Computer, Communication and Information Sciences - Human-Computer Interaction Aalto University

Overview

The Computer, Communication and Information Sciences - Human-Computer Interaction programme from Aalto University prepares students for professional and academic careers in human-computer interaction. The HCI study option is unique with its focus on methods from engineering and computer science with applications in interaction design, user interface technology, and user research. HCI graduates have:

• A modern approach to HCI. Graduates learn a wide repertoire of powerful computational and engineering methods, including state-of-the-art methods in AI, and how to apply them to practical problems in HCI.  
• A strong interdisciplinary approach to human-centric technology. Graduates gain an interdisciplinary experience with elective contributions from psychology, social science, business, or design. The HCI study option emphasises the systematic understanding of humans as the basis of our decisions.
• A globally recognised skillset. Graduates understand modern design problems from a computational perspective, including challenges in concept creation, interface technologies, algorithms, data and modelling. They are ready to work in teams with a focus on AI, machine learning, robotics, electrical engineering, computer science, usable security and privacy, data science etc.
• Meta-cognitive skills for life-long learning. Graduates understand scientific literacy, have a mindset for critical thinking and possess strong teamwork and leadership skills.

Career opportunities

HCI professionals are well-employed and pursue careers related to interactive AI, interactive systems, user experience, usability, interaction design, human factors, user interface design, human-computer interaction research and beyond. Our curriculum includes contact possibilities with the industry in Finland and abroad, in particular in the capstone project. About half of our students write their Master's thesis for a company.

The programme is well suited for students who want to become engaged in start-up companies on interactive products and services, because it includes essential knowledge to make products and services successful. The graduates will have strong engineering and design skills, as well as other technical and professional skills that enable them to take key roles in an industrial research and development environment. They are well prepared for industrial R&D jobs, user interface engineering and consulting, various expert roles related to interactive technology and user research, and doctoral studies at Aalto University and abroad.