University College London

About the programme

The Human-Computer Interaction MSc at UCL is taught by the UCL Interaction Centre (UCLIC) in Bloomsbury, London. UCL describes it as sitting between engineering, the behavioural sciences and design. It covers how people's physical, cognitive, social and emotional traits shape the design of interactive systems, and how to test user performance and experience.

Full-time students take two compulsory modules in the first term, Interaction Science and Interaction Design. In the second term they choose optional modules linked to UCLIC research, such as Affective Interaction, Future Interfaces, Disability Interaction, Human-AI Interaction and HCI for Health and Wellbeing. The summer is spent on an individual research project, assessed as a written dissertation.

Assessment mixes design portfolios, group projects, presentations, videos, reports, essays and exams. Students can also attend a weekly industry speaker series. The degree totals 180 credits, and UCL also offers PG Diploma (120 credits) and PG Certificate (60 credits) exit awards.

Format

In person in London. It can be taken full-time (1 year), part-time (2 years) or modular/flexible (up to 5 years).

Length

180 credits. Full-time students can expect 12-16 contact hours a week in terms one and two, with 35-42 hours of study in total each week.

Cost

For 2026/27 entry, full-time fees were £16,800 for UK students and £42,700 for overseas students (part-time £8,400 and £21,350 a year). UCL lists 2027/28 fees as to be confirmed. The application fee is £90.

Admissions

September entry. For 2026/27, applications ran from 20 October 2025 to 11 February 2026 and were reviewed together after the closing date. The 2027/28 dates have not been published yet. You need a 2:1 degree, a personal statement and English at UCL Level 4.

Background

A degree in computer science, psychology or ergonomics, or a related field such as interface design, business IT or product design. Relevant work experience is taken into account.

Capstone

An individual MSc research project over the summer, assessed by a dissertation.

Who it suits

Suits graduates in psychology, computing or a related field who want a one-year, research-based HCI degree in London. Those who want a studio or portfolio-led design programme, or have no background in a related subject, should look at other options.

Checked against University College London’s official programme pages in October 2026.