MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education

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The deadline for applications is 31 August 2021. Later applications will be processed at our discretion.

Applications for this course are very competitive. Due to the high demand we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If you meet our entry requirements but we are unable to make you an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available.

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;
• two written academic references on official institution letterhead, signed, dated, stamped and containing the official university email address of your referees. Alternatively, your referees can send us the reference letters directly from their official university email address. If you have had a substantial period away from any formal learning, professional references may be considered. Professional references should be written on official company letterhead, signed, dated, stamped and containing the professional email address of your referees. Alternatively, your referees can send us the reference letters directly from their professional email address.
• a personal statement (maximum 500 words) detailing why you wish to study the course, your experiences, what you can bring to the course and any other information that you see as relevant to your application;
• your CV;
• copies of English Language Certification, eg IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report.

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents, as the delay caused in having to seek any missing documents from you might adversely prejudice your application.

MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education is an award-winning course that uses digital technologies, the broadcast media and/or interpersonal, group or organisational communications techniques to enhance practice, research and the professional and academic development of educators in technology- and information-rich environments.

This MA is designed to help teachers, lecturers, administrators, managers, e-learning designers, trainers and anyone else with an interest in education to understand the impact of digital technologies and media.

It uses digital technologies, the broadcast media and/or interpersonal, group or organisational communications techniques to enhance practice, research and the professional and academic development of educators in technology- and information-rich environments.

You will:

• further your career by improving your skills and knowledge base in the area of digital technologies and communication, in order that these can be applied in any educational setting;
• enhance your interpersonal and group communications skills in order to learn independently and make effective decisions through self-reflection on your own practice;
• develop the ability to design your own educational materials using digital technologies and in particular to develop creative and innovative approaches to this work;
• build your confidence and ability to identify and critically evaluate the use of digital technologies, whether in formal educational settings or the informal educational processes of society, and with specific reference to your own needs and practice;
• develop your ability to systematically understand and critically evaluate research and research methodologies relevant to digital technologies in education, and apply this knowledge in actual research projects;
• develop an ability to manage and understand rapid technological change and its effect on educational processes, institutions and policies.

• Education has been a discipline of study at Manchester since 1890.
• Our students come from all over the globe, and our qualifications are recognised across the globe.
• Our research improves the quality of education across the world, with 78% of our activity defined as `world-leading' or `internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Formalised lectures are rare. Instead, classes tend to mix lecturer input with group work, computer and video activities, simulations, problem-based learning and class discussions.

We make considerable use of enquiry-based learning (EBL), encouraging students' critical reflection on their own practice and beliefs: formed both by their professional experiences and intuitions, and theory and research. We encourage both individual and co-operative learning and research and hope to foster an ethos of life-long-learning.

As most of our participants are themselves experienced teachers, we appreciate the wealth of knowledge and practical experience that they bring to the course and we encourage all participants to use all sources of professional insights including their fellow participants.

We provide training in the use of electronic databases, library resources, and computer based statistics packages. Many other key skills will be developed during the course.

The form of the assessment varies from unit to unit, including:

• practical project work (ie creation of a web site or other educational software);
• a written literature review or other essay of approximately 3,500 words;
• criticism of existing software, websites, etc;
• creation of a teaching portfolio;
• writing reports on schools or other educational settings;
• collaborative group work.

For dissertations, you can choose between a Mode A (traditional-type) or a Mode B (portfolio-type) dissertation.

Mode A dissertations report on a research project of your own design or, possibly, discuss or develop theoretical understanding relevant to the field and/or your professional development.

Mode B dissertations are more practical, and involve you designing, testing and implementing a technological solution to an educational problem, for example, a website or piece of interactive multimedia, and then reporting on this process.

Mode A dissertations are 15,000-20,000 words long. The length of Mode B work can be negotiated, but the overall workload is expected to be equivalent to that of a Mode A.

The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE), which has its own Hub. Here you will find all of your teaching staff and support staff. It is also a place to relax with fellow students.

MIE is located 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.

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.

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. It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks.

You can view the alumni networks already operating across the globe, here .