Digital Education MA

Course overview

If you’re an education professional, learning technologist, or teacher looking to enhance your knowledge of digital education and broaden your career opportunities, then this qualification is for you. This online Masters degree will help you grasp the theories underpinning digital education, learn to use and evaluate the latest learning technologies, and look towards future developments in the field.

Specialist modules – such as Artificial Intelligence and Education and Designing Digital Education – will help you develop a critical perspective on the use of digital technology in learning contexts, as well as work-based practical skills. Our excellence in digital education means you’ll have the opportunity to engage, collaborate and learn in creative ways at a pace that suits you.

You’ll benefit from studying digital education practice as an online learner yourself, and the interactive, collaborative and community-based delivery of this course allows you to engage with fellow professionals while harnessing the expertise of our academic staff. In addition, you’ll engage with academic leaders and innovative practitioners in digital education to discuss and debate the past, the present and the future of digital education.

In a field where research can often overstate conclusions from short-term interventions, you’ll learn to approach research critically. You’ll develop skills to collaborate online with other digital education professionals to evaluate digital education practice in a range of professional settings, both during and after the course.

Course highlights

• Benefit from a high level of contact with educators through regular online tutorials, ad-hoc meetings and weekly online seminars.

• Study at a time to suit you – weekly seminars are offered at two different times to cater for those in different time zones and to those balancing other commitments.

• Enjoy regular interaction with other learners from around the world, with opportunities to collaborate and connect with classmates from a range of professional contexts.

• Expand your professional network and enhance your career progression by engaging with our academic team through extracurricular activities such as scholarships, events, conferences and writing projects.

Flexible study options

We know that it can be a challenge to balance professional development with work and home life.

At Leeds we offer a suite of postgraduate courses in Digital Education so you can choose the option that suits you. We offer this Masters degree, and Postgraduate Certificate, both delivered by online distance learning.

Course details

The modules on this course provide a strong foundation of theoretical and applied knowledge and practice in digital education and research methods. You’ll learn about different perspectives and current research in the field of digital education. You’ll develop the skills needed to plan, develop, analyse and evaluate digital learning resources and be able to directly apply your learning in professional contexts.

There are four taught modules each worth 30 credits and one independent research study module worth 60 credits. Each taught module provides a range of interactive learning content in which you’ll learn to critically engage with learning theories and educational technologies in the context of your own digital education practice.

You’ll have access to cutting-edge research-informed digital education practice and a team of digital education researchers and practitioners with international reputations.

You’ll also have access to a comprehensive online induction programme before you commence the course. This will introduce you to online learning, research-based learning and the University of Leeds.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Digital Education MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Candidates will also choose 30 credits from the below:

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Candidates will also choose 30 credits from the below:

Learning and teaching

All learning and teaching is fully online, there is no requirement or expectation for you to be in Leeds for any part of the course. The course makes effective use of a diverse range of innovative pedagogical approaches with an emphasis on interactive, participatory and collaborative learning activities. We encourage you to engage fully in learning communities with your peers and we facilitate links with wider global communities of digital education organisations, events and networks.

There will be weekly online (synchronous) seminars for group discussion and student support, plus weekly asynchronous individual and group activities using a range of digital tools. The seminars are offered at two different time slots to cater for those in different time zones and with professional commitments. This interactional approach will not only deepen learning, but also provide a sense of community as you build lasting relationships with fellow students.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Each module will take a different approach to assessment which is always related to your professional practice, enabling you to gain practical experience of presenting your work using a range of digital media.

Applying

Entry requirements

Normally, a bachelor degree plus evidence of relevant professional experience.

Relevant professional experience could include teaching (at any level), education management, supervision or administration, software development, education publishing, education media, and roles involving the implementation, support or management of educational technologies. Other professional experience may be relevant and each case will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any subject. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read  Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

International – Friday 27 June 2025

UK – Friday 15 August 2025

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information we will need include:

• Original or certified copies of your transcripts
• Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
• Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Education

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgeduc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,500 (Total)

International: £13,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

The School of Education usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.

Career opportunities

This course is designed to aid professional development in the field of digital education, enabling you to apply for promotion within an existing career path or to change career direction. Some career opportunities include learning designer, learning technologist, online tutor, online course developer, and a range of digital education leadership roles.

Research methods training will also be very useful to enhance your own professional practice and that of your institution, and could lead on to a doctorate if desired.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.