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Opleiding: MSc Digital Inclusion
Learning purpose
The new Digital Inclusion Masters is the first to be offered in Europe and is a groundbreaking programme designed to meet the existing and continuing demand for experts in eInclusion.
The relevance of this course is demonstrated by the increased focus on enabling digital inclusion both in the UK and EU, and the need for a professional workforce. The Council of the European Union in their conclusions on the accessible information society called on stakeholders to
"Provide information, training and support to relevant ICT developers, implementers and deciders in the public, private and non-profit sector." (The 2935th Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting Brussels, 31st March 2009)
Digital Inclusion policy in UK and EU is addressing the needs of older people, and disabled people as well as other socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged groups.
This Digital Inclusion Masters and PG Dip course focuses on these social and ethical issues and the technological aspects of ensuring equality of access to ICT and the benefits from using ICT. Modules cover the legal and regulatory framework, web accessibility and inclusive design.
The course is taught as block release with distance learning. Each module withh begin with one week of block classes and continued for the rest of the term by distance learning, supported by electronic communication.
Programme
This course is designed to enable you to have the relevant knowledge, personal and professional skills and competencies to design, develop, implement, evaluate and manage a wide range of information and communication technology systems, products and services that adhere to the principles of social inclusion.
All MSc students take four taught modules, followed by a Digital Inclusion project. PG Dip students take the four taught modules only.
The part-time course starts in October 2010 and is studied over 5 terms.
- All MSc students take four taught modules, followed by the Digital Inclusion thesis. (180 credits)
- PG Dip students take the four taught modules only. (120 credits)
- PG Certificate students take two modules only. (60 credits)
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations and project.
- Accessible Web Design (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- To provide the student with an understanding of the context of web accessibility and digital inclusion including the social and economic issues of the digital divide To equip the student with the theoretical knowledge and current best practice on web accessibility including guidelines, standards compliance To provide the student with an understanding of opportunities and barriers to accessibility in relation to information systems and web-based services within a multi-disciplinary context
- Design for All Regulation, Legislation and Standardisation (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- To develop an understanding of the national, European and International legal and regulatory framework which affect the design of ICT equipment and services. To develop critically informed practical skills in communicating these requirements.
- Digital Inclusion Thesis (60 Credits) - Compulsory
- This project gives the students the opportunity to use a combination of general and specialist knowledge and understanding to apply an existing or emerging technology to the solution of a practical problem. Potential projects will be sourced by the student with the assistance of the module leader and project supervisor. Suitable problems may be obtained from the student s work place or will be provided from third party organisations such as industry, government or user organisations via the Universities links. All projects will relate to real world problems in Digital Inclusion. Or to contribute and extend the theoretical understanding of new and advancing technology and its application to e-Inclusion. The project will give students the opportunity to demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment.
- Fundamentals of Digital Inclusion (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- - To provide the student with a real world understanding of the complex needs of older and disabled people when using ICT and people who use AT. - To provide understanding of the ethical, social, political and economic issues of eInclusion - To provide a sound basis for solving complex problems and undertaking innovative research and design
- Inclusive Design and User Expericence (30 Credits) - Compulsory
To provide a basis for developing the necessary problem solving skills that will lead to creativity and innovation in the development of mainstream ICT systems and services that are accessible and usable.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a minimum of a 2.2 honours degree or an equivalent overseas qualification in a related discipline. Candidates with other relevant qualifications or a minimum of three years work experience will also be considered. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level. Digital Inclusion is an interdisciplinary area and encouragement will be given to students from a range of backgrounds including industry, non-governmental bodies, business, social sciences and disability/rehabilitation.
English language requirements
You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL (paper based) 575 or TOEFL (internet based) 90 with specified minimum scores for each component.
Professional perspective and employment market
You will be able to work with innovative teams in many sectors. There is strong commitment to develop ICT equipment to meet accessibility standards in education, industry, government and commercial organisations. The pressure from government to achieve these standards is stimulating employment in design and procurement. Graduates could find roles with digital inclusion units in local councils, as design consultants in large commercial companies or inclusion advisors in charities.
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