MSc Human Computer Interaction

This Master's programme is designed to transform you into a skilled UX professional through a deeply practical, human-centred curriculum that bridges theoretical principles with hands-on design and evaluation. You'll have access to our outstanding facilities in the School of Computer Science, which houses specialised HCI laboratories, user testing suites, and interaction design studios equipped with cutting-edge technology for creating and evaluating digital experiences. Your learning is powered by industry-standard design and research tools and culminates in substantial projects where you will design, prototype, and test interactive systems, preparing you for a career at the forefront of user experience research and design.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant experience:

• Industry-Standard Design Tools: You'll gain proficiency in essential professional tools including Figma and Adobe XD for interface design, NVivo for qualitative data analysis, Python for data processing, and prototyping platforms for creating interactive experiences.

• Birmingham HCI Projects: A key feature of your degree is the series of practical design projects where you'll work through the complete UX lifecycle - from user research and ideation to prototyping, implementation, and evaluation - developing crucial design thinking and collaboration skills.

• User Research Laboratory: You will conduct studies in our dedicated observation labs, equipped with eye-tracking systems, screen recording software, and session recording tools for understanding user behaviour and cognitive processes.

• Prototyping Studio: You'll use our maker space with 3D printers, Arduino kits, and physical computing resources for creating tangible interfaces and exploring embodied interaction.

• Virtual Reality Suite: You'll have access to our VR equipment and development platforms for designing and testing immersive experiences and spatial interfaces.

• Mobile Interaction Lab: You'll work with mobile device testing rigs, sensor arrays, and mobile development environments for creating context-aware applications.

• Accessibility Testing Facilities: You'll use our specialised software and hardware for evaluating digital accessibility and designing inclusive technologies.

• Industry Collaboration: Many projects incorporate real-world briefs from our industry partners, providing valuable insight into current UX practices and employer expectations in the technology sector.

Graduates of this MSc in Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) step into roles such as UX/UI designer, user researcher, interaction designer, or product specialist across sectors like technology, healthcare, gaming, or education. Thanks to rigorous training and research immersion, they often secure positions at forward-thinking organisations like Microsoft, Sage, KPMG, Philips, and MUFG Investor Services—highlighting the degree’s standing and real-world impact.
 

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Birmingham ensures you’re workplace-ready and poised for growth:

• University Services to Boost Employability

  • You’ll complete a 60-credit individual project, a highlight of the course, working one-to-one with a faculty supervisor. This project lets you define a unique problem, build prototypes, and present your work—providing a compelling portfolio piece that speaks directly to employers or PhD selectors.
     

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures

  • Graduates from this programme report a median salary of £29,000 fifteen months after graduation, with 0% unemployment—demonstrating strong early-career outcomes and effective industry preparation.
     

• University–Industry Partnerships

  • The MSc is closely linked to the University’s HCI Centre, and the Department enjoys partnerships with the Alan Turing Institute, all while benefiting from leading-edge labs in robotics, vision, and interaction research. This research-rich environment gives you direct access to innovation and interdisciplinary insight.
     

• Long-Term Accreditation Value

  • Though not formally accredited, the MSc provides exceptional academic depth and professionals regard Birmingham’s HCI training highly. Graduates enter with strong analytical, design, and evaluative skills—making them standout candidates in both research and industry settings.
     

• Graduation Outcomes

  • You’ll graduate fluent in designing user-centered systems, backed by academic insight and research experience. Whether joining tech, healthcare UX, product teams, or entering academia, you'll have the credibility, skillset, and confidence to impact the digital world profoundly.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates are well-positioned to continue into PhD study, especially within interaction design, user experience, or HCI research. Birmingham’s research environment and your dissertation experience make you a strong candidate for doctoral paths.