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MSc Human Computer Interaction

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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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.

About This Course

This programme introduces students to concepts, theory and practical techniques required for research and design in human-computer interaction. Students will learn how to:

  • Understand the theoretical and applied foundations of human-computer interaction
  • Critically engage with existing literature relevant to the field of HCI
  • Design and assess interactions with a user centered focus by conceptualizing designs and prototypes through engagement with target users and/or other stakeholders
  • Understand, plan, design and execute research focused on understanding interactions with and through technology
  • Apply this learning to specific technological, societal or individual contexts so as to influence and understand technology interaction.
  • Critique ideas, methods and theoretical propositions relevant to the field of HCI
  • Develop high quality research projects with the potential for further academic or industry career progression in HCI
  • Generate and analyze user data (both qualitative and quantitative) so as to identify and inform issues relevant to HCI.
  • Communicate HCI based findings and concepts both orally and written, using a variety of presentation methods (e.g. posters, group and individual presentation, essay, thesis report).
  • Communicate and collaborate in teams, taking responsibility for their work within the team and coordinating effectively on multidisciplinary challenges

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.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40730 Quantitative Data Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40820 Research Theory and Practice Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41520 UXD: User-Centered Design Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40640 Research Methods Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40970 AI & Ethics Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41330 Topics in HCI Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 COMP47230 Introduction to Cognitive Scie Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS40840 Data & Society Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS40880 Communication Theory Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS41230 Creative & Interactive Media Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS40030 People, Information & Communication: Our Information Behaviour Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS40950 Media Production Cultures Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS41020 Information Ethics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS41050 Platform Governance Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS41190 Regulation and Emerging Technology Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS41340 Psychological Perspectives in HCI Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Please choose up to 20 credits
 IS41510 Social Networks Online and Off Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:
Please select one of the following modules. All students should select HCI Design project unless they have identified a Thesis Project, a member of School staff willing to supervise it, and have received approval from the Programme Director.
 IS41320 HCI Thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:
Please select one of the following modules. All students should select HCI Design project unless they have identified a Thesis Project, a member of School staff willing to supervise it, and have received approval from the Programme Director.
 IS41350 HCI Design Project Summer  30

Dr Benjamin Cowan
Associate Professor
Programme Director

Benjamin completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology & Business Studies (2006) as well as his PhD in Usability Engineering (2011) at the University of Edinburgh. His research lies at the juncture between psychology, humancomputer interaction and communication systems in investigating how design impacts aspects of user behaviour in social, collaborative and communicative technology interactions. His recent research has focuses specifically on how theory and quantitative methods from psychological science can be applied to understand and design speech and language technologies as well as how we can design for habit change across of number of domains and contexts. Dr Cowan is the co-founder and co-director of the HCI@UCD group (www.hci.ucd.ie), one of the largest HCI groups in Ireland and is a coPrincipal Investigator in the SFI funded ADAPT Centre.

MSc Human Computer Interaction (W521) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9330
nonEU    fee per year - € 23730

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit the UCD Global International Scholarships page.

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 must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5

(no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent.

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.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes


Full Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes



Part Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Human Computer Interaction:

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W521
MSc Human Computer Interaction
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
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