The programme

Who we are

Design and development of intelligent software systems and interfaces have become increasingly important with the pervasiveness of mobile devices and ubiquitous technologies. In the English-language Human-Computer Interaction Master of Science programme, students focus on theoretical and practical issues in current Computer Science research in interface design and interactive system development.

This technically-oriented HCI master’s programme further offers the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary projects and to attend courses from other study programs, such as Media Art and Design, Architecture, and other courses from the Faculty of Art and Design. 

Weimar is a great place to live and study. For more information see our pages on Weimar and BUW and the bilingual 'Guide to Weimar' for prospective students 

Please check out detail information about entry requirements, how to apply and application modalities and see our FAQ page (directed in particular at applicants from outside Germany).

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.

Further information on the curriculum can be found » here.

The M.Sc. HCI was accredited by ACQUIN on March 31st 2016.

Our Profile - we offer

  • Current research topics: The specialist knowledge taught in our courses is based on our ongoing academic research and provides solid theoretical foundations, complemented by current issues and research results. Students are regularly involved in research and development projects during their research projects, theses and as student assistants.
  • Skills from project-based studies: The scientifically-oriented projects require a high degree of independent acquisition of scientific knowledge and provide career-relevant key qualifications. They further provide opportunities for students to propose, implement and defend their first independent research initiatives.
  • Scientific Literature: Access to scientific literature (online / on-site) for students is good and the selection available in the library is continually updated by our academic staff.
  • Excellent lab infrastructure: The labs of our groups offer an excellent infrastructure for the implementation of projects and theses. Specific examples of facilities available for student use include the Usability, HCI, Computer Graphics, Virtual Reality, Mobile Media, and Computer Vision labs, as well as a multi-user 3D and a visual analytics display as well as facilities for working with electronics (physical computing).
  • The new research building ‘Digital Bauhaus Lab’  offers students a working environment of the highest standard.
  • Staff-student ratio: The Faculty of Media funds two teaching/research associates per Professor, who are involved in teaching. Most groups further have project-funded research associates who also supervise projects and theses. This ensures an outstanding staff-student ratio and direct and intensive contact between academics and students. According to a official statistics of the Statistisches Bundesamt in 2016 comparing student-staff ratios across Germany, Thuringia ranks first with only 45 students per Professor.
  • Research orientation and publications: Students are frequently actively involved in international publication activities, often resulting from student research projects and theses. A significant proportion of prior Master graduates  have proceeded in doctoral programmes inside and outside of Germany, and work in academic or research-oriented environments.

Faculty

The research-oriented master’s programme is taught by internationally renowned professors: