A common misconception about pursuing a master’s in computer science is that prior experience in the field is essential. Although it will certainly make it easier for you to grasp new aspects of the discipline, a background in IT or a related bachelor’s degree are by no means requirements. Anyone can successfully transition into the field.
Take student Tracy Leung, for example. Prior to starting her master’s in computer science, the Hong Kong native was a journalism and communication major.
“In my previous role as a management trainee, I had the opportunity to work with UX designers, and that’s when my interest in this field started to develop,” she says. “I then did my research and took some online courses before confirming my decision to pursue this.”
Her curiosity led her to City St George’s, University of London –– an institution known for its dynamic location in the heart of the UK’s capital, global outlook, and commitment to shaping a responsible future.
She enrolled in the Human-Computer Interaction Design MSc (HCID), one of the most successful and longest-running HCI programmes in the UK, that is backed by the prestigious research Centre for HCI Design and part of the Department of Computer Science. Here, she explores both theoretical and applied aspects of human-centred user research and UX design, including qualitative research, creative and inclusive design, and participatory design. The programme also delves into cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), equipping students with the skills needed to innovate in the ever-evolving world of tech.
Co-Director of the Centre for HCI Design (HCID) Professor Stephanie Wilson, an award-winning researcher who has contributed her work towards healthcare, such as for the Alzheimer’s Society and Innovate UK, where she came close to improving the quality of life for people living at home with dementia using co-design, gamification, and AI.
“What I really enjoy about HCID is the interdisciplinary nature with a blend of design, business, strategy, and psychology, making it incredibly fun,” Leung says. “My favourite module so far has been Interaction Design. It’s like a design 101 course where it gives you a solid foundation in a user-centric design process. We had a group project where we had to work collaboratively to apply this process to a real-world scenario.”
The UX Centre of Excellence offers master’s degrees in User Experience Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction Design. Source: City St George’s, University of London
City St George’s: A Centre of Excellence in HCI and UX
City St George’s is also home to the User Experience Engineering MSc. This programme emphasises the technical, systemic, and operational dimensions of UX by covering designing, engineering, and validating technology products and services that align with a user’s abilities and aspirations. All lessons are led by educators dedicated to providing students with the support they need, like Professor Nicolas Hine and Professor Tony Russell-Rose ––– both of whom are UX Engineering professors.
“User Experience Engineering brings together the creativity of design, the rigour of engineering, and the insight of human factors. Our MSc equips students to design intelligent, human-centred systems by combining practical design skills with a deep understanding of how people think, feel, and behave. In a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation, we prepare graduates to tackle complex UX challenges with confidence and impact,” Professor Russell-Rose says.
Besides a supportive faculty, you will also have access to lab facilities and research centres that focus on UX and augmented and virtual realities. You will also benefit from City St George’s close links with alumni and industry leaders. Representing companies ranging from start-ups to multinationals, they come to campus to share invaluable industry insights through guest lectures. This also opens up opportunities for you to network and build professional relationships before beginning or resuming your journey as a professional.
Working professionals can enrol in programmes with apprenticeships. Source: City St George’s, University of London
Master’s programmes aligned with the industry
As new technologies emerge, the Department of Computer Science continuously updates its programmes to reflect the latest industry advancements. For example, the Data Science MSc was the first of its kind in London. It was designed to equip students with cutting-edge techniques and specialist skills to accelerate their careers.
“I’ve always had this genuine curiosity of understanding the working principles behind new technologies like AI, data science, and machine learning – these are the coolest among emerging technologies,” student Baibhav Datta says. “That’s why I have this urge to know and learn about it so that I’d be able to make some real contributions in this field of data science someday.”
For working professionals, the Data Science Apprenticeship MSc offers a flexible pathway to gaining the same expertise while remaining employed. Much like the Data Science MSc, this pathway can equip you with the expertise required to become a successful data scientist whilst remaining an active employee at your current workplace.
The apprenticeship is also available for the Cyber Security MSc. This programme revolves around gaining hands-on experience in testing and analysing computing systems under the guidance of industry experts. Beyond these programmes, the department offers additional specialised master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Games Technology with VR, and Software Engineering with Cloud Computing.
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