Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction

at University of St Andrews

Modules
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2021–2022 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2022 entry.

Compulsory
Students must take the following compulsory modules:

• Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods: introduces the principles of human computer interaction in the context of evaluation paradigms. 
• Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming: introduces and reinforces object-oriented modelling, design and implementation to provide a common basis of skills, allowing students to complete programming assignments within other MSc modules.
• User-Centred Interaction Design: studies methodologies in interaction design that are at the core of current practice for user interface engineering and application development.

and one or both of:

• Information Visualisation: explores how to utilise visual representations to make information accessible for exploration and analysis.
• Interactive Software and Hardware: develops prototype-building skills for a wide range of interactive technologies.

The University of St Andrews offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to ensure our doors remain open to all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances.

Although entry to St Andrews is competitive, we recognise a range of different qualifications and consider all aspects of your application, including context, your personal statement and references. Grades alone will not guarantee you admission, and actual offers may be higher or lower than the listed minimum grades required by each programme.

Information about our entry requirements can be found in academic entry explained and UK-based applicants can use our indicator to see which set of entry requirements they need to look at. All non-UK based applicants should look at our standard academic entry requirements.

The University also offers alternative entry routes for applicants who come from areas where we receive limited applications and who are unable to obtain the required grades, or for those who are returning to education after an extended period of time.

• SQA Highers: BBBB to AAAAB
• A-Level: ABB to A*A*A
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 (HL 6,5,5) to 38 (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6). From 2021, programmes requiring A-levels Mathematics will accept either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at higher level.

Tuition fees

• Home: £10,395
• Overseas: £25,450

The Human Computer Interaction (HCI) MSc modules have been developed by expert researchers who regularly publish in leading international conferences (for example, ACM CHI, UIST, InfoVis and MobileHCI). As a result, students who complete this MSc will be at the forefront of HCI and information visualisation and have access to a range of roles in industry such as UX designers, visual analysts, interaction designers and interaction architects. 

Alumni of Computer Science MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:

• Amadeus
• Amazon
• Atlas
• Avaloq
• Barclays Capital
• BP
• BT Openreach
• Capricorn Ventis
• FactSet
• Hailo
• Hewlett Packard
• Hitachi Data Systems
• Microsoft
• OpenBet
• Rockstar
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Sky
• Skyscanner
• Symantec
• TriSystems.