Master's Degree Programme in Human-Technology Interaction, M.Sc.

Application period runs from 1 December 2011 until 15 March 2012

• Coordinating unit at UTA: School of Information Sciences
• Duration: two academic years
• Extent: 120 credits/ECTS credits
• Programme period: autumn semester 2012 (late August) - spring semester 2014 (May)
• Major subject at UTA: Interactive Technology
• Website at UTA: http://www.uta.fi/sis/admissions.html

This new programme is offered in collaboration between the University of Tampere (UTA) and the Tampere University of Technology (TUT). Both universities host research groups that are internationally recognized for their work in the field of human–technology interaction, developing and researching interactive technologies based on human abilities, needs, and experiences. The studies in this programme take place at both universities.

Students can specialize in one of three specialization options: 1) Interaction Design and Research, 2) Development of Interactive Software, and 3) User Experience Design and Evaluation. Although the programme is available in essentially the same format at both universities it is recommended that those applicants mainly interested in options 1) Interaction Design and Research and 2) Development of Interactive Software apply to UTA and those mainly interested in option 3) User Experience Design and Evaluation apply to TUT. That way the majority of their course units will be organized by their home university.

It is possible to apply to both UTA and TUT but please indicate which one of the specialization options is the primary choice. These instructions concern applicants wanting to apply to UTA. Applicants wanting to apply to TUT must fill in a separate application form provided by TUT and submit separate application enclosures to TUT. TUT does not use University Admissions Finland.

During the programme studies students can deepen their knowledge in course units that cover a wide range of topics from user experience and emotions to innovative use of facial behavior like gaze and expressions, touch, speech, and human physiology in user interfaces. The programme leads the students to scientific thinking and writing as well as to hands-on work in various course projects.

Graduates’ typical jobs include interaction designer, usability specialist, user experience architect, and software developer. Interaction designers study people and their life to create technology and service designs. Usability specialists make sure that the technology is easy to use and fit for human purposes. User experience architects work to enhance the entire experience we have with the technology, from advertising and packaging, to disposal and memories. Software developers who graduate from this program understand enough about usability and software development to be able to implement UI designs in software so that they best serve the users. This combination of skills has been much sought-after by employers in recent years. The teaching in all the study lines is strongly connected to up to date research and students are also equipped with the potential to develop a career in research.

At UTA, studies consist of lectures and seminars on theoretical and methodological questions, and supervised individual research for a Master´s thesis. Studies require active attendance and participation in classes. Some of the course units are organised only once during the programme period. Complementing studies may be required depending on the student's previous studies. Language studies in Finnish and English (and possibly Swedish if admitted Finnish students have not taken these earlier) must be included in the programme studies. After all the programme studies have been successfully completed, the degree of Master of Science will be awarded.

Admission criteria at UTA

• A completed suitable university level Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interactive Technology (HCI), Computer Science, Design, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or other relevant field with studies in human-computer interaction. Applicants wishing to take the option Development of Interactive Software should have studies also in Mathematics and in software development.
• A good knowledge of English for academic purposes. For requirements, please see the Admissions webpage. Applicants who have taken their school education in Finnish are not required to submit an international language test score but they must provide other sufficient evidence of their English language proficiency. It is possible to take some exams and the Master’s thesis in Finnish.
• Candidates for admission should be well qualified and capable of benefiting from the programme of study.
• In addition, other relevant merits and qualifications may be taken into account

In 2001-2011 the University of Tampere had intakes for two Master level programmes, 1) Master’s Degree Programme in Interactive Technology and 2) Master’s Degree Programme in User Interface Software Development. These two programmes will merge into the Master's Degree Programme in Human-Technology Interaction.