MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education

If you’re considering a master’s at Manchester, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more.

• Taught master's information sessions
• Taught master's guided campus visits
• Study fairs in the UK
• Education fairs overseas
  
  For more information, see our page on meeting us .

Apply online

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, include official translations;
• copies of English language certification, e.g. IELTS, TOEFL iBT or Pearson test score report if available at the time of application;
• your CV.

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

Deposit Information

We ask for the deposit to accept your offer as competition for places is high and availability is limited.

When you have been made an offer, you will be required to pay a £2,500 deposit by the deadline date stated in your offer letter before you can be accepted on to this course. The deposit amount will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

The deposit is non-refundable, except in the circumstances specified in the Acceptance Deposit refund policy .

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

DTCE 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 the world navigates through continuous digital transformation, this course will provide 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 course 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.

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

• Interdisciplinary focus: combine 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.
• Customisation: 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: this MA 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: understand rapid technological change and its emerging impact on education policy, institutions, and practice.
• Research-focused: this course provides grounding in academic literature and rigorous research methods for the field.

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.

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.

MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education welcomes a diverse range of students interested in exploring the intersection of technology, communication, and education.

Our graduates have gone on to fulfilling careers as:

• Teachers and ICT coordinators in schools implementing technology in creative ways to advance student outcomes.
• Learning technologists and instructional designers in higher education developing innovative curricula and digital learning materials.
• Teachers and university lecturers working on topics related to digital education and digital change.
• Education consultants applying expertise in e-learning, multimedia, and video production to improve training and instruction.
• Policy analysts shaping the future of technology integration in formal and informal learning.

The course equips students from all backgrounds and sectors with in-demand skills, knowledge, and credentials, whether you are:

• An educator in K-12, higher education, or adult learning looking to expand your digital fluency and credentials.
• A corporate training or L&D specialist aiming to optimise workplace learning through technology.
• A computing professional keen to contribute your technical skills to education and instructional design.
• A communications or media specialist seeking to apply your background to the education sector.

The rigorous curriculum also provides ideal preparation for doctoral study and academic research careers focused on educational technology and digital learning.

We welcome inquisitive minds passionate about exploring how technology can empower educators and enrich learning experiences.

Each academic year includes careers support workshops involving DTCE alumni and research support workshops for those interested in undertaking doctoral research.

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.

• Working in the UK after study
• Working during study
• Professional and alumni networks for international students

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.