Information Studies: Human Centered Multimedia – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Human Centered Multimedia builds upon existing knowledge of technology, communication and interaction between humans and machines. The emphasis is on the use of technology in modern, intelligent applications. Students learn how to apply technology in a practical context through a combination of research and design assignments.

Structure of the Master's programme

The human aspect plays a key role in the study programme. Three major factors affect the interaction between humans and the media:

• The environment from which people obtain their information in the form of either images, sound, video or text;
• Perception by both humans (sight, sense of touch, hearing) and computers equipped with sensors (camera, microphone, GPS, et cetera);
• The knowledge a person possesses or acquires through the transfer of knowledge, which may or may not be elaborated in a format the system can understand.

The above diagram provides an overview of the various subjects featured in the Master's programme, categorised into three separate dimensions: perception, content and knowledge & intelligence.

Subjects

All students taking part in the Human Centered Multimedia program have to take the mandatory subject of Research Methodology. The University of Amsterdam also offers six other courses, described briefly below. Thanks to an ongoing collaboration with VU University Amsterdam (VU), students may substitute two of the UvA courses with courses at the VU University Amsterdam.

Visual analytics

Presenting content to the user by using methods that take into account both the potential and limitations of human perception. How many pictures can we look at simultaneously? How do we interpret the correlations between different elements?

Multimedia information systems

Providing the appropriate multimedia-content, tailored to the individual, location, context and system; which combinations of different media formats are best suited to presenting different types of information? Under what circumstances do we use pictures to illustrate a spoken text, and when is animation the most suitable way of explaining something?

Intelligent interactive systems

Systems capable of detecting and assisting humans, in which processes can be initiated by both the computer or the human user. The music playing in one room follows you as you move to another. The refrigerator warns you when the milk has run out or gone sour.

Knowledge and media

Supporting knowledge processes by means of multimedia and knowledge descriptions, that help structure the complex relationship between multimedia content, content analysis and knowledge. What is the relationship between Van Gogh and Gauguin? How can users help scientists describe photographs of Mars?

Internet information

Systems that use information on the Internet to generate new knowledge. How do you discover patterns in large quantities of data? Can we develop systems that are capable of learning and become increasingly effective in interpreting data ?

Mobile systems

Mobile phones and PDA-based systems and their current and future applications by users, such as Augmented Reality: your phone shows you where you are, and can offer information on the history of your current location. You can also record your own experience at the relevant location, which can then be viewed or listened to by other users.

Master's thesis

In addition to the substantive subjects, the second half of the semester consists of a graduation project culminating in a scientific article and a presentation. You can choose from the various research topics presented by lecturers and staff members. In this case, you will graduate within the context of an existing research project. However, you may also opt to submit your own research proposal or conduct your graduation project at a company.

Examples of research questions include:

• How do people respond to a lying robot?
• How can we apply mobile technology to prevent those in the early stages of dementia from getting lost?
• How can we improve digital communication between the Ministry of Education and individual schools?
• How can we use an interactive game to help children find their way around the library?
• What is the most effective way to present users complex information?

Track

The Human Centered Multimedia Master's programme is a track offered as part of the Information Studies Master's programme. Students who have completed the Master's programme will receive a degree in Information Studies along with the title Master of Science (MSc).

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands

Funding details

Huygens scholarship

The Dutch government has allocated a vast amount for excellent students coming to the Netherlands under the HSP Huygens Programme. The Nuffic is administrating the Huygens scholarship. Please find all all necessary information about application and selection on their website.

! The Faculty deadline for receiving Huygens scholarship requests is: 31 December 2010. On the online application form please mention the Huygens scholarship request by thicking the relevant box.

The International Office will make a first selection of most excellent students. For this students we will write a nomination letter. Applicants that are part of this selection will receive the nomination letter by e-mail before 1 February 2011 which is the Nuffic deadline for application.

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

The Faculty of Economics and Business provides a limited number of scholarships for excellent students in the Master's programmes. There is no fixed number of available scholarships. The actual number will be determined by the amount that will be allocated to the Faculty.

Selection procedure

1) Applicants should write an AMS motivation letter (tell us in not more than 300 words your motivation to get the scholarship).

2) Applicants should upload the AMS digital motivation letter to their online application for the MSc programme before March 1st 2011.

3) Before the end of May 2011 we will inform all applicants about the results by e-mail.

Ahold Scholarship Programme

Ahold, an international food retailing group based in the Netherlands offers scholarships for non-EU students in the MSc in Accountancy and Control programme. Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and have special interest in retail and the intention to work and live in the USA or Europe after graduation. All non-EU applicants accepted to the MSc in Accountancy and Control programme will receive supplementary information on this Scholarship.

Colfuturo Scholarship

Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.

Ford Foundation Scholarship

Scholarships are provided for students from a selection of countries worldwide. For more information see the Nuffic website.

Netherlands Fellowship Programmes

This programme provides funding for women and members of priority groups or marginalized regions. For more information see the Nuffic website.

Other scholarships

Further information on scholarships can be obtained from Nuffic, please refer to their website. Click on the link 'Grantfinder' to search for Dutch scholarships for foreign students.

Studentgrant

In certain cases it is possible for EU students to receive a monthly studentgrant from the Dutch government (i.e. IB Group). Please check their website for further information.