Course Details

Course Code(s):
MATCELTFAD/MATCELTPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Darina Slattery
Address: School of English, Irish & Communication Email: Darina.Slattery@ul.ie
Apply Now

Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

UL’s MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning equips graduates with the skills needed to design and develop multimedia content and technology-enhanced learning solutions.  

The need for this expertise is growing rapidly as organisations increasingly rely on using digital tools and platforms for communication and training. 

You will develop the technical and content development skills needed to build high-quality e-learning courses, websites, and instructional materials.  

The programme will also develop your ability to write clear, correct, and effective content for a range of digital contexts.  

This course is ideal for students who have a passion for writing and using technology and who wish to work in e-learning, technical writing, instructional design, or educational technology roles. 

During this programme, you will learn how to:  

  • Write clear, correct, and precise content. 

  • Design and develop content for different media and audiences. 

  • Manage complex writing and design projects. 

  • Use a variety of tools for online communication and collaboration. 

  • Develop digital skills in a variety of areas. 

  • Evaluate blended and fully online programmes. 

Key Information:  

  • Complete full-time in one year or part-time over two years 

  • Blended delivery using the UL Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) 

  • On-campus workshops offered 

  • Modules taught during the autumn and spring semesters 

  • Option to exit with Graduate Certificate (after 30 ECTS Credits) or Graduate Diploma (after 60 ECTS credits) 

  • Submit a dissertation or development project at the end of the summer semester to complete the requirements for the MA 

Full-time Year 1  

Autumn Semester 

  • Instructional Design (EL6041) will explore the main approaches to instructional design, individual learning theorists, needs assessment, and systematic activities to design, develop, and deliver instructional content.  

Spring Semester 

  • E-Learning Theories and Practices (EL6052) will cover trends and issues in distance education, considerations and procedures for implementing blended and fully online programmes, interaction and assessment activities, and the evaluation of online programmes. 

Summer Semester 

  • Dissertation/ Project (EL6013) will involve one of two routes: either researching and writing a dissertation or developing a substantial technical communication or e-learning resource, under the guidance of an assigned supervisor. 

Part-time Year 1  

Autumn Semester (see module descriptions above) 

Spring Semester 

Summer Semester 

  • No Modules 

Part-time Year 2  

Autumn Semester 

Spring Semester 

Summer Semester 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules 

  • Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a related degree or an approved equivalent qualification. 

  • You must be able to use standard Microsoft Office applications and communication tools, including email, chat rooms and discussion forums. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

International Students:  

Checklist of Documents: 

  • *Academic transcripts and certificates
    • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
  • Copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
  • Copy of your CV
  • Personal Statement 

English Language: 

Guidelines on Completing your Application: 

  • To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
    • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
    • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
  • *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date. You don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - Full Time €7,995 - Part Time €4,500 per annum*

Non EU - Full Time €18,600 - Part Time €9,900 per annum*

* Year 2 fees are subject to change 

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. Only the full-time version of this programme qualifies for a study visa. 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

 

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships. 

This course can lead to the following careers, among others:   

  • Technical Writer
  • Instructional Designer
  • Learning Designer
  • Educational/ Learning Technologist
  • Content Developer 

 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.       

Online Information Sessions 

Joy Siegel graduated from UL’s MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning 

“For someone who loves learning and technology, the MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning is a great fit. I smile as we preview upcoming assignments and marvel at what our lecturers will have us know by the end of a year.  

After countless hours on the computer, evaluating information, double checking if I avoided American spellings, and completing assignments, I happily return to the work each day. I am forever grateful for this experience, and it’s one that I would recommend to anyone interested in the field”