Human Computer Interaction MSc
Our Human Computer Interaction MSc gives you state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in creating interactive systems. Learn human-centred principles and methods to design, develop and evaluate interactive systems. Study selected specialised interactive technologies. Apply your knowledge to ensure systems are effective and fit into social practices. For students with a foundational understanding of computing science and good programming skills.
- Teaching start: September
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- MSc: 12 months months full-time;
Why this programme
- The School of Computing Science is ranked in the UK top 10 (Complete University Guide 2025).
- The School of Computing Science is ranked 97% internationally excellent or world-leading in REF2021, with 100% world-leading impact.
- Our Human Computer Interaction research section known as GIST (Glasgow Interactive SysTems) is one of the UK’s leading HCI teams. We have unique strengths in XR, Social AI, and interactive systems for health and well-being.
- You will have 24-hour access to a state-of-the-art computer laboratory.
- Learn human-centred principles and methods in the design and evaluation of interactive systems.
- Study selected specialised Human Computer Interaction topics in detail.
- Benefit from research-led teaching.
- Work with state-of-the-art hardware and software.
- Learn to apply your skills and knowledge in advanced project work.
- Prepare for leading positions in designing interactive solutions to address real world issues.
Programme structure
Core courses
- Programming and Systems Development for HCI
- Human Computer Interaction Fundamentals
- Computational Social Intelligence
- Research and Professional Skills
- Patient Centred Health Technologies
- Research topics in HCI
- Internet Technology (MSc)
- Mobile HCI (MSc)
- Conversational Interfaces
- Information Visualisation (MSc)
- MSc Project HCI
Optional courses
- Human-Centred Security
- Extended Reality Interaction for MSc
Any other courses from Computing Science programme, depending on availability.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
You will learn to design and develop interactive systems that are effective for people to use. You can go on to careers in the IT sector and any sector that uses interactive systems to support business. These include:
- education
- engineering
- health services
- financial services
- government
- manufacturing
- retail
- transport.
You will also be well qualified to proceed to study for a PhD in Human Computer Interaction.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26
MSc
UK
- Full-time fee: £12840
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £33450
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Entry requirements
2:1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any degree with Computing as a major subject with at least 50% of credit bearing modules in Computing at an average grade of pass.
This programme is intended for students with a foundational understanding of computing science and good programming skills to learn advanced interactive technologies and human-centred approaches to designing and evaluating interactive systems to ensure their effectiveness for people.
English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 overall with Writing at 6.5 and no subtest less than 6.0; OR Writing at 6.0 and all other subtests at 6.5
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)
- 90 overall with Writing 24; Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19 OR
- 90 overall with Writing 21; Reading 23;Listening 23; Speaking 23
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with any two subtests at 7 and any two subtests at 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with Writing at 70 and no subtest less than 60; OR Writing at 60 and all other subtests at 70
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with Writing at 6.5 and no subtest less than 6.0; OR Writing at 6.0 and all other subtests at 6.5
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- ST Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
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