Umeå University

Overview

The Master’s programme in Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience at Umeå University is designed to equip students with the skills needed to enhance the usability and functionality of digital products and services. This two-year, on-campus programme emphasizes research-based UX methods, focusing on understanding users, prototyping solutions, and testing experiences to create impactful digital interactions.

What you'll study

The curriculum integrates core studies in human-computer interaction (HCI) and informatics, alongside elective courses and hands-on project work. Students will engage in an iterative process that transitions from research and analysis to concept development, prototyping, and evaluation.

Core learning areas

• Interaction design & emergent technologies: Develop interactive experiences while exploring innovative interaction paradigms.
• User research & qualitative methods: Learn to design and conduct studies that uncover user needs and contextual factors.
• HCI theory: Gain insight into theoretical frameworks that inform evidence-based design decisions.
• Data-informed UX: Utilize analytics and data science principles to enhance the evaluation and improvement of digital systems.

Indicative course examples

• Interaction Design and Emergent Technologies
• Qualitative Research in Information Systems
• Theoretical Approaches in Human-Computer Interaction
• Data Science
• Analytics

Capstone / final work: The programme culminates in a significant project where students apply HCI and UX methodologies to address a substantial problem, integrating research, design, and evaluation activities.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 ECTS from an internationally recognized institution. Additionally, candidates should have completed 90 ECTS in Informatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cognitive Science, or closely related fields.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme will be well-prepared for a variety of roles in the tech and design industries. Potential career paths include positions as user experience designers, interaction designers, usability researchers, and product managers, among others. With the growing importance of user-centered design in technology, professionals in this field are in high demand across various sectors.