The Higher Diploma in Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience is a 1 year full time programme that will prepare graduates to design, develop, and evaluate interfaces for modern applications and technologies. This couse is for applicants who have at least a three-year Level 8 degree in any subject, including Computing. Prospective students who do not have a level 8 qualification, but have the equivalent in professional experience, may be eligible under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route. You can apply now by visiting the Springboard Courses website.
Unlike other programmes, this Higher Diploma connects the theories of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience (UX) with modern technology, like Artificial Intelligence and Augmented/Virtual Reality, and application domains relevant for future interface design (i.e. search interfaces, data visualisation).
Students on this programme will learn to design and program user experiences using the latest tools and technologies for developing interactive and immersive applications. These skills will be practised in module work, a team project, case studies and collaboration with industry. Additionally, a workplace preparation module will help students to shape their career paths and develop those important connections with HCI/UX companies and industry more broadly.
For further information on course content, visit our Higher Diploma in Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience programme page.
Closing date for applications is 31st August 2020, and the programme starts on 7th September 2020.
To qualify for free or significantly reduced fees for this programme under Human Capital Initiative Pillar One, there are some criteria you would need to meet. Applicants will be asked to provide documents, along with the application, to verify the following:
Academic Eligibility
To meet the academic eligibility criteria for this programme, applicants should have at least a three-year Level 8 degree in any subject, including Computing. Prospective students who do not have a level 8 qualification, but have the equivalent in professional experience, may be eligible under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route. Visit the Recognising Professional Experience web page for further information. Applicants should submit their final transcript and parchment with their application, or an RPEL application form.
Applicant Category
You can apply for this programme if you are:
- Unemployed (in receipt of a DEASP payment) - eligible applicants pay no fees
- Previously self-employed - eligible applicants pay no fees if in receipt of DEASP, or 10% of the fee if not
- Returning to the workforce after some period of time; a Returner - eligible applicants pay not fees
- Employed - eligible applicants pay only 10% of the fee
- A recent graduate; can apply for this course directly after completing your undergraduate degree - eligible applicants pay only 10% of the fee
Nationality
Applicants must hold EU/EEA/Swiss nationality, or similar (refugee status, Stamp 4, etc. - Please visit the Springboard website for further information). Evidence of nationality to provide with your application can include:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of driver’s licence
- Copy of Stamp 4
Unemployed/previously self-employed applicants do not need to provide proof of nationality with their application.
Residency
Applicants must have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss state for at least 3 of the 5 years preceding their entry to the programme, and be normally resident in Ireland at the time of course commencement. Evidence of residency can include things like:
- Utility bills
- Tax certificates
- Bank statements, etc.
Unemployed/previously self-employed applicants do not need to provide proof of residency with their application.
Examples of careers that graduates of this programme will find are:
- User Experience Designers
- Human Factors Engineers
- Information Architects
However, the skills developed over the course of this programme are transferable to many careers and working environments, and are highly sought after in all sectors of the economy.
If you have any questions about this course, don't hesitate to get in touch! You can get in contact with the programme coordinator, Dr Ralf Bierig, by emailing hdip-hciux@mu.ie
