The University of Birmingham is harnessing the power of online education to ensure students are job-ready and a step ahead of the competition
As the world evolves and moves towards a format of immediacy and increased connectivity, we’ve seen an incredible uptick in the demand for online education and technology-based options. In fact, “71% of respondents most strongly agree that technology increases their engagement with course materials.”1
Given the flexibility, career mobility, and ability to balance work, life and school, it’s no surprise that both students and faculty are embracing the EdTech model.
The University of Birmingham — which is consistently ranked as a “world top 100 university” — is no stranger to online learning and is the largest provider of distance and blended learning in the UK. This includes the Online PGCert Design for Learning Environments, which was launched in June of 2021.
This programme is aimed at those working in learning environments — such as instructional designers, lecturers, learning technologists — and anyone interested in designing better learning experiences and seizing new career opportunities across multiple sectors. We’ve outlined five reasons why learners and employers should have their eye on the Online PGCert Design for Learning Environments programme.
A student-centric programme design
The programme is part-time, a year-long and students cover six unique and different modules. At its core, it is interdisciplinary and covers data science, coding, social sciences, The programme offers both asynchronous flexibility and synchronous options such as live connect sessions, discussions, exercises as well as regular communications via announcements, and e-mail. Designed for working adults, this programme encourages students to bring their own practice and experience to test out theories and new ways of working in their own context. A key example of this is assessment designed to incorporate knowledge and skills gained on the programme and incorporating students’ own experience and context.
Students walk away with job-ready skills
When designing the programme, the University of Birmingham examined every module from the perspective of a student. Through that lens, students are encouraged to analyse skills they utilize in their day-to-day work and work to further develop and strengthen those skills throughout the year. For example, the Design Thinking module helps students discover and then articulate their design philosophy and the Data module allows students to immediately put their skills in their field of work. In short, students graduate with job-ready skills and knowledge that they can leverage immediately.
Organic student engagement and networking
As mentioned above, with asynchronous flexibility and synchronous options, students can a programme that works best with their schedule and needs. Students can set up their own communication channels via forums to discuss classes, projects and more. By allowing students to create their own spaces, networking opportunities organically present themselves.
Next-level faculty support
While the programme is set up for online, distance learning, the University of Birmingham offers a wealth of resources to ensure students are supported from day one. From weekly connect sessions with academic leads to constant communication, the faculty takes a keen interest in each student. Support doesn’t stop at graduation. Students can take advantage of one-on-one career advice and support via the University of Birmingham Careers Network (this continues for up to two years after graduation), free access to LinkedIn learning to continue to learn and grow, and faculty advice and again access to an extensive network of over 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Differs from similar programmes
Unlike similar programmes, the Online PGCert Design for Learning Environments draws together faculty from across the University. Engineering and Physical Sciences and Social Sciences faculty, are represented which further shows the interdisciplinary approach taken. The programme was specifically built for an online audience, which ensures that there is no retrofitting and that students can balance work, life, and study.
The future of innovative, student-centric education is here, and the University of Birmingham’s programmes are ones to watch. For more information on the Online PGCert Design for Learning Environments programme, please click here. Also keep an eye out for the PGCert in Higher Education Policy into Practice, launching in June of 2024.
About University of Birmingham:
For more than a century, the University of Birmingham has been pursuing and sharing knowledge through outstanding teaching and world-leading research. Part of the prestigious Russell Group, the University’s thriving student population enjoys a wide range of courses and exceptional campus and research facilities.
The ten Nobel Laureates the University of Birmingham counts among their staff and alumni have contributed to some of science’s greatest discoveries, including in recent times the Higgs Boson and Gravitational Waves. This research provides innovative solutions to the challenges we face in our city, our region and across the globe.
To request more information or be a part of the next student intake, please click here.
References
1. Yahoo, “Online Learning Statistics: The Ultimate List of 2024” https://finance.yahoo.com/news/edtech-statistics-global-edtech-industry-113200592.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADSIl_mDeYZv9dTP1uwpTLxwb3tV8uftIDBs-gWGHWPMzDFLzezcPQkGRhAblrL09T3w8W1JPt3Jov9212yNXrLg4NGaJS7J0o4AUiqdWN1GAsWDIxDN9GjRncqU5cDz0fkHQPonEOaXJGLubgqUxc78kDDseftZKaUZmN5QpEbP
2. American Heart Association, “eLearning Statistics and Value for your Organization” https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/course-formats/online-learning-stats-flyer-ucm-491651.pdf
