Do I have to come in to Leeds at all?
No. The programme is fully online distance learning.
I currently live/work overseas and am often travelling for my work, will this be a problem?
No. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you will be able to access and participate in all the tasks, activities and online seminars.
If I live near Leeds can I use campus facilities?
Yes. As a Leeds University student, you are fully entitled to use all of the facilities and services both on campus and online.
I’ve been out of education for a long time, what support is available to help me with academic writing?
There are assignment workshops built into the first year modules and you have the opportunity to submit plans and drafts to tutors to receive feedback on your work before the final submission.
There is also a comprehensive academic skills resource within the library offering self-access tutorials and guidance, online and on-campus workshops and opportunities for individual appointments with academic skills advisors.
How many hours a week should I expect to spend studying?
The general rule of thumb for part-time masters level study is 10 – 15 hours per week. The digital education modules follow a weekly structure as follows:
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live online seminar = 90 minutes
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reading materials and reflective tasks to complete beforehand: approximately 3 hours
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follow-up reading and discussion forum activity afterwards: approximately 2 - 3 hours
So this amounts to approximately 7 hours per week as a minimum. However, this varies between individuals, and some weeks will require more hours, for example when preparing assignments, attending tutorials (1 hour per module) etc.
How much contact is there with the tutors and other students?
There is a significant amount of regular contact with tutors and co-learners; this is unusual for a distance learning programme and it is something we are particularly proud of. Each week there is a live online seminar during which students work together in small groups. Additionally, there are interactive activities built into the weekly pre and post seminar tasks. We also encourage students to establish peer support communities beyond the institutional systems.
I don’t have a Bachelor’s degree, can I still apply?
Yes. We consider relevant professional experience to be of equal importance to academic qualifications. You may be asked to complete a short written piece to enable us to assess your writing.
I’m not sure I’m ready for a Masters, can I start on the PG Cert to see how I manage, then transfer to the full MA later?
Yes. This option is popular among our students. The PG Certificate comprises the first year (first two modules) of the MA so Transferring from the certificate to the MA is a simple process.
Do I need any specialist equipment?
No. A reliable internet connection and a device such as a desktop or laptop are sufficient. If you don’t have built-in microphone/speakers, you will also need a set of headphones with mic. We recommend larger devices for long periods of studying and attending the live online seminars, although you can access these via a mobile device, some functionality and visibility is reduced.
Do I need to be able to code and do programming?
No. This is not a technical programme. The most important attributes are curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
I’m thinking about changing career to move into instructional design/learning design/online course design – will this programme enable me to do that?
Yes. Several students have gained promotions or moved into the field of instructional/learning design.
Will I get much individual support from the tutors?
You will be assigned a personal tutor with whom you have regular meetings throughout your time at Leeds and who is your first point of contact for any queries or concerns.
During each module, you will have individual tutorials with the module leader.
If you do the full masters, you will be assigned a dissertation supervisor who will provide 6 hours of supervision and feedback.
