PG Study > All courses > Usability and Human Computer Interaction PGCert

2021

Usability and Human Computer Interaction PGCert

Full-time: Not available
Part-time: 12 months
Start date: September 2021
UK fees: £3,970
International fees: £7,990
Entry requirements: 2:1

Course overview

This course is designed to be undertaken by those who need to apply the knowledge of the role of human factors/ergonomics in the design, evaluation and use of interactive systems.

It will provide an understanding of the key issues related to the design, evaluation and use of user centred technologies and provide you with additional resources to facilitate the learning process.

The distance learning format means that most of the material and background reading can be undertaken in your own time but with access to and support from University staff.

The course consists of two, 30-credit modules, each studied over six months.

Why choose this course?

Work from home

Distance learning permits you to work from home and fit study around other life commitments

3rd

in the UK for research power

REF 2014

TEF Gold

standard of teaching

Teaching Excellence Framework Awards

Course content

The distance learning format means that most of the material and background reading can be undertaken in your own time but with access to and support from University staff.

The course consists of two, 30-credit modules, each studied over six months.

Modules

Year one

Human Factors in Interactive Systems 30 credits

This module aims to provide students with the knowledge of the role of human factors/ergonomics in the design, evaluation and use of interactive systems.

It introduces and develops relevant theories of human-computer interaction, user interface design and evaluation, the use of interactive systems, and a broad range of cognitive ergonomics topics.

This module covers the following topics:

introduction to HCI
computers in education
user interface design guidelines
evaluation of interactive systems
use needs methods and models
human factors of geographical information systems
human factors of visualisation technologies
joint cognitive systems
computers and collaboration
HCI case studies
human information processing including perception and cognition
memory and attention
mental models
human workload
situation awareness
automation
designs for the WWW and accessibility
human error
displays and controls
decision making and decision support
situated cognition; product design and development

Practical Ergonomics Investigation (full year) 30 credits

This module aims to enhance understanding in an area of relevance to the course and to develop skills applicable in a wide range of circumstances. The student is expected to develop skills in research, investigation, planning, scheduling, evaluation and written communication.

The aims of the individual project are broadly to enhance understanding in an area of relevance to the course, and to develop skills applicable in a wide range of circumstances.

The student is expected to develop skills in research, investigation, planning, scheduling, evaluation and written communication. The project may be undertaken on any topic which is relevant to ergonomics and human factors that is agreed by the Course Director.

Collaboration with business, industry, and other outside bodies is actively encouraged. This module is designed to be undertaken by employees in any organisation who can apply ergonomics in their work. The candidates will apply the material and ideas from previous ergonomics studies to a real ergonomics investigation of value to their organisation.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Tuesday 17 November 2020.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Seminars
Distance learning materials

The course is delivered by distance learning. Candidates will have defined email and telephone access to a tutor, and tutorial support online (typically via Microsoft Teams). Material from the tutorials will be available on Moodle.

How you will be assessed

Coursework

Assessment is through assessed coursework only

Contact time and study hours

Overall study time will be approximately 600 hours across the entire course (300 hours per module) inclusive of learning activities, self-study, coursework and project work carried out.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 in a relevant subject

International and EU equivalentsWe accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

English language requirementsAs well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

English language support

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

For presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applicants may often come to Usability and Human-Computer Interaction outside formal learning routes and we are happy to consider work experience as part of your application.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification	PG Cert
Home / UK	£3,970
International	£7,990

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland starting your course in the 2021/22 academic year, you will pay international tuition fees.

This does not apply to Irish students, who will be charged tuition fees at the same rate as UK students. UK nationals living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland will also continue to be eligible for ‘home’ fee status at UK universities until 31 December 2027.

For further guidance, check our Brexit information for future students.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, there are no additional costs for your budget, apart from your tuition fees and living expenses. Lab and safety equipment is provided for free by the Department.

You should be able to access books and papers through our libraries although you may wish to buy your own copies of key texts.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

The University also offers masters scholarships for international and EU students. Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about funding postgraduate study.

Postgraduate funding

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

More than 1,500 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

Career progression

92.3% of postgraduates from the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £28,000, with the highest being £32,000.

* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates who were available for employment, 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

Related courses

The University has been awarded Gold for outstanding teaching and learning (2017/18). Our teaching is of the highest quality found in the UK.

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national grading system, introduced by the government in England. It assesses the quality of teaching at universities and how well they ensure excellent outcomes for their students in terms of graduate-level employment or further study.

This content was last updated on Tuesday 17 November 2020. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.