MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Arts (MA)
Duration
1 year
Entry requirements

We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent.

When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply online

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MA Y Y N Y

Course overview

  • Join a top ten UK university for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021) and study an award-winning course that brings together theory and practice in teaching and learning.
  • Develop skills and experience in a range of digital tools and practices, applying your ideas to real projects in individual and group work.
  • Learn to analyse and undertake research in digital education, from detailed evaluation of technological applications through to analysis of social and technological trends.
  • Study full-time or part-time as a distance learner.

Open days

The University holds regular open days , where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.

You will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MA (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £12,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £28,000
  • MA (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): £6,250
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £14,000
  • MA (part-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): £1047 per 15 credits, £4,124 per dissertation
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £1550 per 15 credits, £6100 dissertation

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for international students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit  postgraduate fees

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students, including:

  • MIE Postgraduate (master’s) bursaries : 10 awards of £7,500 each (issued as a reduction in your tuition fees). All self-sponsored EU and international student with an offer to study on any MIE master’s programme are eligible.
  • Manchester Humanities International Excellence Scholarship : 20% scholarship in the form of a discount on the tuition fees of selected master’s programmes, available to applicants from a number of international countries.
  • Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme : £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a first-class bachelor's degree and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.

For further information on available scholarships and bursaries as well as their full eligibility criteria, please visit our funding page.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Contact name
School of Environment, Education and Development
Telephone
+44 (0)161 275 2814
Email
Website
http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/education/postgraduatetaught/
School/Faculty
See: The School .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent.

When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

English language

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

This programme also accepts successful completion of the 6 and 10 Week Pre-sessional English Language course. We accept the following qualifications which must be valid on the start date of the Pre-sessional course.

Pre-sessional 6 Week Course Requirement:

IELTS - 6.0 Overall with 6.0 in writing, no more than one subskill at 5.5 and no subskill below 5.5

TOEFL iBT - 80 overall with 20 in writing, and 20 in speaking, with a minimum of 18 in all other subskills

Pearson PTE Academic or Academic UKVI - 65 overall with 65 in writing, no more than one subskill of 59 and no other subskill below 59.

Pre-sessional 10 Week Course Requirement:

IELTS - 5.5 overall with no element below 5.5

TOEFL iBT - 72 overall with 20 in speaking and no other element below 18

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI - 59 overall and no element below 59  

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our   country-specific information page   for guidance on the academic qualifications which may be accepted from your country.

Professional entry qualification

If you do not meet our academic entry qualification criterion, your admission may still be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or substantial relevant professional experience can be provided.

Application and selection

How to apply

Advice to applicants

Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

  • copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English please provide official translations; 
  • your CV; 
  • copies of English Language Certification, e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report.

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.

Staged admissions process

As there is a high demand for our courses, we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year.

Due to the competition for places and high quality of applications that we receive, we give preference to students from high-ranking institutions and with grades above our minimum entry requirements.

Please ensure you submit all supporting documentation with your application before the application deadline to avoid a delay in processing.

• Stage 1: Application received by 08 December 2023 ; Application update by 22 February 2024

• Stage 2: Application received by 03 March 2024 ; Application update by 25 April 2024

• Stage 3: Application received by 05 May 2024 ; Application update by 08 June 2024

• Stage 4: Application received by 01 July 2024 ; Application update by 25 July 2024

While we aim to give you a decision on your application by the deadline date, in some instances due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received, it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next deadline date.

Applications received after our final selection deadline will be considered at our discretion if places are still available.

Please note, all places are subject to availability and if you apply at one of the later stages, some courses may already be reaching capacity or be closed to further applications. We, therefore, recommend that you apply early in the cycle to avoid disappointment.

How your application is considered

Applications for MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education are very competitive. Due to the high demand for the programme we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If we are unable to consider you for an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will only be considered for an offer if places become available.   

Once your application has been received, our admissions team will contact you. We may ask you to submit additional information, if necessary.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are not accepted for this course. If you receive an offer and wish to be considered for the following year of entry, you will need to place a new application. Please be aware, there is no guarantee of receiving another offer, and offer conditions are subject to change in line with entry requirements.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. 

In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

Digital Technologies, Communication and Education (DTCE) is a distinguished, award-winning programme with a rich history spanning nearly twenty years. We are proud of the transformative impact our programme has had on the careers and lives of our alumni, many of whom are now doing innovative work in the field of digital education.

The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital age, tailored to empower a diverse range of professionals: teachers, lecturers, administrators, managers, e-learning designers, trainers, and all those passionate about education.

As we navigate through the digital transformation, this programme provides you with a profound understanding of the dynamic environment that permeates both our personal and professional lives. By integrating theory with practical, real-world insights, our programme equips you with the necessary competencies to navigate, evaluate, and shape the digital future of education.

Whether your goal is to further your career, enrich your understanding of digital education, or position yourself at the forefront of educational innovation, our MA in Digital Technologies, Communication, and Education empowers you to release your potential in this digitally connected world.

Aims

You will:

  • Develop interpersonal and group communication abilities to enable independent learning, collaboration, and informed decision-making through reflection on your own practice.
  • Build confidence and expertise in designing innovative educational materials using digital technologies and pedagogies.
  • Critically evaluate uses of digital technologies in both formal and informal educational settings, relating this to your own needs and practice.
  • Systematically understand and critically assess research and methodologies relevant to digital technologies in education, applying this knowledge in research projects.
  • Manage rapid technological change and analyse its impacts on educational processes, institutions and policies

Special features

  • Interdisciplinary focus - The program combines perspectives from education, technology, communication, sociology, and other fields for a comprehensive understanding of learning with technology.
  • Global orientation - The use of educational technology is presented as an international phenomenon, with students encouraged to apply concepts to their home countries and share experiences.
  • Customization - Students have flexibility to pursue topics of personal interest, create career-relevant projects, and tailor their dissertation research.
  • Hands-on technology skills - Along with theory, students gain practical experience with multimedia, coding, mobile apps, video production, and other technologies to enhance competencies.
  • Communication emphasis - The program highlights the role of communication in teaching and covers skills like teamwork, problem-solving, presenting, and effective online and face-to-face communication.
  • Critical perspective - Students learn when not to use technology, critically evaluating its management and effects rather than just gaining tech skills.
  • Forward-looking - The course emphasizes understanding rapid technological change and its emerging impact on education policy, institutions, and practice.
  • Research-focused - As a research-based program, it provides grounding in academic literature and rigorous research methods for the field.

Teaching and learning

The MA in Digital Technologies, Communication and Education employs an innovative approach to developing students' knowledge and skills. Interactive sessions blend lecturer input, collaborative exercises, simulations, and class discussions to actively engage learners.

An emphasis on critical reflection and enquiry-based learning encourages students to examine their own professional practice and beliefs in relation to theory and research.

Students gain hands-on experience with multimedia design, mobile technologies, collaboration software, video production, and other digital tools to enhance their competencies. However, the program looks beyond technical skills to critically evaluate technology's role in communication, management, ethics, and emerging issues reshaping education.

The dissertation enables students to pursue original research related to their interests and career goals. Throughout the programme, an emphasis on reflective practice, transferable skills development, and understanding of technological change promotes lifelong learning capabilities. Students develop greater confidence in innovating with technology, while discerning when restraint improves outcomes.

The programme aims to cultivate adaptable, critically reflective professionals ready to navigate the exciting changes in our digitally connected world of education.

Coursework and assessment

The MA programme employs a variety of assessments to evaluate student learning. These include:
  • Practical project work such as designing educational multimedia materials, developing a group podcast, or producing an educational video.
  • Written assignments like literature reviews or self-reflective essays
  • Appraising existing software, websites, or educational initiatives.
  • Analyzing case studies of technology integration in schools or educational settings.
  • Collaborative group work and presentations.

For the dissertation, students can pursue either a traditional research project reporting empirical findings or theoretical analysis, or take a more practical approach of designing and evaluating an educational technology intervention.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Educational Technology and Communication EDUC70141 30 Mandatory
Digital Education Research 1 EDUC70441 15 Mandatory
Digital Education Research 2 EDUC71272 15 Mandatory
Digital Education Research 2 (Distance Learning) EDUC77012 15 Mandatory
Digital Education Research (Distance Learning) EDUC77081 15 Mandatory
Educational Technology and Communication (Distance) EDUC77301 30 Mandatory
Theories of Teaching and Learning EDUC60491 15 Optional
Intro to Educational Video Production EDUC61632 15 Optional
Digital Media and Information Literacy EDUC61712 15 Optional
Blended Learning in a Digital Age EDUC70032 15 Optional
Teaching and Learning Online EDUC70050 15 Optional
Language Learning and Technology EDUC70061 15 Optional
Multimedia Design and Development EDUC70511 15 Optional
Introduction to Sustainability Education EDUC70661 15 Optional
Intercultural Engagement at Work and in Communities EDUC71232 15 Optional
AI Perspectives on Learning EDUC71242 15 Optional
Learning Design and Technology Practices EDUC71261 15 Optional
Blended Learning in a Digital Age (Distance) EDUC77022 15 Optional
Intro to Educational Video Production (Distance) EDUC77032 15 Optional
Teaching and Learning Online (Distance) EDUC77042 15 Optional
Intercultural Engagement at Work and in Communities (Distance) EDUC77060 15 Optional
Digital Media and Information Literacy (Distance Learning) EDUC77082 15 Optional
Digital Education Futures (Distance Learning) EDUC77091 15 Optional
Learning Design and Technology Practices (Distance Learning) EDUC77111 15 Optional
Multimedia Design and Development (Distance Learning) EDUC77401 15 Optional
Theories of Teaching and Learning (Distance) EDUC77501 15 Optional
AI Perspectives on Learning (Distance Learning) EDUC77602 15 Optional
Introduction to Sustainability Education (Distance Learning) EDUC77801 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 28 course units

Facilities

The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) which has its own Student Hub. Here you'll find all your teaching staff and support staff as well as a place to relax with fellow students.

MIE is based in the University's Ellen Wilkinson building, which is centrally located on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Students' Union.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) graduates go on to shape education policy and practice through positions in NGOs and in the public and private sector.

Potential careers include:

  • teaching;
  • lecturing;
  • research;
  • teacher education;
  • educational administration;
  • leadership;
  • consultancy;
  • publishing;
  • testing;
  • assessment.

View our careers and employability  page for more information.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service  that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Careers support for international students

The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.

Global networks

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community  of any campus-based university in the UK. 

International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country and provide an opportunity to build professional and social networks.