MSc Human Computer Interaction

The Human Computer Interaction programme from University College Dublin combines core elements and skills to prepare you to work within user experience and human computer interaction.

Quick Facts

Duration 1 year full-time
Start Date September
Tuition Fee €21,520 per year
Location Dublin, Ireland

Technology is ubiquitous in our everyday life. We have countless interactions whether it be through mobile apps, smart devices, or more traditional desktop systems. It is vital now more than ever that these interfaces are designed with a deep understanding of the user, their desires and needs as well as how these interfaces will impact society more widely.

The Human Computer Interaction programme from University College Dublin is unique in Ireland, harnessing the world-class expertise in the School of Information & Communication Studies to explore the discipline of human-computer interaction (HCI), from a social science perspective.

The programme focuses on giving students the knowledge and skills to use social scientific approaches and theory to inform

  • the design of user-centred technology interactions and to
  • understand the effect that design and technology interaction has on people’s behaviours, perceptions and emotions encapsulating both at an individual and a societal level.

Courses included:

  • Research Methods
  • Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Research Theory and Practice
  • AI & Ethics
  • Topics in HCI
  • UXD: User-Centered Design

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"Achieving a decarbonized and sustainable energy system to help mitigate climate change is one of the major challenges facing humanity today. The electrical power system has a central role to play in this as emphasis is placed on increasing renewable generation and electrification of the transport and heating sectors. These developments are rapidly changing the way the power system is planned, designed and operated.   Ireland is at the forefront of these changes with ambitious targets to reach 80% renewable generation by 2030, reduce green house gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.  Consequently demand for employment in the sectors related to renewable energy and smart grid management has never been higher.  The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UCD and the UCD Energy Institute have built a strong track record of research in power systems. The academics involved in this  MEngSc programme in Electrical Power Networks bring this wealth of research experience to their teaching.  Should you be interested in pursuing a career in research then opportunities for continuing studies though PhD programmes are also available."

Programme Director Professor Terence O’Donnell

Career Opportunities

Human Computer Interaction is a hugely diverse area, with key skills being applicable to a wide variety of domains and is complimentary to degrees from natural sciences, computer science, arts, business and law amongst others.

The MSc focuses on giving students the skills to understand and problem solve around user and societal issues facing us in an increasingly digital world.

Dublin is one of Europe’s digital hubs, with leading international technology companies such as Apple, Twitter, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Intel having a presence. These companies rely on HCI expertise when developing their interfaces, experiences and products.

Possible Jobs (Across the programme): User Experience Researcher; Interaction Designer; User Interface Researcher; Conversation Designer; Media Analyst; Digital Policy Expert; Quantitative Data Analyst; Product Designer; Ergonomic Specialist; PhD Research in HCI

Why study with us?

UCD is consistently ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, UCD was again named as one of the best universities globally, and was placed 173rd in the world.

UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland with 8,500 international students from 130 different countries. Our network of 288,000 successful and influential alumni can be found in 169 different countries around the world.

The UCD campus is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe and is situated just 5 kilometres from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Our students enjoy world-class teaching and learning facilities, modern and comfortable student accommodation, state-of-the art sports and fitness amenities, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cinema, cafes and student centre all on our beautiful, nature-filled campus. 

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