-Computer Interaction at Uppsala University in Sweden. We offer opportunities for student exchanges, shared projects and internships at both Universities.
Central London Prime Location	We are conveniently based in central London: nearest stations Angel / Farringdon / King's Cross. London offers numerous future career opportunities. City University is located within an area strongly associated with the creative industries, including internet development and product design companies. The Centre will offer you the opportunity to undertake projects and other work in collaboration with these local companies as well as with high-profile national European organisations.
Strong Research	City University's Centre for HCI Design is London's largest research group in human-computer interaction. The Centre for HCI Design's research is respected nationally and internationally and has attracted numerous research projects from research councils and EU frameworks. This research will be demonstrated throughout the course in all modules.
Online learning environment	All modules in the MSc in Human-Centred Systems are supported by the University's innovative online learning environment (CitySpace). You will be able to access lecture materials and engage in discussions with student colleagues, teaching staff and the course team.

Centre for HCI Design

The Centre for HCI Design specializes in research in Human-Computer Interaction and Software Engineering. It undertakes fundamental long-term research, funded largely by the EPSRC and EU, alongside more applied research in collaboration with organisations including the Equality and Human Rights Commission, NATS, FIAT, CA and Microsoft. It researches holistic system design methods, usability evaluation, tools and methods for interactive system design, assistive technologies and designing for diverse users, culture and creativity in design, social software, social interaction in Second Life, and requirements engineering for socio-technical systems.

Find out more about the Centre for HCI Design

Internship option

Six months of professional IT industry experience as part of your postgraduate degree (optional)

Professional recognition

The British Computer Society recognises this course for exemption from the BCS Certificate, Diploma and Diploma Project.