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Design and Design Thinking (Online)
- Delivery formatOnline
- Start dateMarch, June, OctoberDuration8 weeks
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours degree
- Fees£975 (total cost)
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Course overview
Dive into the role of the designer and and examine the processes used to develop designs and designed artefacts. Build better ways to learn and boost your professional skillset with our fully online Postgraduate Micro-credential in Design and Design Thinking.
This eight week, online course will expand your expertise in design thinking and develop specialist skills to meet your career goals. Learn about the role and skills of the designer, and examine the processes and perspectives they use to develop designs and designed artefacts which can be applied in any learning environment.
Course highlights
Shape the future of learning while developing your skills in Design and Design Thinking. This introductory short course in design allows for theory and practice to be implemented in a wide range of educational practices.
You'll learn about the role and skills of the designer, and examine the processes and perspectives they use to develop designs and designed artefacts which can be applied across a wide range of learning environments.
Postgraduate micro-credential certificate
Once you have finished this eight week course, you will be awarded an official University of Birmingham Postgraduate micro-credential certificate (worth 10 academic credits) and a transcript. You will be able to use these academic credits to apply for advanced entry to the University of Birmingham’s full Online PGCert Design for Learning Environments qualification.
Course delivery
Enjoy the flexibility of online learning with convenient modules that prioritise immersive activities and lively discussions. Guided by practitioners and designers in the industry, you’ll take part in interactive learning activities and gain innovative techniques for both digital and traditional learning.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Define the contemporary field of design thinking and critically evaluate its strengths and weaknesses
- Explore classic and contemporary philosophies of design, defining design and the designer in your own context
- Evaluate and use design and learning frameworks, processes and theory to describe activities and actors involved in the design process from idea to use
- Identify and critically evaluate the ethical implications of design and innovation decisions alongside desirability, feasibility and viability
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
To be eligible to apply, you will need to have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree or equivalent from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
You may also be eligible to apply with a lower second class degree plus 2 years’ work experience in design, computing or education, or no degree plus 5 or more years’ work experience in the above areas.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and scholarships
- £975
Total cost
The fee includes any online resources, including full access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.
What are my funding options?
Online postgraduate study is a significant financial commitment, and we want you to be completely aware of the associated costs – and all the support available – before becoming a student with us. There are a number of funding options available to help you, including loans, scholarships and employer reimbursement.
Application process
To apply for an online micro-credential, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
How to apply
If you have a question about your application or the application process, including whether your current degree qualifies you for the programme, contact us using the details below, and we will be happy to help. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
Career opportunities
Our online Design and Design Thinking, postgraduate micro-credential short course will allow you to focus on specific areas in order for you to develop your career in the way that you want to.
Career roles:
- Instructional Designer
- Digital Learning Designer
- Learning Experience Designer
- Learning Architect
- e-learning Designer
- Learning Technologist
- Learning Developer
- Digital Learning Officer
- Learning Adviser
- Apply for entry
Students who successfully complete our short online courses receive a postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits, and a transcript highlighting their new credential. You can use these credits to apply for entry into the University of Birmingham’s full PGCert Design for Learning Environments programme or to evidence continuing professional development (CPD).
Career support
Your relationship with the University of Birmingham will continue long after your graduation. To make the most of your future career prospects, we will help you gain the skills, knowledge and attributes that employers are looking for.
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Student experience
Your online student experience
As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers. You have the flexibility to study from wherever you are in the world, control your daily schedule, and still benefit from the academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of our global postgraduate community.
Your support team
From the moment you enrol to the time you graduate, we will give you all the support you need to succeed. Whether you have questions about your application, assignment deadlines, technical issues or careers opportunities, we’re here to help.