The taught element of the course is made up of 120 credits, plus a 60-credit dissertation. It can be completed part-time over approximately two years, with a further eight months for the dissertation.
You will study online through the University’s virtual learning environment, typically taking two modules a year for two years, and concluding with your dissertation. Each module requires an equivalent of 10-12 of study per week, and some activities are collaborative and will need regular online presence by arrangement.
Online course materials and support
You will engage with a wide range of digital platforms, learning through:
- online and part-time study
- interaction with specialist tutors and resources
- experience of a range of technologies
- supported self-study and collaborative activities
You will be supported by involvement in an online community of practice and personalised guidance for your academic writing.
Our online materials provide an interactive learning experience and allow you to study at your own pace. You will be encouraged to interact with other course participants, and each module will involve group activities such as using blogs, wikis and discussion boards. This course does not simply teach about advanced technologies for learning, it utilises them throughout.
To ensure you have the appropriate computer requirements to enable you to study online, please view our computer specification guidance notes (PDF).
Core modules
Introduction to the Learning Sciences
The module covers:
- associative models of learning
- cognitive models of learning
- constructivist models of learning
- cultural, situated and connectionist models of learning
- multimedia: the encoding and production of representations
- intelligent tutoring: theories and implementations of artificial intelligence
- variation in learners and learning
- assessment and its electronic mediation
Mode of teaching: Evening sessions in the autumn and spring semesters.
Experience required: You would normally be an education practitioner and have two years' relevant experience.
The Social Contexts of Education Technology
This module provides an introduction to the interpersonal and societal contexts within which educational innovation with learning technology occurs.
In particular it positions you to understand the institutional dimension of creating and sustaining learning technology innovation. It addresses theories of effective interpersonal learning interactions and the relevance of learning technology to their mediation.
Mode of teaching: Evening sessions in the autumn and spring semesters.
Experience required: You would normally be an education practitioner and have two years' relevant experience.
Educational Technology Research Methods
The module covers:
- traditions and media of academic communication
- practitioner and action-based research
- relationships between research and policy
- methods: natural history, observation, ethnography, accounting
- methods: surveys and psychometrics
- experimental methods
- quantitative techniques of description
- quantitative methods of inference
- qualitative methods
- attainment and intervention research examples
New Directions in Learning, Technology and Education
This module will cover:
- a review of current innovation in learning technology for learning and teaching
- case studies of innovative practice in technology enhanced learning
- theoritcal underpinnings of innovation in technology enhanced learning
Dissertation
This involves the researching and writing of a substantive piece of scholarship within the field of the course.
You will choose a topic in consultation with your course leader and an appropriate supervisor. The topic will normally be based on interests and skills you have developed in the course of the modules already studied.
New Directions in Learning, Technology and Educations may be replaced with an appropriate module from the School of Education (online or face-to-face) or across the University, subject to approval.
Timetable
You can view an example PDF timetable, however this is subject to change year on year and your live timetable will be available via the various online timetable systems.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This course page may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Teaching methods and assessment
Each 30-credit module is assessed by the equivalent of a 6,000-word written portfolio, which can include written assignments, research methods, and wiki entries. To complete the masters, you must achieve a pass of 50 on each assignment.
The 15,000-word dissertation is an original piece of work and typically involves actively researching as aspect of digital teaching and learning.
Careers
Career destinations for our graduates include counsellors, education advisers, language tutors, primary/secondary teachers and vocational/industrial trainers and instructors. A number of our graduates are already in employment while undertaking part-time study for professional development in their chosen career.
Average starting salary and career progression
99.5% of postgraduates from the School of Education secured work or further study within six months of graduation. £22,500 was the average starting salary, with the highest being £38,000.*
* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates who were available for employment, 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
Careers support and advice
We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students whatever your course, mode of study or future career plans.
You can access our Careers and Employability Service during your studies and after you graduate. Expert staff will help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.
More than 1,500 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.
Additional costs
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access all of the readings you’ll need through our libraries (especially e-libraries), though you may wish to purchase your own copies of a research method textbook (we estimate less than £75).
You will benefit from having access to your own computer and possibly a smart phone. The school covers the cost of a DBS check if required.
Scholarships and bursaries
See information on how to fund your masters, including our step-by-step guide. Further information is available on the school website.
Government loans for masters courses
Masters student loans of up to £10,906 are available for taught and research masters courses. Applicants must ordinarily live in the UK or EU.
International and EU students
Masters scholarships are available for international and EU students from a wide variety of countries and areas of study. You must already have an offer to study at Nottingham to apply. Please note closing dates to ensure you apply for your course with enough time.
We provide guidance on funding your degree, living costs and working while you study. You can also access specific funding opportunities, entry requirements and other resources for students from specific countries.