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Expectations
An online Masters programme normally takes three years, with course content being delivered in a variety of ways.
Programme structure
Our online distance learning programmes are offered in modules that can be completed at times convenient to you.
Most masters programmes will take you three years to complete, working 10-15 hours a week.
Our online learning courses offer flexible exit routes, allowing you to shape your academic journey to suit your needs. For example, if you enrol on a Masters programme but decide not to complete the full three years, your completed credits can contribute towards an alternative postgraduate qualification, dependent on the number of credits completed.
Awards you may be entitled to include:
- Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Postgraduate Certificate - after one year’s study
- Postgraduate Diploma - after two years’ study
- Masters degree - after three years’ study
Many courses also allow flexible entry, allowing you to transfer postgraduate level credits obtained on other Edinburgh courses to contribute towards continuing academic qualifications.
Content delivery
Our online learning programmes deliver programme content and opportunities to interact with other students in a number of ways. The platforms adopted vary between individual programmes; however, each programme will include a selection of the following:
- Virtual Learning Environment, e.g. Moodle, Learn or WordPress
- Virtual Classrooms, e.g. Blackboard Collaborate
- Wikis
- Blogs
- Video streaming
- Discussion boards and forums
- Virtual worlds, e.g. SecondLife
During your programme induction, you will be introduced to the platforms adopted for your course by your Programme Director. You are not expected to know how to use these platforms prior to induction.
Virtual Campus
The University of Edinburgh has a virtual online campus, Vue, delivered through the virtual world, SecondLife. Vue supports a variety of teaching, research and social activities. The virtual campus is also used for our virtual graduation ceremonies, which is projected live during our corresponding on-campus ceremonies
This article was published on May 10, 2012