Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

In the English-language Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Master of Science programme, students acquire sound knowledge on theoretical and practical state-of-the-art methods and technologies in the fields of interface design, usability and interactive system development with a focus on technical aspects. The research-oriented programme is taught by internationally renowned professors. It also offers students the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary research and design projects. As part of their electives, students can attend courses from the Computer Science for Digital Media Master's degree programme as well as from all non-Computer Science degree programmes at the university, including Art and Design, Media Studies, Media Management, and other faculties of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

The international Master's degree programme is accredited by ACQUIN. It has already attracted students from all over the globe.

The programme is based on the following pillars:
(a) The study of current topics within the field of human-computer interaction and psychology: usability and user study methods; user-centred design and user interface testing; innovative interface technologies in virtual reality, computer vision and image analysis, adaptive systems, mixed reality, ubiquitous computing, and graphic interfaces
(b) Acquisition of key skills and competences through a project-based study approach that includes active training of scientific communication, presentation, and written skills in small groups

Students work in modern laboratories of the research groups at the Digital Bauhaus Lab and other on-campus buildings, which provide an excellent infrastructure including highly precise eye tracking equipment, 3D printers and other rapid prototyping technologies, unique multi-user stereoscopic projection, latest generation of head-mounted displays, a high resolution tiled display wall with multi-touch, 3D scanners, various unmanned aerial vehicles, and more. They are regularly involved in research and development projects during their studies and in international publication activities. Good students may also find teaching and research assistantships or other jobs at the university and with local companies.

Usability is becoming ever more important for computer systems, particularly as ubiquitous computing becomes pervasive. The ability to design complex systems and user interfaces with regard to usability and appropriateness for the usage context increases in importance. Job adverts for software developers often request knowledge of usability and interface design. Our graduates can work both in software development, in particular in conception and development of novel interface technologies, and in the area of usability and user research, which are both growing in demand.

The Master's programme comprises lectures, tutorials, seminars, and two student research projects as well as a Master's thesis. Students can choose from various specialised fields for the Master's thesis topic.
The programme comprises 120 ECTS, divided into the following compulsory, elective, and research components:

• "HCI Fundamentals" and "HCI Technologies" are covered with four modules: Psychology, HCI Concepts and Methods, Visual Interfaces and Computer Vision. Within each module, students can choose one of two courses on offer. Each module has six ECTS (24 ECTS in total).
• A specialisation module in which students choose one further course out of those offered for "HCI Fundamentals" and "HCI Technologies"
• A Design Theory course, offered at the Faculty of Art + Design
• Elective module (24 ECTS in total)
• Two research projects comprising (12 ECTS + 18 ECTS) done in small groups (30 ECTS in total)
• The Master's thesis module (30 ECTS)

Research projects are offered by our professors and research groups every semester.

The electives module (24 ECTS) allows students to incorporate a large variety of courses from other degree programmes and faculties alongside the general Computer Science for Digital Media course catalogue. This can be a range of courses from the fields of media studies, media art and design, media management as well as from architecture and urbanism, art and design or civil and environmental engineering. An additional project that relates to HCI and comprises a maximum of 15 credit points may also be done.

The third semester is an ideal semester for students to spend abroad, since it offers greater flexibility with respect to the choice of classes. The fourth and final semester is reserved for the Master's thesis project.

The standard duration of studies for the Human-Computer Interaction Master's degree programme is four semesters, leading to the award of a Master of Science degree. All Master's courses are offered in English.
For information about part-time studies, please contact the International Counsellor for details:
http://www.uni-weimar.de/de/medien/international

The prerequisite for admission to the Master's degree programme is a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, media informatics, media technology, or related fields with a strong component of computer science.
English skills at level B2 (CEFR)
FAQ on the application: https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/medien/studium/medieninformatik-computer-science-for-digital-media-hci/faq-application-hci/

The semester contribution is approx. 340 EUR per semester. This is allocated to student services & the student council. It includes the "Deutschlandticket", which provides free regional public transport (bus and train) in all of Germany. Moreover, it provides student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria, for theatre and museum tickets, and access to the university sports complex. Additionally, the student ID card costs 20 EUR (one-time fee).

In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend that students budget approx. 1000 EUR per month:

• Health insurance approx. 160 EUR
• Books and stationery approx. 70 EUR
• Rent approx. 350 EUR
• Meals approx. 220 EUR
• Other expenses approx. 200 EUR

Students coming from outside the EU need to provide proof of financial resources amounting to 992 EUR per month in order to obtain a residence permit.

There are opportunities for students who are looking for teaching and research assistantships at the university or part-time jobs with local companies and within the service sector of the city. 

Jobs are offered on the "Pinnwand" message board of the university, on the job portal operated by the Career Service, and on the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen's" Job Search platform.

International students from outside the EU are only allowed to work a limited number of hours in Germany (140 full days or 280 half days per year). Student jobs at the university are exempt from this rule. 

There are scholarships granted by the university as an institution. There are scholarships based on academic merit and/or social engagement for second-year and more senior students.

The International Office grants scholarships through the Erasmus+ programme that support students (including international ones) who are going abroad for studies or internships.

The Career Service of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar offers individual career consultation, etc.
https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/studies/career-services/

Events on "How to find a job in the German labour market" with alumni of the study programme

You can find accommodation in Weimar through the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen", which manages more than 1,000 apartments in the student halls of residence. These halls of residence are located at various locations in the city and are geared towards different needs and preferences. Accommodation costs between 250 and 350 EUR per month, depending on the size and location. The university itself does not provide accommodation.

If you want to rent a room through the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen" – which we strongly recommend to all newly arriving students – it is paramount to apply as early as possible as spaces are limited.

Further information: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/residential-homes.html
Online application: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/application/online-application.html

Typically, between two and up to five students share an apartment. Students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and a bathroom. Most rooms are furnished (bed, desk, chair, cupboard, shelf), but kitchenware and appliances are not included. Mentors for international students provide assistance in settling in during the first couple of days and also organise events.

Students advertise private and shared flats on the message board ("Pinnwand") on the university website: https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/aktuell/pinnwaende/bereich/wohnen/.