PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc, PGDip and PGCert in Human–Computer Interaction with
Ergonomics (HCI-E)
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should
be detailed here and defined later in the
document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
MSc, PGDip, PGCert
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Brain Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
UCL Interaction Centre, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
N/A
From 2014 onwards
University College London
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/uclic/taught_courses
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychlangsci/students/prospective/PGT/TMSHCIS
ERG06
Full-time, part-time and flexible study
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
For entry to the MSc, PGDip or PGCert a candidate must normally hold
a minimum of an upper second-class degree in computer science,
psychology or ergonomics or a minimum of an upper second-class
degree in a computer science-, psychology-, or ergonomics-related field
(e.g. interface design, business IT, product design). Account will be
taken of any relevant practical or work experience. Candidates with
extensive relevant work experience but without the correct qualifications
may be considered for admission, in exceptional circumstances.
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from
UCL, such as study abroad or placements
in industry)
1 calendar year full time or corresponding part-time / flexible equivalent
for MSc.
1 academic year or part-time / flexible equivalent for PGDip.
12 weeks or part-time equivalent for PGCert.
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Masters level (Level 7)
N/A
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Eight taught modules (from ten), assessed by coursework and
examination, covering social, cognitive, physical and computational
aspects of HCI and Ergonomics, and a project written as a dissertation.
See http://www.ucl.ac.uk/uclic/taught_courses/modules for details.
Name of Board of Examiners:
Human-Computer Interaction with Ergonomics Board of Examiners.
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The HCI-E course aims

To provide advanced knowledge of how humans live with and interact with technology in their environment.

To provide design knowledge which may be used in Human-Computer Interaction and Ergonomics practice
and research.

To expose students to design, evaluation and research practices, working both as an individual and within
teams.

To provide a balanced covering of psychology and ergonomics and computing in support of HCI.
Graduates will be well qualified to be (for instance) a usability or user experience consultant, or to start a research
career in HCI, or Ergonomics. In addition they should:

Be able to communicate effectively in both professional and academic contexts.

Be familiar with the methods of quantitative and qualitative data analysis used in the field.

Be able to locate, understand, evaluate, and apply current research in their specialist areas of study.

Have developed an awareness of professional, ethical and social issues relevant to professional practice,
and the context in which this practice takes place.

Have developed the skills and experience to support effective interaction with clients and other
professionals in the practice of HCI.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Cognitive, social, affective, ergonomic
and computing aspects of people
interacting with and through technology.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures for core information; practical work (both
supervised and directed) to develop understanding of
the relevance of theory in practice. Also seminars,
workshops, field visits, guest presentations, groupwork,
self-directed study as appropriate.
Assessment:
Courseworks, examinations and project work, covering
designs, evaluations and critical assessment of systems.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Recognition of HCI-E issues and complex
problems; consideration of alternative
pathways to solutions; practical
understanding of HCI-E research and its
relation to knowledge and its application;
practical understanding of HCI-E
techniques, their foundation and validity;
originality in creative application of HCI-E;
ability to relate across disciplines and to
different types of professional practice
and organisational environments. Ability
to critically assess information and
designs, and to create novel design
solutions.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures to provoke thinking. Practical work to develop
intellectual skills, case studies, workshops, seminars,
self-directed study to consolidate skills.
Assessment:
Courseworks that focus on critical assessment of
systems and design practice, examination questions that
demand critical thinking, project work that integrates
skills.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Produce creative and systematic interface
designs; select and apply user-oriented
requirement and evaluation techniques to
interfaces; assess and meet user
requirements over a range of applications
and environments, including innovative
and emerging technologies; interact
constructively with other disciplines
involved in HCI-E in the field.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Courseworks that demand information seeking and use.
Design and evaluation practical work. Project work.
Assessment:
Courseworks that focus on these skills, including in
particular the Design Experience modules. Project work.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Undertake self-directed learning, project
management and independent research,
and reflect on and evaluate them.
Plan and implement professional tasks
individually and in teams.
Make systematic and creative
judgements.
Communicate effectively orally and in
writing at a professional standard.
Interact with clients and other
professionals in the field, with awareness
of ethical, legal and social issues relevant
to professional practice.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Group working.
Formal presentations.
Essay-based coursework.
Laboratory exercises.
Project.
Assessment:
Individual and group presentations
Coursework reports
Dissertation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the UCLIC course
handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by UCLIC and may be
checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Rachel Benedyk, Programme Director
Name(s):
Date of Production:
May 2008
Date of Review:
October 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
October 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2014
November 2014