Curriculum
Human-Computer Interaction is a large, cross disciplinary and dynamic field. Professionals require an understanding of interactive systems, the needs of the people using them as well as the context in which the interaction is situated. The curriculum is designed to reflect that diversity and provides theoretical grounding, practical knowledge, and hands-on skills for students to become technologically competent designers and design-minded engineers.
Contextual HCI
As technology evolves, Human-Computer Interaction is all about innovation and finding solutions to novel problems. Students can specialise in the research and development of interactive prototypes in application areas such as industrial settings, ambient assisted living, public spaces, smart mobility or virtual and augmented reality.
Research and Industry
The curriculum is based on research and an industry pillar including several courses targeting both areas. Students will undertake one research and one industry project under the supervision of academic staff members. The research topic can range from purely theoretical studies to empirical user studies or practical design work, developing and evaluating experience prototypes of novel interaction techniques. Students will also take part in a practical project solving a real-world problem in cooperation with an industry partner, e. g. developing an interface for an interactive system and conducting an empirical study.
Elective Courses
Students can choose elective courses from each university with a total sum of 12 ECTS or gain industry experience as an intern. Lectures offered by Salzburg University of Applied Sciences include, e.g. Game Design, Recommender Systems, Mixed Reality Technologies, Data Analysis, Information Visualization, Predictive Analytics or Realtime Visualisation. Paris Lodron University Salzburg provides lectures from different fields, such as Data Science and Big Data, Geoinformatics and Cognitive Psychology
1st semester
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate prototyping skills in HCI challenges by implement-ing user interface prototypes with different levels of fidelity.
Superior module
Prototyping for HCI
Module description
Students will be able to demonstrate prototyping skills in HCI challenges by implement-ing user interface prototypes with different levels of fidelity.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to apply design thinking to small predefined HCI challenges and conceptualize possible solutions with the aim to foster digital innovation.
Superior module:
Interaction Design & Digital Innovation
Module description:
Students will be able to design the interaction between users and interactive systems by applying appropriate interaction design methods and processes. Students will be able to apply design thinking to small predefined HCI challenges and conceptualize possible solutions with the aim to foster digital innovation.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to characterize and differentiate HCI research methodologies and their respective epistemologies, aims, methods and applications. They will be able to compare, se-lect and apply appropriate methodology to a given HCI problem.
Superior module:
HCI Theory & Methodology
Module description:
Students will be able to name, explain and discuss theories and paradigms of HCI. Students will be able to characterize and differentiate HCI research methodologies and their respective epistemologies, aims, methods and applications. They will be able to compare, se-lect and apply appropriate methodology to a given HCI problem.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to name, explain and discuss theories and paradigms of HCI.
Superior module:
HCI Theory & Methodology
Module description:
Students will be able to name, explain and discuss theories and paradigms of HCI. Students will be able to characterize and differentiate HCI research methodologies and their respective epistemologies, aims, methods and applications. They will be able to compare, se-lect and apply appropriate methodology to a given HCI problem.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to name, explain, discuss and illustrate human factors and design principles.
Superior module:
Human Factors & Experience Engineering
Module description:
Students will be able to name, explain, discuss and illustrate human factors and design princi-ples. Students will be able to name and explain usability and experience engineering methods and apply them to HCI use cases.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to design the interaction between users and interactive systems by applying appropriate interaction design methods and processes.
Superior module:
Interaction Design & Digital Innovation
Module description:
Students will be able to design the interaction between users and interactive systems by applying appropriate interaction design methods and processes. Students will be able to apply design thinking to small predefined HCI challenges and conceptualize possible solutions with the aim to foster digital innovation.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to name and explain usability and experience engineering methods and apply them to HCI use cases.
Superior module:
Human Factors & Experience Engineering
Module description:
Students will be able to name, explain, discuss and illustrate human factors and design princi-ples. Students will be able to name and explain usability and experience engineering methods and apply them to HCI use cases.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be triggered to reflect their ethical viewpoint and to have a professional self-understanding. They will be able to analyse, assess, discuss and reflect on their behaviour and to integrate ethical and sustainability related considerations into their own future-oriented and responsible actions.
Superior module:
Ethics, Diversity & Society
Module description:
Students will be triggered to reflect their ethical viewpoint and to have a professional self-understanding. They will be able to analyse, assess, discuss and reflect on their behaviour and to integrate ethical and sustainability related considerations into their own future-oriented and responsible actions. Students will be able to manage the heterogeneity of today’s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individual’s identity, (digital) ethics, gender aspects, and societal aspects of HCI. They are able to collaborate with people from differ-ent cultures and understand user needs (empathy). Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in HCI such as intellectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and technology impact assessment. Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from cur-rent technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argument their own reflected viewpoint. Students will be able to manage the heterogeneity of today’s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individual’s identity, (digital) ethics, gender aspects, and societal aspects of HCI. They are able to collaborate with people from differ-ent cultures and understand user needs (empathy). Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in HCI such as intellectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and technology impact assessment. Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from cur-rent technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argument their own reflected viewpoint.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to manage the heterogeneity of today¿s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individua’s identity, (digital) ethics, gender as-pects, and societal aspects of HCI. They are able to collaborate with people from differ-ent cultures and understand user needs (empathy).
Superior module:
Ethics, Diversity & Society
Module description:
Students will be triggered to reflect their ethical viewpoint and to have a professional self-understanding. They will be able to analyse, assess, discuss and reflect on their behaviour and to integrate ethical and sustainability related considerations into their own future-oriented and responsible actions. Students will be able to manage the heterogeneity of today’s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individual’s identity, (digital) ethics, gender as-pects, and societal aspects of HCI. They are able to collaborate with people from differ-ent cultures and understand user needs (empathy). Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in HCI such as intel-lectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and technology impact assessment. Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from cur-rent technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argument their own reflected viewpoint. Students will be able to manage the heterogeneity of today¿s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individual¿s identity, (digital) ethics, gender as-pects, and societal aspects of HCI. They are able to collaborate with people from differ-ent cultures and understand user needs (empathy). Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in HCI such as intel-lectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and technology impact assessment. Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from cur-rent technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argument their own reflected viewpoint.
Learning Outcomes:
Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in HCI such as intel-lectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and technology impact assessment. Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from cur-rent technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argument their own reflected viewpoint.
Superior module:
Ethics, Diversity & Society
Module description:
Students will be triggered to reflect their ethical viewpoint and to have a professional self-understanding. They will be able to analyse, assess, discuss and reflect on their behaviour and to integrate ethical and sustainability related considerations into their own future-oriented and responsible actions. Students will be able to manage the heterogeneity of today’s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individual’s identity, (digital) ethics, gender aspects, and societal aspects of HCI. They are able to collaborate with people from differ-ent cultures and understand user needs (empathy). Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in HCI such as intellectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and technology impact assessment. Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from cur-rent technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argument their own reflected viewpoint. Students will be able to manage the heterogeneity of today¿s users through engaging with various overlapping attributes of an individual¿s identity, (digital) ethics, gender aspects, and societal aspects of HCI. They are able to collaborate with people from differ-ent cultures and understand user needs (empathy). Students are able to recall and discuss societal and legal aspects in HCI such as intellectual property rights, protection of data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and technology impact assessment. Students are able to differentiate problem areas which can arise from current technical developments in the professional field of HCI and can argument their own reflected viewpoint.
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.
2nd semester
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to select the adequate research method and approach specific contexts in field studies appropriately. They will be able to describe the specific context appropriately.
Superior module:
Contextual HCI
Module description:
Students will be able to select the adequate research method and approach specific contexts in field studies appropriately. They will be able to describe the specific context appropriately. Students will be able to research, conceptualize, design and build prototypes for interaction problems in specific application areas.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to research, conceptualize, design and build prototypes for interaction problems in specific application areas.
Superior module:
Contextual HCI
Module description:
Students will be able to select the adequate research method and approach specific contexts in field studies appropriately. They will be able to describe the specific context appropriately. Students will be able to research, conceptualize, design and build prototypes for interaction problems in specific application areas.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and meth-odological skills to master a complex research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualize an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, analyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They will be able to write a scientific research paper and submit it to a scientific HCI conference.
Superior module:
HCI & Research
Module description:
Students will be able to analyse and discuss recent HCI related scientific literature and materials with respect to novel theories, methods, designs and technologies. They will be able to critically reflect on the appropriateness of research questions, designs and methods. They will be able to identify, reflect and discuss research trends in HCI. Students will be able to describe predominant theories, methods and recent trends in related scientific disciplines and are able to reflect their applicability to HCI research. Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and meth-odological skills to master a complex research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualize an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, analyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They will be able to write a scientific research paper and submit it to a scientific HCI conference.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to compare, select, utilize, adapt and implement advanced interac-tion technologies according to an application area.
Superior module:
Interaction Technologies
Module description:
Students will be able to compare, select, utilize, adapt and implement advanced interac-tion technologies according to an application area.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to describe predominant theories, methods and recent trends in related scientific disciplines and are able to reflect their applicability to HCI research.
Superior module:
HCI & Research
Module description:
Students will be able to analyse and discuss recent HCI related scientific literature and materials with respect to novel theories, methods, designs and technologies. They will be able to critically reflect on the appropriateness of research questions, designs and methods. They will be able to identify, reflect and discuss research trends in HCI. Students will be able to describe predominant theories, methods and recent trends in related scientific disciplines and are able to reflect their applicability to HCI research. Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and meth-odological skills to master a complex research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualize an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, analyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They will be able to write a scientific research paper and submit it to a scientific HCI conference.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to analyse and discuss recent HCI related scientific literature and materials with respect to novel theories, methods, designs and technologies. They will be able to critically reflect on the appropriateness of research questions, designs and methods. They will be able to identify, reflect and discuss research trends in HCI.
Superior module:
HCI & Research
Module description:
Students will be able to analyse and discuss recent HCI related scientific literature and materials with respect to novel theories, methods, designs and technologies. They will be able to critically reflect on the appropriateness of research questions, designs and methods. They will be able to identify, reflect and discuss research trends in HCI. Students will be able to describe predominant theories, methods and recent trends in related scientific disciplines and are able to reflect their applicability to HCI research. Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and meth-odological skills to master a complex research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualize an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, analyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They will be able to write a scientific research paper and submit it to a scientific HCI conference.
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.
3rd semester
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to analyse and discuss recent HCI related scientific literature and materials with respect to novel theories, methods, designs and technologies. They will be able to critically reflect on the appropriateness of research questions, designs and methods. They will be able to identify, reflect and discuss research trends in HCI.
Superior module:
HCI & Research
Module description:
Students will be able to analyse and discuss recent HCI related scientific literature and materials with respect to novel theories, methods, designs and technologies. They will be able to critically reflect on the appropriateness of research questions, designs and methods. They will be able to identify, reflect and discuss research trends in HCI. Students will be able to describe predominant theories, methods and recent trends in related scientific disciplines and are able to reflect their applicability to HCI research. Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and meth-odological skills to master a complex research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualize an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, analyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They will be able to write a scientific research paper and submit it to a scientific HCI conference.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to identify and examine challenges in industrial settings accompa-nying development processes of complex interactive systems or services and their in-tegration.
Superior module:
Advanced Contextual HCI
Module description:
Students will be able to discuss various HCI streams. Based on one specific stream they will be able to solve contextual challenges and design one or more advanced contextual interfaces for a specific application area. Students will be able to identify and examine challenges in industrial settings accompanying development processes of complex interactive systems or services and their integration.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to identify and utilize recent and upcoming technologies to envision concepts and implement prototypes of innovative systems and services.
Superior module:
HCI Innovations & Future Technologies
Module description:
Students will be able to identify and utilize recent and upcoming technologies to envision concepts and implement prototypes of innovative systems and services. Students will be able to analyse, estimate and predict potential impacts of new technologies on society and the environment based on possible application areas.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to apply management skills and principles to develop, establish and maintain holistic UX strategies for industrial settings.
Superior module:
HCI & Industries
Module description:
Students will be able to apply organizational, methodological, technological and design principles to economically improve the user experience addressing given real-world industrial problems. Students will be able to apply management skills and principles to develop, establish and maintain holistic UX strategies for industrial settings. Students will be able to master an industry focused project that starts with a complex re-al-world problem in HCI and ends up with an economically feasible solution. They are able to manage and organize an industrial project. They are able to document and pre-sent the project according to professional standards.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to master an industry focused project that starts with a complex re-al-world problem in HCI and ends up with an economically feasible solution. They are able to manage and organize an industrial project. They are able to document and present the project according to professional standards.
Superior module:
HCI & Industries
Module description:
Students will be able to apply organizational, methodological, technological and design principles to economically improve the user experience addressing given real-world industrial problems. Students will be able to apply management skills and principles to develop, establish and maintain holistic UX strategies for industrial settings. Students will be able to master an industry focused project that starts with a complex re-al-world problem in HCI and ends up with an economically feasible solution. They are able to manage and organize an industrial project. They are able to document and pre-sent the project according to professional standards.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to analyse, estimate and predict potential impacts of new technol-ogies on society and the environment based on possible application areas.
Superior module:
HCI Innovations & Future Technologies
Module description:
Students will be able to identify and utilize recent and upcoming technologies to envi-sion concepts and implement prototypes of innovative systems and services. Students will be able to analyse, estimate and predict potential impacts of new technologies on society and the environment based on possible application areas.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to apply organizational, methodological, technological and design principles to economically improve the user experience addressing given real-world industrial problems.
Superior module:
HCI & Industries
Module description:
Students will be able to apply organizational, methodological, technological and design principles to economically improve the user experience addressing given real-world industrial problems. Students will be able to apply management skills and principles to develop, establish and maintain holistic UX strategies for industrial settings. Students will be able to master an industry focused project that starts with a complex re-al-world problem in HCI and ends up with an economically feasible solution. They are able to manage and organize an industrial project. They are able to document and pre-sent the project according to professional standards.
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.
4th semester
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to work independently on a major task of the same level as the pro-fessional practice of a Master of Science in HCI degree holder. Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and methodological skills to mas-ter a complex, self-identified research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualise an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, ana-lyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They are able to clearly com-municate findings in an academically appropriate form.
Superior module:
Master Thesis
Module description:
Students will be able to work independently on a major task of the same level as the professional practice of a Master of Science in HCI degree holder. Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and methodological skills to master a complex, self-identified research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualise an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, analyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They are able to clearly communicate findings in an academically appropriate form.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to reflect and discuss scientific question of their master’s thesis as well as the scientific methods used.
Superior module:
Master Seminar & Exam
Module description:
Students will be able to reflect and discuss scientific question of their master’s thesis as well as the scientific methods used. Students will be able to present acquired knowledge orally using digital support materi-als. They will be able to prove their specialist and methodical knowledge by discussing aspects of their master’s thesis, relevant subjects of the curriculum and other curriculum-relevant content with a professional audience.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to present acquired knowledge orally using digital support materi-als. They will be able to prove their specialist and methodical knowledge by discussing aspects of their master¿s thesis, relevant subjects of the curriculum and other curriculum-relevant content with a professional audience.
Superior module:
Master Seminar & Exam
Module description:
Students will be able to reflect and discuss scientific question of their master’s thesis as well as the scientific methods used. Students will be able to present acquired knowledge orally using digital support materi-als. They will be able to prove their specialist and methodical knowledge by discussing aspects of their master’s thesis, relevant subjects of the curriculum and other curriculum-relevant content with a professional audience.
A detailed list of recommended courses is to be found in the main document in section F1.4. Students will be encouraged to take courses in the fields of design, psychology and information technology in order to deepen their personal skill set with respect to HCI.
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.
Master thesis
Students will be able to work independently on a major task of the same level as the professional practice of a Master of Science in HCI degree holder. Students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge, as well as technological and methodological skills to master a complex, self-identified research problem. They will be able to formulate well-defined research questions and conceptualise an appropriate study. They will be able to select and apply a methodological approach, perform appropriate (user-)studies, analyse their data appropriately and interpret their findings. They are able to clearly communicate findings in an academically appropriate form.
Example topics
- Exploring gaze-based interaction and eye-contact in virtual meetings
- Bodily experiences and wearables
- Designing Human-AI relationships
- Mobile Phone interaction design with App while Running
- Mobile Phone interaction design with App while Running
- Mobile Phone interaction design with App while Running
Internship
At the intersection of collaboration and specialization, this program is designed for students who seek a comprehensive and versatile academic experience. What sets our Joint Master’s Program apart is the partnership between two esteemed academic institutions, each offering a specialized master’s program. This collaboration creates a dynamic learning environment where you can seamlessly integrate knowledge and skills from different disciplines, unlocking new insights and perspectives.
Erasmus outcoming
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.