The Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID) master’s programme is an interdisciplinary programme where our User-Centred Design approach places the users at the centre of the design process. By combining human aspects (both at a cognitive, aesthetic and sensory-motor level) to technological and business aspects, we create new products and services with great usability and user experience, and a solid customer demand, which often translate into commercial success.
HCID serves as the bridge to new products and services. Students learn how to design and define how people interact and live with the modern ever changing technical world.
The ICT Innovation programme has separate application periods and admission procedures from the other Master's programmes offered by Aalto University. Further information on the admission is available on the EIT Digital Master School website.
In the master’s programme, the language of instruction is English.
Students admitted to Master's Programme in ICT Innovation (EIT Digital Master School) - Human-Computer Interaction and Design are eligible for scholarships and liable for tuition fees according to EIT Digital's tuition fee and scholarship scheme.
Students are not liable for paying tuition fees to Aalto University or eligible for Aalto University scholarships. Please see EIT Digital Master School website for more information.
EIT Digital Master School programmes are double degree programmes in which studies at taken at two different universities in two different countries. The programme leads into two Master of Science degrees (double degree) from the two universities the student has studied in.
Overall, the two-year programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:
The programme is a double degree programme, which means that you will study at two European universities and in two different countries. Aalto University offers HCID studies as both entry (first-year) and exit (second-year) studies. For the full list of universities, please visit the EIT Digital Master School website.
The first year will be similar at all five HCID entry point universities with foundation courses in:
An important part of the programme are also the Innovation and & Entrepreneurship (I&E) courses.
During the second year of studies, the student chooses a specialisation option offered in one of the seven exit point universities. Aalto University offers a specialisation in Cross-Device Interaction with courses on various design and user interface development techniques embarking from web and mobile development towards post-desktop interactions with virtual or augmented reality. Human interaction capabilities and goals largely remain the same even if the used interaction device and implementation methods evolve. 90’s early experimentations with mobile code (Java) have changed to responsive design and mobile-first culture of information consumption. Through developments in sensors, algorithms, and computer graphics we are waiting for the consumer break-through of augmented reality and 3D user interfaces.
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
The EIT Digital Master School programmes are inherently international because the studies take place at two different universities in two different countries. The programme provides its students with a profound experience of working and studying in multiple countries in an international environment.
The programme qualifies for doctoral studies (Doctor of Science in an applicable field).
Graduates from the Human-Computer Interaction and Design master’s programme qualify for jobs in international and local organizations in both technical and business roles. Graduates could become:
Through their multidisciplinary attitude, HCID graduates are valuable in open innovation settings where different aspects (market, users, social aspects, media technologies) come together. They can choose to work within companies that provide value-added products and services, such as game companies, e-learning, web developers, and entertainment. An alternative path would be to start your own company to provide product or technology development, media content, business development or consultancy services.
The studies in the programme are closely related to the research conducted at the relevant departments of the consortium universities including Aalto University's Department of Computer Science.
Please visit the EIT Digital Master School website to learn more about the industry partners.
Please see further information on applying at EIT Digital Master School website.
Do you want to study in the Nordics in Finland? At Aalto University science and art meet technology and business. We believe in the power of curiosity and encourage our students to explore the unknown as well as to learn and do things in a whole new way.
Finland’s excellent reputation in education, combined with a wide range of courses offered in English, makes Finland and Aalto University an attractive study destination for international students.
The EIT Label is a quality seal awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to a KIC educational programme that has been assessed positively by the EIT on the implementation of the EIT Quality Assurance and Learning Enhancement (EIT QALE) system, and the application of specific quality criteria with focus on the EIT Overarching Learning Outcomes (EIT OLOs), robust entrepreneurship education, highly integrated, innovative ‘learning-by-doing’ curricula, international mobility and outreach.
