Human Computer Interaction

The MSc in Human Computer Interaction combines core elements and skills to prepare you to work within user experience and human computer interaction. The programme 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.



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



1) the design of user-centred technology interactions and to



2) 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.

Stage 1 Core Modules



IS40730 Quantitative Data Analysis Autumn 5

IS40820 Research Theory and Practice Autumn 5

IS41520 UXD: User-Centered Design Autumn 10

IS40640 Research Methods Spring 5

IS41330 Topics in HCI Spring 10

IS41340 Psychological Perspectives in HCI Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 10CR:



OPTION MODULE LIST 1: Please note that students who apply to register to a module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.



IS40840 Data & Society Autumn 10

IS40880 Communication Theory Autumn 10

IS41230 Creative & Interactive Media Autumn 5

IS41720 Language Models and Methods Autumn 5

IS40890 Project Management Spring 5

IS40950 Media Production Cultures Spring 10

IS40970 AI & Ethics Spring 5

IS41020 Information Ethics Spring 5

IS41050 Platform Governance Spring 5

IS41190 Regulation and Emerging Technology Spring 10

IS41510 Social Networks Online and Off Spring 10

IS41590 Professional HCI Practice Spring 5

IS41820 Digital Methods Research Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - C)0 of:



OPTION MODULE LIST 2: Students may express their preferences in relation to their selection of one module from the list of option modules below by completing the form at the following link: MSc in HCI List 2 Elective Preferences Form. Places are limited and will be offered strictly on a first come first served basis as per the MSc in HCI handbook to be shared prior to registration, and which students should read carefully before expressing their preferences.



COMP40610 Information Visualisation Autumn 5

COMP41740 Human-Centred AI Autumn 5

COMP47230 Introduction to Cognitive Scie Autumn 7.5

COMP47930 Augmented and Virtual Reality Autumn 5

EDUC44220 Why Trust Science (Masters) Spring 5

PHPS41070 Info Systems Implementation Spring 5

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - D)1 of:

Please select one of the following modules. Further information concerning students choice of Summer option will be communicated prior to commencement of the Spring trimester when they will have the opportunity to revise this choice.



IS41320 HCI Thesis Summer 30

IS41350 HCI Design Project Summer 30

This programme is intended for applicants with an undergraduate degree in any discipline.



An upper second-class honours NFQ Level 8 (or international equivalent) is required.



Applicants, whose first language is not English, should have an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with 6.5 in Reading and Writing and no other component below 6.0, or equivalent ) Only applicants who have met the English language results will be considered.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1/2 years, FT/PT, On Campus.

W521 MSc Human Computer Interaction Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught



W522 MSc Human Computer Interaction PT Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

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.



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.



Careers related to this programme include: 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.