Human-Computer Interaction 120 credits
The duration of the programme is two years.
The programme is provided at the KTH Campus, Stockholm. These courses are conducted in Swedish. Next start is autumn semester 2012.
Jobs and the future
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) deals with the design and evaluation of interactive computer systems for all sectors of society. The main focus is often on understanding a specific situation and a specific user group. Future work for graduates lies in consultancy, self employment, employment in large companies or government authorities who have their own groups of permanently employed interaction designers and/or application experts. These people are responsible for HCI aspects of development projects or they are called in to carry out selective tasks such as evaluation. This programme offers specialisations in Interaction Design, Multi-modal Interaction Technology or Visualisation.
The Programme
Most people in the industrial world use computer systems every day at work, at school, embedded in household appliances, at the bank etc. Users are often more interested in carrying out a certain task than in learning complicated handling processes or in understanding how the computer works. This demands much of the user interface - different demands for different types of application and user. This programme contains everything from knowledge of human cognition and perception, design processes to techniques and research in multi-modal interfaces.
Human-Computer Interaction means putting the users and their needs centre stage when constructing IT-based tools so that it is easier to produce tools that really solve the user problems, that they find easy to use and that utilise and develop their competence. HCI is an interdisciplinary area where people with competence in e.g. Computer Science, Psychology, Linguistics, Sociology and Design come together.
Some examples of research areas at the School of Computer Science and Communication at KTH:
Computer Support for Cooperation
User-centred Design
Human-Robot Interaction
Humans and Speech, Music and Hearing
Courses
Courses during the autumn term:
• Scientific Theory and Scientific Methodology in Human-Computer Interaction
• Human-Computer Interaction introductory course
• Multi-modal Interaction and Interfaces
• Introduction to Visualisation and Computer Graphics
• Evaluation methods in Human-Computer Interaction
After the first term one of the following three tracks is chosen:
• Interactive Design
• Multi-modal Interaction Technology
• Visualisation
In the final term a degree project in Human-Computer Interaction, 30 credits, is carried out.
Language of instruction
The programme is conducted mainly in Swedish. However, some courses may be in English. A great deal of the course literature is in English.
Degree project
The degree project is to deal with an interesting problem in the subject area. The main focus of the work is to be the examination and analysis of the problem. The solution to the problem is to be of interest to the commissioning body and also a wider public.
Students are to use a scientific method of tackling the problem. This involves close study of the subject area in detail before the project starts.
The project is to be presented verbally and in a written report. The subject of the project may be taken from business/industry, different organisations or research at the School of Computer Science and Communication, KTH or another university.
Contact
For questions about the programme please contact:
Ann Lantz, phone + 46 8 790 68 17
Admission and qualifications
The programme starts in the autumn, and admissions to the programme are on one occasion only during the academic year.
Students on the Master of Science in Engineering, where the Master programme in Human-Computer Interaction qualifies for the engineering degree
Students on the Master of Science in Engineering, where the Master programme in Human-Computer Interaction qualifies for the engineering degree at KTH must have completed at least 150 credits from Years 1–3 including a Bachelor of Science degree by the start of term. They are guaranteed a place on the programme. Application forms are to be submitted during the period
1–15 November.
This applies to students on the programmes Data Technology 300 credits, Information Technology 300 credits and Media Technology 300 credits at KTH.
Other students
General qualifications: please refer to KTH general qualifications for Master programmes.
Special requirements: BSc degree and knowledge of programming (basic knowledge of a computer language and also practical experience). For the specialisations Multi-modal Interaction Technology and Visualisation, Computer Science is necessary (DD1320 Applied Computer Science or DD1345 an Introduction to Computer Science or equivalent programme) and also basic knowledge of Mathematics (equivalent to SF1625 One variable analysis, SF1626 Multi variable analysis and SF1624 Algebra).
Application and selection
Applications are to be via www.antagning.se latest 16 April.
Selection is made based on between 150-195 completed higher education credits. Ranking is according to the number of credits. If merits are equal, lots are drawn.
Special information for students from the Master of Science in Engineering Media Technology, 300 credits at KTH
Students on the Media Technology programme who wish to choose the Master programme Human –Computer Interaction and desire an engineering degree:
• May not study the specialisation Human-Computer Interaction in Year 3 (since the course is to comprise two specialisations)
• Are to study the elective Mathematics courses in Years 2 and 3
• Are to choose the courses Media Law and Content and Expression in the Media
