We investigate the past, present, and future relationships between people and technology, embracing new frameworks, methods and approaches for studying and supporting people using new interaction technologies, including mobile, ubiquitous and web-based computing technologies.
Human-Centred Computing at The Open University UK is interested in social and philosophical perspectives, as well as in practical and theoretical concerns. We consider how technologies in general integrate with and extend existing social systems.
Programme structure
Potential research projects:
- Digital health
- Animal-computer interaction
- Mobile, tangible and ubiquitous interaction
- HCI and interaction design
- Digital and augmented cities
- Augmented reality and 3D virtual environments
- Self-quantification and life-logging
- E-commerce and e-government
- Design representations
- New media systems and emerging technologies
- Social computing and social networks
- Technologies and information in their social contexts
- Technology-enabled learning
- Computing and technology education
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 87
Other requirements
General requirements
Entry requirements
- Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (non-residents): 31,170 AUD / year (≈ 16,420 GBP / year)
- Domestic (citizens or residents): 9,503 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)
Living costs
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom — 1,610–2,553 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships — below you will find PhD scholarship opportunities for Human-Centred Computing.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — Grant: 3500 USD — Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: Not specified
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Grant: 19000 GBP — Deadline: Not specified
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: 28 Feb 2027
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Grant: 6000 USD — Deadline: 31 Jan 2027
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant: 3000 USD — Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — Grant: 22500 GBP — Deadline: Not specified
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant: 1500 USD — Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant: 12000 USD — Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
