Create digital technologies that make a real difference for people 

Do you want to actively shape our digital future, not just use digital technologies? The Human Computer Interaction and User Experience master’s programme is taught in English and combines design, computer science, engineering, and user experience research.

Students in the programme develop user-centered digital products and interactive systems, design new forms of human-technology interaction, and explore how people experience and engage with technology using scientific methods. Students in the programme work with international, interdisciplinary teams during their studies and directly apply their knowledge in real-world projects.

Graduates are equipped for careers at the intersection of design, technology, research, and social innovation.

 

 

Type of degree
Master of Science
Programme duration
4 semester
Admission procedure type
Restricted admission (other procedure)
Language of instruction
English
Special features

The programme is highly interdisciplinary and is offered jointly by the Faculties of Design; Electrical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Information Technology; and Computer Science. Students in the programme benefit from shared infrastructure across Faculties, a broad range of laboratory facilities, and close integration with the interdisciplinary, research-oriented Ohm User Experience Center (Ohm-UX), which features state-of-the-art UX laboratories in the Ohm Innovation Center. In addition, the programme fosters exchange and collaboration with students in other international master’s degree programmes including Game Design and Design for Digital Futures.

Interesting numbers and statistics

Students from non-EEA countries who enrol in this programme must pay tuition each semester. More information about tuition is available on our website.

Intake semester
Summer semester
Application period
For the summer semester: to 1 December 2026
Faculty or School
Design, Electrical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science

The master’s programme has a standard duration of four semesters and is structured into three stages: an alignment semester, a project phase, and a thesis phase.

Programme modules

Intro Project
Computing Foundations for Interactive Systems
Module Catalogue ‘Learning Team Coachings’
UX Module I
HCI Module I
Design Module I
Project I
Technical Elective Module 1
UX Module II
HCI Module II
Design Module II
Project II
Technical Elective Module 2
Master’s Thesis
Thesis Seminar

Structure of the degree programme

Building a harmonised knowledge base

New cohorts comprise students with diverse academic backgrounds. The first semester is designed to create a common foundation of knowledge, methods, and approaches.

Subjects covered in the first semester include:

  • Human-centered design
  • Design research
  • Creativity and innovation techniques
  • Interdisciplinary teamwork
  • Technical foundations of interactive systems

Students apply what they learn directly: You will work in interdisciplinary teams, develop initial problem-solving approaches, and learn from the perspectives from other disciplines.

Advance specialist knowledge and develop your own profile

In the second and third semesters, you will gain advanced expertise in human-computer interaction, user experience, design, research, and technologies.

Topics include:

  • UX for and with artificial intelligence
  • Advanced human computer interaction
  • Interactive information visualisation
  • Multimodal design
  • Physical computing
  • Conversational AI
  • Technology ethics
  • Ubiquitous information services
  • User experience research
  • Co-design and participation

Two substantial project modules are the heart of this component of the degree. Together with your team, you will work on practical problems and combine methods from design, research, and software development. You will develop your own concepts, create prototypes, and systematically evaluate your solutions with users.

The projects provide you the opportunity to define your interests and shape your professional profile. Projects may be developed over several semesters, for example as the basis for your thesis or a future doctoral research project.

Master’s thesis and specialisation

The fourth semester is focused on your thesis. Research projects led by the university’s faculty, competence centers, and institutes provide a wide range of opportunities to work on current academic and research topics. You may also develop your own project ideas or address research questions proposed by industry partners. These options allow you to align your master's thesis with your academic interests and professional goals. If you are considering an academic career or a future doctorate, working on a topic aligned with the Ohm’s research themes will allow you to become actively involved in established research initiatives and develop your own research focus early.

Master’s thesis

In the fourth semester, students may choose to develop their master’s thesis from the projects they completed during the programme or pursue an entirely new area of study. The master’s thesis may be completed in collaboration with a partner from industry, business, or a research institute.

Fields of work and job profiles

With a master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction and User Experience you will be able to research, create, develop, and evaluate complex digital products. Graduates are equipped to take on responsibility in interdisciplinary teams and to shape innovation processes incorporating design, technology, research, and strategy.

You can decide how you want to shape your profile: you can choose to specialise in a specific field or deliberately combine expertise from multiple disciplines. You will be qualified for specialised professional roles or strategic and managerial positions that bridge disciplines.

Potential fields of work include:

  • UX Designer
  • User Researcher
  • Interaction Designer
  • Digital Product Designer
  • Service Designer
  • Design Researcher
  • HCI Specialist
  • Conversational AI Designer
  • Innovation Manager
  • UX Consultant
  • Product Owner for digital products
  • Research Engineer
  • Research Scientist in HCI and UX

The programme’s focus on research provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a doctorate and an academic career.

Post-graduate educational opportunities

The programme’s strong research focus, together with its close connections to the Ohm User Experience Center and the Applied Computer Science doctoral research center, creates excellent opportunities for graduates wishing to pursue a doctorate in this field.

Counseling on your way from studying to career

To support your transition from university to employment, the Ohm’s Career Service offers a variety of offerings designed to prepare you for your future career.

Information on admission

The admission requirements for the master’s degree programme in Human Computer Interaction and User Experience at the Ohm are:

  • A relevant university degree (e.g., in computer science, engineering, interaction design, psychology, or a related field) comprising at least 180 ECTS and completed with a final grade point average of 2.5 or better.
    Applicants must demonstrate that they have completed at least 60 ECTS in areas associated with user experience (UX), design, human-computer interaction (HCI), or software development.
    Typical academic backgrounds include but are not limited to the following fields:
    • Design
    • Computer science or computer science and media
    • Engineering sciences
    • Psychology
    • Cognitive science
    • Interaction design
    • Communication design
    • other fields related to UX or HCI
       
  • English proficiency at level B2 or higher (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS certificates), unless the applicant is a native speaker or English was the language of instruction for their undergraduate degree.
     
  • Completion of the aptitude assessment process and selection: The process comprises an essay (max. 2 pages) and a video application in English (max. 3 minutes), in which the applicant presents and reflects on the content of their essay.
    In your essay, please address:
    • how you approach a question using the scientific method,
    • how you develop your own ideas,
    • how you integrate perspectives from different disciplines, and
    • your motivation for studying in the fields of HCI and UX.

Applicants from third countries must also submit their bachelor’s thesis together with a personal statement that describes their qualification for the programme, with particular focus on the relevance of their prior education and final thesis.

Students from non-EEA countries are subject to tuition fees.

Please note that students from non-EEA countries must pay tuition each semester. More information about tuition is available on our website.

Is the Human Computer Interaction and User Experience programme right for you?

This programme is the right choice for you, if...

  • you want to actively shape the future of digital products and services,
  • you want to understand how people experience and use technologies,
  • you want to combine design, research, and technological development,
  • you enjoy working with people from different countries with diverse academic backgrounds,
  • you want to combine scientific methodology with hands-on project work,
  • you are excited about topics such as artificial intelligence, interaction design, user experience, physical computing, or design research,
  • you want to advance your personal specialist profile,
  • and you are looking for an international and English-language learning environment.

If you are interested in both the technical aspects and the design of and research into the human experience of digital technologies, the master's degree programme in Human Computer Interaction and User Experience at the Ohm will enable you to combine these interests and build a future-oriented professional profile.

Student Counseling Service

Do you have questions about studying at university or applying?
Our International Academic Services department is happy to assist you.

If you went to school in the German system, feel free to contact the ‘Zentrale Studienberatung‘.

Faculty advisor

If you would like more detailed information about the content of individual subjects within the degree programme? Then the Faculty Advisor is your next port of call.

For this programme, the advisor is:

FAQ

What does the programme cost?
Students from Germany and the EEA (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) must pay a Student Services fee (currently, 82 euros / semester, does not include a public transport ticket). Students from non-EEA countries are also subject to tuition fees. 

Can I work while enrolled as a student?
The programme is designed as full-time programme. While the programme offers some flexibility, adequate time should be reserved for classes and group work. Non-EEA nationals are required to have a valid work permit.

What are the German language requirements for the programme?
There is no German requirement. However, learning some basic German and attending of the Ohm’s German courses (free for students) is highly recommended.

Can I study remotely?
No. The programme is designed as a full-time, on campus degree programme.

How many places in the programme are available each semester?
Around 25 places in the programme are available each year.

Can I begin the programme in the winter semester?
No. An intake cycle in winter semester is not currently planned. The programme begins in summer semester.

Ask us

studienbuero@th-nuernberg.de
Telephone: +49 911 5880-4004
More information and office hours

Studying abroad

Students at the Ohm wishing to complete a stay abroad can choose from one of our more than 160 partner universities worldwide. The International Office will inform you about possible ways to study abroad.

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