Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

The University of Siegen offers a Master’s programme in Human-Computer Interaction with a duration of four semesters. In the field of interactive technologies, specific methods and approaches are necessary in order to design IT artefacts for use in areas of human practice, mainly for mobile and ubiquitous applications. These encompass interface design, user-centred design, usability engineering, qualitative empirical methods, and the integration of organisational and technology development processes, all of which constitute the core elements of the HCI Master's programme. The research-focused programme curriculum includes mandatory lectures, research seminars, three practical projects, a voluntary internship, and a Master’s thesis. Anyone looking for successful socio-technical systems (i.e. humans and machines) will discover that good, long-term interactive design geared to humans is essential. The key to the hands-on HCI Master's programme in Siegen is to provide students with a solid, broad grounding in methods and techniques. This is the basis for well-founded conception, design, and implementation as well as for testing IT systems for humans. Classic usability often centres on (quantitative) lab studies. In Siegen, we are convinced this is simply not enough because it reduces human involvement to a minimum. This is the reason why our work is particularly embedded in the qualitative ethnographic field, i.e. directly in user practice. One main focus is on the involvement of users when designing systems. We refer to this as Grounded Design. In Siegen, research and teaching go hand in hand. The research is embedded in projects in the departments of Business Information Systems and New Media, Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, IT for the Ageing Society, Cyber-Physical Systems, Experience & Interaction, and IT Security & Consumer Informatics. Students often work directly on research projects that are commonly conducted in partnership with industry. Not only does this signify high research relevance and the possibility of genuine scientific work but it also provides a very close link to practice. We have international teaching and research partnerships all over the world. For an overview of exchange opportunities, visit this website. Our alumni typically work in research, UX or UI design, consulting, development, management, and other areas. The course of study includes the following: the Basics of HCI (18 ECTS), one of two modules from Consolidation (9 ECTS), three practical projects (27 ECTS), three modules from Current Research of HCI (18 ECTS), and two modules (with 9 ECTS each) or three modules (with 6 ECTS each) from Interdisciplinary Contexts (18 ECTS). The taught part of the programme will be followed by the Master's thesis (30 ECTS). Basics of HCI (18 ECTS): Humans & Technology (9 ECTS): Human-Computer Interaction / Analysis & Evaluation Design & Psychology (9 ECTS): User Experience Design / Psychology Consolidation (9 ECTS), one of two modules has to be selected: Ubiquitous Computing & Usable Security (9 ECTS) Computer-Supported Cooperative Work & Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (9 ECTS) Practice (27 ECTS): Project A (9 ECTS, regularly changing projects) Project B (9 ECTS, regularly changing projects) Project C (9 ECTS, regularly changing projects) Current Research in HCI (18 ECTS): Current Research in HCI I (6 ECTS): two seminars from a pool of regularly changing offers Current Research in HCI II (6 ECTS): two seminars from a pool of regularly changing offers Current Research in HCI III (6 ECTS): two seminars from a pool of regularly changing offers HCI Internship (6 ECTS) can be taken instead of Current Research in HCI III Interdisciplinary Contexts (18 ECTS), either two modules with 9 ECTS each or three modules with 6 ECTS each have to be selected. Find a current overview of elective modules here: https://hci-siegen.de/curriculum/ PDF Download