In the 1st semester you will be introduced to the role of the user in ICT systems: how to analyse existing user practises and involve them in the design and development of new systems and the improvement of existing ones. In addition, you will learn the core methods for data collection and analysis as well as get an overview of theories and traditions of Information Studies. The semester begins with an introduction to the problem-based learning approach used at Aalborg University, and the handwork of writing good academic English in the field of Information Studies.

Project module

• User Studies and Information Behaviour (10 ECTS)

Example projects

• Understanding the search behaviour of recruiters at Jobindex
• Self-tracking using apps and wearables: Habits, motivation and abandonment
• A usability evaluation of the UNOPS e-commerce platform

Additional courses on 1st semester

• Research and Methods in Information Studies (10 ECTS)
• Theories and Traditions in Information Studies (10 ECTS)

In the 2nd semester you will focus on the theoretical and methodical aspects of user centred systems design and Human-Computer-Interaction (HCI). The main project module deals with theories and methods for design and development of ICT systems. You will be introduced to key design approaches, processes and tools—incorporating functional, aesthetic, experiential and learning design principles. The focus is on the interaction between users and technology, as well as deployment including understanding and organisation of social practises, policies and cultures around ICT systems. In your semester project you will typically be working on designing or redesigning an app or a website for a company or organisation.

Project module

• Development and Design of ICT (20 ECTS)

Example projects

• Designing and developing a chatbot solution to support Wikipedia editors
• Designing a patient flow management system at Svendborg Emergency Department
• An interactive Augmented Reality app for bars and cafés
• An iterative, user-centred design and development approach for a voice-user interface using Google Assistant to solve time management issues

Additional courses on 2nd semester - example electives

• Introduction to Data Science (10 ECTS)
• Design Thinking - from idea to action (10 ECTS)
• Computational Thinking - Creative Computing for All (10 ECTS)

In the 3rd semester you can gain experience with applying your knowledge of user studies, development and design in real-world situations. Through a three-month internship at a company or organisation you can test your skills and collaborate on solving an issue on the basis of Information Studies in a relevant company, organisation or institution. The idea is for you to develop a knowledge and understanding of the concrete work reality that the program is directed towards and to reflect on this. The internship will be documented in a written report on the basis of the theory and methods of the entire program.

If you feel that you already have plenty of work experience (e.g., through relevant student jobs), then as an alternative you can choose to work independently on a current problem in the ‘Theoretical Information Science Course’. The intention is that you develop an awareness of and insight in discussing and communicating a scientific problem. Your work will culminate in a scientific article that places the scientific problem within the subject field, and explains the theoretical and methodological framework as well as the academic contribution of your work.

Project module

• Information Studies in Practice (30 ECTS)

Example projects

• Developing a ‘European Test Finder’ at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Internship report)
• Creating a floorwalk service in Conecto (Internship report)
• User attitudes towards conversational AI (Theoretical article)
• Automatic classification of relevance aspects in complex game requests (Theoretical article)

Alternative course on 3rd semester

• Theoretical Information Science Course (30 ECTS)

During the fourth semester you will be working on your Master’s thesis with a subject of your choice. The content of the module will be partly direct supervision from a thesis supervisor, but also counselling regarding the academic, methodological and theoretical approaches to the thesis and partly teaching on a selected group of research- and methodology-related topics. The Master’s thesis can be written in groups or individually, and typically focuses on  either a problem from an external organisation, or on a theoretically-inspired challenge.

Project module

• Master’s thesis module (30 ECTS)

Example projects

• Examining the usability of Siri while driving a car
• Optimising the interface of the DR.tv recommender system
• The Influence of Data Storytelling on the Learning Effect
• Investigating the use of user-centred design among Bay Area start-ups
• Data-driven optimization of Google Ad campaigns
• Streamlining the workflow of Novo Nordisk’s internal knowledge sharing platform
• An exploration of digital hoarding behaviour
• Investigating playlist curation behaviour on Spotify
• Implementing conversational design Models in a Chatbot Management System

Courses on 4th semester

• Individual supervision
• Research and methodology related workshops

Are you a student at AAU? In AAU Study and Wellbeing Guidance, we can help you with, among other things, choices during your study programme, study doubts, study techniques, motivation, wellbeing, leave and study resignation or perhaps just a conversation about your thoughts regarding your study programme and wellbeing. We are happy to talk to you about anything big or small.

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Aalborg University is famous for its problem based learning where you work in a group on a large written assignment often collaborating with an industrial partner. This study method is also called “The Aalborg Model for Problem Based Learning”. The method is highly recognised internationally, and the university is host to a successful UNESCO chair in Problem Based Learning in Engineering Education and a Centre for PBL and Sustainability approved by UNESCO.

The problem based project work at Aalborg University gives you a unique opportunity to acquire new knowledge and competences at a high academic level in an independent manner. You get to apply theory to practice when you work to solve real-life problems, and you will be well prepared for your future career.
Learn more about PBL.

When doing project work, you work closely in groups with other students. This gives you the opportunity to cooperate, share knowledge and to explore larger and more complex academic problems than what you would have been able to do on your own. Furthermore, the groups serve a social purpose and make it easier for you to get to know your fellow students and feel more at home at the university.
Learn more about teamwork at AAU.

Aalborg University works closely with the business community. This means that as a student you will work with real issues from companies and organisations. Thus, while you are studying, you already have the opportunity to enhance your academic competences with a business-oriented and practical angle.

At Aalborg University teaching is research based. This means that your lecturers are doing research within the same academic field as he or she is teaching. You thus have access to the latest knowledge and dedicated teachers who are passionate about what they teach. The teaching material not only includes books but may also consist of, for example, current academic articles from journals.

The laboratories at Aalborg University are of the highest standard, and they play an important role in teaching. You will work under the best laboratory conditions with access to the latest technology, which is vital for your benefiting from the teaching.

AAU Copenhagen is a part of Aalborg University and is located at Sydhavnen (South Harbour) near the city centre. Therefore, students at AAU CPH have access to the city’s wide range of cultural and leisure activities. AAU CPH is a relatively new campus with an international focus, an innovative learning environment and close collaborations with businesses, of which many are located on the campus area. Overall there are close to 3,700 students enrolled in AAU CPH’s exciting bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Learn more about student life in Copenhagen.