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Overview

Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) is a forward-thinking approach that puts people first in the design and use of AI.

This course will equip you with the skills to design, implement, and evaluate AIs. You will ensure that AIs are responsible and aligned with human values - while still delivering strong predictive performance. You'll learn to design AI and data-driven systems that make better decisions without replacing human input, as well as valuing different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences to make AI work for everyone.

You’ll explore core areas of AI, including:

• machine learning
• computer vision
• large language models
• big data

You'll gain the technical expertise to build intelligent systems. At the same time, you’ll deepen your understanding of human-computer interaction (HCI), user experience (UX), and data visualization.

You’ll benefit from the knowledge of our Industrial Advisory Board, which includes global leaders like:

• Google
• Meta
• JP Morgan
• PwC

They will provide valuable industry insights that keep the programme aligned with the latest technology trends and the skills that employers are looking for.

You’ll also get access to the School of Computing’s strong research links including:

• - leading transformative innovation in edge intelligence for cyber-disturbances and data quality
• - a world-leading research group working at the cutting edge of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design Futures and Digital Social Innovation
• – a research lab at Ãå±±½ûµØ pioneering visualization and visual analytics methods that enable humans to interpret and interact with complex data in partnership with AI
• - enabling organisations to leverage their data effectively using our expertise in AI and data science
• – the UK’s national institute for data science and AI

You'll complete an individual project as part of your course. You'll collaborate with our world-leading researchers or industry professionals to apply your HCAI skills to real-world problems.

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the . This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact. 

What you'll learn

This programme has three phases.

Phase 1

We’ll introduce you to the core knowledge and skills in:

• machine learning
• data visualisation
• image processing
• ethical, responsible and trustworthy AI
• human-computer interaction

Some modules are taught as an intensive block, meaning you'll be taught two modules simultaneously.

You’ll also work on a group project to put your learning into practice.

Phase 2

In Phase 2, you’ll explore more advanced technical and practical modules, as well as completing another group project.

We'll introduce the aspects that govern all areas of human-centred artificial intelligence (HCAI), including:

• human-AI interaction
• complex data visualisation
• neural networks
• reinforcement learning
• transformers
• computer vision
• large language models (LLM)

During the group project, you'll develop and evaluate a solution to a complex, real-world HCAI problem.

Phase 3

In your final phase, you'll work on an individual research project. It'll give you an opportunity to:

• develop your knowledge and skills
• work in a research or development team

You can develop your project:

• at the University under an academic supervisor
• by securing an industrial placement
• working with your current employer

You'll have personalised supervision from an experienced staff member. If needed, you'll also get supervision from industry partners.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

The module information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence MSc modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction and UX	20
Data Visualisation	10
Image Informatics	10
Data Science in the Wild (Group Project)	10
Machine Learning with Project	10
Complex Data Visualisation	10
Engineering for AI	10
System and Societies	10
Human AI Interaction	10
Project and Dissertation in Data Science	80

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

We'll teach you using a range of methods, including:

• lectures
• practical classes
• guest lectures
• problem classes
• seminars
• group and individual project work
• guided independent reading
• self-directed learning
• individual supervisor meetings

You’ll also be invited to research seminars which take place every two weeks. You’ll hear from leading researchers from around the world linking to our key areas of research.

 

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Dissertation
• Oral examination
• PC examination
• Practical lab report
• Poster
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Written examination

Additional assessment information

This degree uses both formative and summative assessments.

These assessments will:

• evaluate your overall understanding of the course content
• identify your strengths and areas for improvement
• encourage continuous learning and personal development

Formative assessments

Formative assessments are designed to provide ongoing feedback and support throughout the course. These assessments will help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, fostering continuous development.

Summative assessments

Summative assessments occur at the end of each module. They're designed to test your overall comprehension and mastery of the course content. These assessments will contribute to your final grade.

Support

Programming is a core part of the course, and you’ll develop advanced skills as part of your studies. If you’d like to build your confidence in programming or strengthen your skills further, we can offer additional training and resources alongside your classes.

The University Library team offer a wide range of support during your dissertation project. They can offer advice on:

• writing your dissertation
• developing your literature review
• data management

Find out more about our Libraries and support

Wellbeing advisor support

The School of Computing has a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor who understands the needs of our students.

They can be a confidential listening ear and provide guidance on a range of wellbeing issues.

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Our staff

This course is delivered by the School of Computing at Ãå±±½ûµØ.

You'll learn from staff who are internationally recognised for their work in artificial intelligence, data science, and human-computer interaction. Many also bring valuable experience from both industry and academic research.

Our teaching staff belong to academic research groups including:

• Open Lab
• Scalable Group, including the research lab
• Networked and Ubiquitous Systems Engineering (NUSE), including the

We also have direct partnerships with the and .

Your development

Through hands-on learning, you’ll develop practical skills to:

• critically assess research on AI methods and human-centred approaches
• solve complex, real-world problems using scalable computing tools
• handle and interpret large data sets using modern tools and techniques
• design efficient workflows to manage data at scale
• apply AI methods to support real-world decision-making and classification tasks

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to:

• plan, carry out, and clearly communicate a substantial research project
• design and develop software solutions for human-centred challenges
• apply advanced computational methods to evaluate and improve AI systems
• use a range of programming languages, tools, and frameworks with confidence
• develop and evaluate models that support reasoning, interaction, and human-AI collaboration

Your future

Industry links

We have strong industry and business links. We have an active Industrial Advisory Board, which includes companies such as:

• Google
• Meta
• Atom Bank
• Northumbrian Water
• Airbus
• Arup
• Oliver Wyman
• JP Morgan

These connections provide you with numerous benefits, including:

• internship opportunities
• guest lectures
• industry-sponsored projects
• potential employment upon graduation

Your career

This programme helps you prepare for a wide range of exciting careers at the intersection of people and technology. You’ll graduate with the technical expertise, critical thinking, and human-focused mindset that employers are looking for.
With this degree, you won’t just learn how to build AI systems—you’ll learn how to make them safe, ethical, and ready for real-world use. You could:

• contribute to the development of responsible AI technologies, ensuring systems are not only technically sound but also aligned with human values and ethical standards
• work in or lead a responsible AI team, helping organisations develop and enforce policies for fair and inclusive AI
• take on an advisory role, guiding companies on how to use AI products safely, responsibly, and effectively
• bridge the gap between technical teams and users, making sure AI solutions are accessible, transparent, and people-focused

This course prepares you to influence how AI is designed, implemented, and understood across sectors – putting people at the heart of intelligent systems.

Graduate roles might include:

• AI Specialist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• User Experience (UX) Researcher or Designer
• Data Scientist or Data Analyst
• Human Factors Specialist
• AI Product Manager or Consultant

You could go on to work in industries such as:

• tech
• healthcare
• finance
• education
• the public sector
• creative industries

You might choose to pursue a PhD in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence or a related field.

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.

You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.

We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

While studying this course you'll be based in the Urban Sciences Building. You'll have access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities and technology designed to support hands-on learning and projects.

The MakerSpace offers tools and equipment for prototyping and physical computing.

We also have a state-of-the-art data visualisation lab including:

• £250,000 stereoscopic wall display
• large touchscreen display
• eye trackers
• hand-tracking devices

Additionally, the School provides a well-equipped media studio featuring podcast production facilities. You’ll also be able to book professional photography, video, and audio capture equipment. For immersive technology exploration, VR equipment is also available.

To further enhance your learning, you can work with our robots, including Pepper and Nao, which are available within the School for project use.

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Ãå±±½ûµØ Helix regeneration site in the heart of Ãå±±½ûµØ. It brings together:

• academia
• the public sector
• communities
• business and industry

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

• The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
• Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
• Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

How to apply

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Ãå±±½ûµØ in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Ãå±±½ûµØ.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events