Digital Education MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Program Overview

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Digital Education MSc, PGDip, PGCert - September

Overview

Digital education is a rapidly expanding field, and it is becoming crucial to the delivery of education in all contexts. There is therefore a growing need for practitioners to explore in depth the various concepts, opportunities and challenges associated with delivering education digitally.

This programme will provide both a theoretical underpinning and an opportunity to consider the practical applications of digital education.

Scholarship offer

The University is offering fee reduction scholarships for entrants with a fee status of Home or RUK or Overseas studying an on-campus MSc in Digital Education starting in September 2025.

Start date

• September 2025

End date

• Depends on your chosen qualification: MSc, PGDip or PGCert

Duration

• Depends on your chosen qualification: MSc, PGDip or PGCert

School

• International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI)

Choose your course

These flexible courses allow you to choose the path that best suits your ambitions. You can:

• achieve either an MSc, PGDip or PGCert qualification, or study a single module
• study on campus in St Andrews or online
• start in September or January

Master of Science (MSc)

A one-year full-time course, which runs from September 2025 to August 2026. The MSc requires you to take eight modules and complete a 15,000-word dissertation.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

A nine-month full-time course. The PGDip requires you to take eight modules over two semesters, from September 2025 to June 2026. Those on the PGDip do not undertake a dissertation.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

A one-semester full-time course. The PGCert requires you to take four modules of your choosing. Those on the PGCert do not undertake a dissertation.

In person or online

These programmes are delivered both in person in St Andrews or by distance learning online.

September or January

There are two different start dates you can choose from. This page has information for September entry.

Entry requirements

Typically, you should have one of the following:

• A 2.1 Honours degree or 3.3 out of 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in any discipline. Applications are welcomed from all education systems. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
• Significant professional or other relevant experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning such as professional qualifications or certifications.

Recognition of prior learning

Some students may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on their previous studies, such as DELTA. IELLI considers applications for RPL on a case-by-case basis in line with the University's recognition of prior learning policy.

English language requirements

You will need to be proficient in the English language. Information about English language entry requirements for these programmes is available.

Application deadline

• Thursday 7 August 2025

Application requirements

• CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment (paid or voluntary) to date
• Personal statement: see personal statement guidance for IELLI courses
• One original signed reference (professional or academic)
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language

Course details

Digital Education programmes are run by the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI).

Highlights

• Benefit from both theoretical insights and practical understanding thanks to the collaborative delivery of the programme by academic staff and digital education practitioners.
• 20% of each module grade is derived from an online group written interactive Forum. This enables students to interact with and learn from a wide variety of students both in St Andrews and around the world.
• Consider broad issues relating to digital education, alongside a practical focus on how to design online programmes, and how to use specific learning technologies on a course.
• Learn about a range of research methods appropriate to digital education.
• Engage in assessments that allow you to apply theory to real-world scenarios.
• Conduct original research supported by experts within the Institute.

Modules

The modules in the programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment.

Compulsory modules

• Action Research and Reflection for Education Practitioners
• Contemporary Issues in Digital Education
• Education and Researching
• Online Programme Design
• Technology for Teaching

Optional modules

• Assessment and Evaluation in Education
• English for Academic Purposes
• English Medium Instruction (EMI)
• Leadership and Management in International Education
• Linguistics for Language Teachers
• Organisational Development in International Education
• Teaching Young Learners
• Trends and Policies in International Education

Dissertation (MSc only)

For the dissertation, you will choose a topic of interest to you and to your future career. You will read related literature and conduct independent research on your topic.

Fees

MSc

• Home: £12,030
• Overseas: £25,900

PGDip

• Home: £8,020
• Overseas: £17,270

PGCert

• Home: £4,010
• Overseas: £8,650

MSc tuition fee discount

IELLI offers scholarships to students studying the MSc on campus in St Andrews who have approximately six months of relevant work experience. For students paying the Overseas fee, the scholarship is £2,000 and for students paying the Home fee, the scholarship is £1,000.

15% Recent Graduate Discount

If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees.

Your future

Digital Education graduates are equipped with a range of skills and experiences which allow them to take on a variety of roles relating to the planning or delivery of digital education, such as Educational Technologist or Digital Education Developer.

Staff in IELLI have a wealth of teaching and leadership experience in education, in a range of locations globally. They are active in using their international networks and experience to support and advise students on future career development.