Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, fuelled by powerful computational advances and vast data availability. Generative AI has given rise to groundbreaking systems that can create novel content, such as images, videos, and text. This revolution requires a similar innovation in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). As AI technologies become more pervasive and integrated in various application areas, individuals skilled in both technical aspects of AI and human-centred design principles of HCI are increasingly sought after.
A recent report by Microsoft highlights that three of the most in-demand skills across industries are AI, UX Design, and Cloud Computing - all key competencies at the heart of Brunel's MSc Human-AI Interaction. You will develop a critical understanding of the state-of-the-art in AI and HCI concepts and you will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to design and implement next generation human-centric AI solutions. Specifically, you will gain knowledge and practical experience in various intelligent techniques, human-computer/human-AI interaction, human-centred design, user experience, data visualisation, interactive development for AI, and ethics and governance. In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop a broader set of skills including study skills, research skills, employment skills and capability skills through teamwork, guest lectures or workshops from industry leaders, and dissertation projects.
Through hands-on experience with industry-standard software (e.g., Figma, Axure RP), essential programming languages (e.g., Python), and AI development pipelines, you’ll be well-prepared to build impactful, human-centred AI solutions. To ensure all students feel confident with programming, an optional introductory module to Python is available. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to pursue an extra-curricular certification on a leading Cloud platform (e.g., Microsoft Azure), equipping you with an essential, in-demand industry skill. The department’s expertise, coupled with the programme’s focus on AI and human-centred design, uniquely prepare our graduates to develop AI systems that are intuitive, impactful, and meet real-world demands.
International accolades for computer science at Brunel
You will join a truly international and diverse community at Brunel University of London which has recently been ranked joint first in the UK and sixth in the world for ‘International Outlook’ by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. You will be taught by globally recognised experts in the computer science field, with eight academics in the department ranked among the top 2% of scientists globally (Stanford and Elsevier rankings 2024). Our department is also ranked ninth in the UK, and within the top 101-150 worldwide by the prestigious Shanghai global ranking of academic subjects 2024.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
Compulsory
- Human-AI Interaction
The Human-AI Interaction module bridges the interdisciplinary fields of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, tools, and methods of designing and evaluating AI systems that interact effectively with humans. The module provides an in-depth exploration of relevant theories, models and skills required to be able to select and apply appropriate methods for human-centred AI-focused projects to improve the user experience. This includes understanding the range of approaches and frameworks available for structuring the design of human-centred projects, and when and how to apply them to be beneficial to diverse user needs. The module also focuses on how to evolve human-centred designs using prototyping methods and software, an important part of which is learning about the various methods for evaluating designs to maximise the user experience. In addition, the module fosters core design, communication and professional skills essential for effective collaboration in modern multidisciplinary teams, while encouraging responsible innovation and ethical considerations.
- Interactive AI Development and Applications
The aim of this module is to develop understanding of knowledge, skills and tools to build interactive AI solutions that transform human interaction with technology, with a focus on promoting sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible innovation. It further focuses on the practical aspects and implementation of AI tools for interactive user experiences by revolving around understanding the dynamics of different AI-driven software, especially how to use and combine them to develop multifunctional pipelines, whilst also comprehending how to deploy and benchmark their outcome effectively. The module will also explore a spectrum of task-specific and domain-oriented applications, concentrating on implementing human-centric solutions by design, whilst encouraging that these are aligned with principles of inclusivity, equity, and long-term societal impact to foster positive change.
- Ethics and Governance of Digital Systems
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of topics related to the handling and governance of digital information in contemporary systems contexts. Such topics will include the way that networked and intelligent systems are designed and used; the motivations for their adoption; the substantive issues arising; and approaches to their regulation and governance. Examples from the public and private sectors will be used to illustrate these developments.
- Artificial Intelligence
The aim of this module is to introduce the key concepts, principles and fundamental methods of artificial intelligence, and to develop your skill in analysing of problem requirements, applying appropriate artificial intelligence methods to defined problems, and evaluating the effectiveness of the adopted approach.
- Data VisualisationThe aim of this module is to develop the reflective and practical understanding necessary to visually present insight drawn from large heterogeneous data sets to, for example, decision makers. Content will provide an understanding of human visual perception, data visualisation methods and techniques, dashboard and infographic design. The role of interactivity within the visualisation process will be explored and an emphasis placed on visual storytelling and narrative development.
- Research Project ManagementThis module aims to develop and deploy the skills necessary to design a scholarly piece of research work to address an identified problem area within the chosen field of study.
- Dissertation
The aim of the module is to develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in an agreed topic area related to the master's programme followed. As preparation for the dissertation, you will be given grounding in both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis appropriate to conducting empirical and/or experimental research.
Optional
- Introduction to Python
The aim of this module is to give the students a comprehensive introduction to programming in Python. By the end of the module, students will have developed foundational skills in programming in Python, enabling them to write simple programs, manipulate data, and solve problems in their field of study.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
The roles to which our graduates can typically be recruited include AI Engineer, AI Conversation Designer, AI Product Director, Generative AI Specialist, Business Analyst, UX/AI Researcher, UX/UI Designer, Product Designer, and Service Designer. The Department of Computer Science is well-positioned to connect you with potential employers though our “Made in Brunel (Software Innovation)” annual event.
UK entry requirements
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2025/6 entry
UK
£14,435 full-time
International
£26,250 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
Teaching is typically delivered in person, on campus via lectures, seminars/tutorials, practical lab work, as well as directed self-learning. Where appropriate, other teaching methods will also be incorporated and guest lectures delivered by industry experts are typically provided. All learning is supported by our Virtual Learning Environments (VLE), Brightspace.
Assessment and feedback
The assessment includes a balance of coursework and examination (as detailed in the individual module specifications). Assessments range from written reports/essays through to an exam, design portfolios, practical coursework and programming exercises, according to the demands of particular modules and topic areas. Additionally, class tests can be used to assess a range of knowledge, including a range of specific technical subjects.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.