PhD in Human-Computer Interaction
About This Programme
A University-funded (Year 1, pending a faculty advisor match) PhD in Human-Computer Interaction: human-centred and inclusive interactive-AI research with a 32-credit dissertation.
Course Highlights
- Ph.D. students are centrally funded by MBZUAI in Year 1 while matching with a faculty advisor, then funded by that advisor from Year 2, subject to a confirmed match and satisfactory progress.
- Human-centred, accessible and inclusive interactive-AI research.
- MBZUAI's HCI field is offered at PhD level only.
- Qualifying and Candidacy exams then a 32-credit dissertation.
What You'll Study
MBZUAI's HCI field is offered at doctoral level only. A 3–4 year full-time programme on the Masdar City campus with HCI theory and design cores, electives, research methods and an internship, a Qualifying Exam (Year 1) and Candidacy Exam (Year 2), then an original 32-credit dissertation. Ph.D. students are centrally funded by MBZUAI in Year 1 while matching with a faculty advisor, then move to that advisor's funding from Year 2, subject to a confirmed match and satisfactory progress.
Core courses
Core: 4 courses, 16 credit hours, taken by every student.
- Introduction to Neuroscience, Psychology, Human Factors, and HCI Theory and Models (HCI7101)4 credits
- User Experience (UX), Interaction Design (IxD), and Service Design: Core Concepts, Applications and Evaluation Methods (HCI7102)4 credits
- Design Tools, Design Techniques, and Design Platforms (HCI7103)4 credits
- Universal Design for Accessible and Inclusive Interactive AI (HCI7104)4 credits
Research methods, internship and thesis
- Graduate Research Methods (RES799)2 credits
- Internship (INT799)2 credits
- Human-Computer Interaction Ph.D. Research Dissertation (HCI899)32 credits
Elective courses
Students select a minimum of two elective courses totalling 8 credit hours.
Published elective list
- Machine Learning with Python (AI7101)2 credits
- Introduction to Deep Learning (AI7102)2 credits
- Entrepreneurship in Action (ENT799)2 credits
- Next-generation Interactive AI: Trends and Emerging Technologies (HCI8505)4 credits
- From Data and Information Visualization to Operational Insights (HCI8506)4 credits
- Designing Across Diverse Socio-Economic and Cultural Contexts (HCI8507)4 credits
- AI, Creativity, and the Digital Arts (HCI8508)4 credits
- Ethics, Regulation, and Social Responsibility for Human-Centered AI (HCI8509)4 credits
- Probabilistic and Statistical Inference (ML7101)2 credits
- Foundations of Machine Learning (ML8101)2 credits
- Mathematical Foundations of AI (MTH7101)2 credits
Entry Requirements
An independent research statement and references. Screening exam and technical interview.
Careers
Graduates pursue HCI and human-centred-AI research and design leadership across academia and industry.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (status Active on the CAA register).
Programme Details
Award
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human-Computer Interaction
Start Date
Annual Fall intake (August)
Typical Offer
Bachelor's CGPA 3.5 or master's 3.0; IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Doctorate
Subject Area
Human-Computer Interaction
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person