MA Creative Teaching and Learning Design

We view learning design as an interdisciplinary practice, integrating insights from psychology, technology, and the creative arts.

Our philosophy is founded on the complex interplay between creativity, pedagogy, and technology in modern learning environments. Our course design fosters innovative problem-solving and enables our graduates to address the multifaceted challenges in contemporary education.

Critical reflection is at the core of our philosophy. We believe that empathy, critical reflection and facilitation enable designers to create learning experiences that are not only effective, but also inclusive and adaptable to diverse contexts. We’ll challenge you to question assumptions, examine beliefs about learning, and develop your distinctive voice as a learning professional.

While we embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, we maintain a balanced perspective. Our curriculum integrates cutting-edge tools with established learning theories and human-centred design principles. This equips our graduates to navigate and lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of professional education and learning.

Our aim is to empower you to lead in the field of learning design, and the course design foregrounds collaboration to mirror professional practice. We foster a community of practice where ideas are shared, challenged, and refined. This collaborative ethos reflects the reality of professional learning design and prepares students for leadership roles in multiple sectors.

Ultimately, we're preparing you not just to design learning experiences, but to reimagine what education can be in the 21st century.

The MA course journey unfolds across three distinct yet interconnected stages:

Stage 1: PGCert in Creative Teaching and Learning Design (60 credits)

This foundational stage introduces you to core principles of learning design. In the Learning Design Bootcamp (20 credits), you'll explore six fundamental pillars: empathy, curriculum, inclusivity, facilitation, technology, and community. This unit provides a robust framework for understanding how effective learning experiences are crafted.

The Creative Teaching and Learning Design unit (40 credits) then deepens your understanding by encouraging critical reflection on the relationship between creative teaching, learning design, assessment, and feedback. You'll engage with established and emerging learning theories, exploring their practical application in designing inclusive and creative learning experiences. This stage also introduces you to the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education.

Stage 2: PGDip in Learning Design Methods (60 credits)

Building on the PGCert, this stage focuses on professional application and research skills. The Learning Design Toolkit unit (40 credits) is where theory meets practice. Here, you'll develop advanced skills in project management, UX design, and the application of digital technologies in learning contexts. You'll learn to work as both an internal and external consultant, collaborating effectively with Subject Matter Experts across various disciplines. You’ll explore topics including artificial intelligence, storytelling, learning product development, creative direction, video production, UX design, accessibility, project management, digital technologies, change management, and effective communication.

The Learning Design in Context unit (20 credits) strengthens your ability to lead through research in creative teaching and learning design roles. Learning professionals regularly explore new and unfamiliar problems, and in this unit you’ll have the opportunity to investigate an area of interest related to your present or future work. You'll conduct a small-scale research project to build your confidence in research, decision-making and developing new insights.

Stage 3: MA in Creative Teaching and Learning Design (60 credits)

The final stage focuses on advanced research and innovation in learning design. The Researching Creative Teaching and Learning Design unit (60 credits) is an extensive exploration of how learning design intersects with creative teaching and other disciplines. You'll identify a suitable audience and topic for a substantial research project, then design and execute this project drawing on all the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. This stage encourages you to push the boundaries of conventional teaching and learning design, positioning you at the forefront of innovation in the field and preparing you for leadership roles in learning and teaching.

*For AUB staff, the work you produce on the course can also be used as the basis for an application for Associate Fellow, Fellow and Senior Fellow of AdvanceHE.