Online Design for Learning Environment Postgraduate Microcredentials
Study from multiple perspectives the theories and practices of instructional and learning design, and develop the skills to create better learning experiences with a short 8-week postgraduate micro-credential course in design for learning environments.
Quick facts
course duration
online
World University Ranking1
Exploring instructional and learning design from the perspectives of education, technology, digital development, data science and the social sciences, our online short courses will equip you with the skills you need to advance in the ever-expanding online digital learning and education sector.
By working with academics, practitioners and designers of today’s learning environments, you’ll learn to think differently about education and professional development. This hands-on experience is key to helping you design more innovative learning environments to meet the growing needs of learners and organisations, across a variety of online and offline settings.
Studying one of our online short courses means joining one of the world’s leading universities, with access to the same learning experiences, lecturers and student community as the full PGCert.
The online short courses cover diverse topics such as design, education, data science and digital development, and explore how the social and technical work together in learning environments. Each one is designed to help you develop the specialist knowledge and skills you need for your career and continuing professional development. This makes them ideal for working professionals who do not have the time to commit to full time study.
Students who successfully complete our short online courses receive a postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits, and a transcript highlighting their new credential. You can use these credits to apply for entry into the University of Birmingham’s full PGCert Design for Learning Environments programme or to evidence continuing professional development (CPD).
As well as providing the highest levels of convenience and flexibility that 100% online learning offers, the programme is full of interactive elements, like video and group activities, which bring the content to life.
Rather than trying to replicate a campus-based setting online, we’ve built this programme from the ground up, drawing on the latest technology to create a truly unique and immersive student experience.
The online learning environment is not only a window to programme materials, it’s an opportunity to connect directly with your lecturers and other professionals like yourself.
Discover UOB OnlineExplore our featured short courses:
Design and design thinking
Learn about the role and skills of the designer, and examine the processes and perspectives they use to develop designs and designed artefacts which can be applied in any learning environment.
Next start date: October 2024
Apply nowDeveloping digital artefacts for learning
Create your own digital artefacts for use in a learning environment, using a piece of contemporary technology.
Next start date: April 2024
Apply nowApplied data science for learning environments
Understand the fundamentals of data analysis using appropriate tools and frameworks to evaluate teaching and learning, and to report findings to a variety of audiences with the aim of understanding the effectiveness of learning environments.
Next start date: August 2024
Apply NowPerspectives on learning
Explore the different perspectives on how we learn and how to help others learn, evaluating the behavioural, cognitive, social and networked perspectives on learning, and approaches for application in your own learning environment.
Next start date: Feb 2024
Apply NowSociotechnical learning environments
Analyse learning environments from the perspective of connecting the social, physical and digital in networks of the human and non-human to challenge perspectives of online and offline learning.
Next start date: June 2024
Apply Now‘The University of Birmingham has provided me with a similar level of interactivity and networking opportunities as those of a classroom based course, as I get the opportunity to interact with my fellow colleagues on a daily/weekly basis as required’– Henry Ude, online student
Admissions requirements
To be eligible to apply, you will need to have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree or equivalent from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
If you do not meet the academic entry criteria, we will accept applications with a second-class degree or equivalent qualification from a UK university or recognised institution with evidence of at least 2 years of relevant work experience in design, computing, or education.
We welcome applicants with an appetite for learning. Since some courses combine content from multiple disciplines, you may be expected to cover coding and maths, starting at secondary schooling level and above. Speak to our Recruitment Team if you are wondering if this applies to you.
To apply you will need to submit the following:
- Completed application – You first need to complete a course application form online. To fill out an application form, choose from the short courses above and click ‘APPLY NOW’.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé – Supply an up-to-date CV demonstrating your academic and work experience, plus any other skills that may support your application. This will help us to ensure you have the right experience for the course.
- Most recent degree certificate – To verify your education, we ask you to submit your most recent degree certificate from your previous institution.
- Evidence of language (if applicable) – If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. We accept up-to-date IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any of the elements.
Tuition details
Cost per course: £850*
Total credits: 10
Payment method: Card
The fee includes any online resources, including full access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.
* Prices are subject to change each academic year.
Frequently asked questions
Since you will be joining a live course, the student experience is much like any other online programme. You will be working collaboratively with other students from your course and the wider programme.
We recommend 12-15 hours of study per week for a full eight-week course.
To study online, you need to meet a set of minimum technical requirements.
As a student enrolled onto a short course, you will have the same level of access to materials as a student studying the full PGCert programme.
You will have access to our dedicated online student services team, who are available to help you with any queries you may have.
Yes. You will be sent your transcript confirming your new qualification and a University of Birmingham postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits.
References:
- World University Rankings (2023). QS Top Universities [online] Available at: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023 [Accessed 20.07.2022]