MSc in Human-Computer Interaction

Through mobile devices and ubiquitous technologies, the design and development of intelligent software systems and interfaces is becoming increasingly important. In the English-language Human-Computer Interaction Master of Science programme, students focus on theoretical and practical issues in current computer science research in the fields of interface design and interactive system development. In addition, this technically-oriented HCI master’s programme offers students the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary projects. Students can attend courses offered as part of the Media Art and Design programme as well as courses offered by the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism and the Faculty of Art and Design.

The programme

This international master’s degree programme is based on the following two basic pillars:

• The study of a range of current topics within the field of human-computer interaction: usability, user-centred design and user interface testing and research, and innovative interface technologies such as virtual reality, mobile systems, adaptive systems, mixed reality, ubiquitous computing and graphic interfaces.
• Acquisition of key skills and competences through a project-based study approach including active training of scientific communication, presentation and written skills in small groups.

Research profile

• The specialist knowledge taught in many courses is strongly oriented around the current research questions of the professorships and provides profound theoretical foundations supplemented by current research questions and results. In addition, students are regularly involved in current research and development projects during their projects, theses and as student assistants.
• Scientifically-oriented seminars and projects demand a high degree of independent development of scientific knowledge and provide career-relevant key qualifications. The projects provide a framework for students to propose, implement and defend first independent research initiatives.
• Access to scientific literature (online/on-site) for students is good and the selection available in the library is continually updated by the professors.
• The laboratories of the individual professorships offer an excellent infrastructure for the implementation of projects and theses. The user-interface, HCI and computer vision laboratories, and also a multi-user 3D display and a visual analytics display are specific examples of facilities available for student use.
• In the future, the newly constructed ‘Digital Bauhaus Lab’ will offer students a working environment of the highest standard.
• The Faculty of Media provides funding for two or three doctoral students per chair. In most cases, each chair has further project-funded doctoral students who also serve as tutors for projects and theses. This creates an outstanding staff-student ratio which leads to direct and intensive contact between teachers and students.
• Two further indications of the research orientation of the master’s programme include the students’ involvement in international publication activities and their employment after graduation in an academic or research-oriented environment.
• The students’ research projects and theses from the master’s programme often produce publications at national and international conferences, in which the students are actively involved.
• Furthermore, a significant proportion of our graduates have proceeded to begin doctoral programmes inside and outside of Germany.

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is an international research university that is committed to the idea of Bauhaus and therefore has a traditionally international orientation. Its aspiration is to combine arts with sciences and technics which leads us to run a path that is unique in Germany . The aspiration for internationalization is no empty phrase but an integrative component of our self-understanding and the orientation.

With faculties and areas of study such as Architecture , Art and Design , Civil Engineering and Media , the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar has a distinctive identity.

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar has become well-known for its wide range of teaching and research activities based on civil engineering and architecture-oriented disciplines. Today the University offers an extensive spectrum of instruction with about 40 courses of study , including free art , design , web design , visual communication , media design , media culture , architecture , civil engineering , materials science , processing technology , environment , and management .

The term »Bauhaus« stands for an eagerness to experiment, openness, creativity, a close link between industrial practice and internationality. Building on the tradition of the Bauhaus movement, all the faculties are involved in the creation of public spaces. The goal is to get science, art, and technology working together analytically, creatively and innovatively in the planning, construction, and design of current and future spaces of habitation. Practical experience plays an important role in all academic fields, as well as in artistic development.

Testing, certification and product development are just as important to civil engineers as they are to media developers and designers.

In order to define its international image and to establish itself successfully as an international university , it is the university’s strategy to internationalize in all areas. Especially in the areas of teaching, research, and creative-artistic development, the international orientation should improve through different means and promoting instruments. On that account, internationalization was enshrined into management by the principle of the university. Moreover, the position of the Officer for International Strategic Cooperations was created. Her task is to update the internationalization strategies and to take diverse measures.