The University of Dundee is pleased to announce the launch of an MSc degree focused on training and professionalising the role of the Educational Assistive Technologist. The MSc in Educational Assistive Technology within the University’s School of Science and Engineering will train individuals to implement and support the use of technology within education to enable students with a broad range of learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities access the curriculum.
The first intake for this programme will be in January 2021.
The degree has been designed primarily as a blended learning part-time course taken over two years (a full-time version is also available). The degree differs from traditional Assistive Technology programmes in its focus on the assessment and support of technology within the Educational environment. It is aimed toward teachers, therapists and technologists who are seeking to develop and enhance their ability to support learners who require Assistive Technology (AT). We welcome applications from people who have experience of working to support disabled students in a variety of contexts, inclusive of those who may not hold higher qualifications. The entry requirements for the course have been designed to be as inclusive as possible.
Course participants already working in an AT environment will compliment theoretical learning with projects within their workplace. Students will also interact with expert users of AT within the University’s unique User Centre and during placements; and once qualified, will undertake the assessment, provisioning and ongoing support of AT systems within specialist and mainstream education or social care organisations.
How is the programme structured? The two-year part-time programme will be delivered by a blend of distance and on-campus learning (depending on COVID-19 guidance) as many of the target students will already be employed in education and social care organisations that provide services to disabled people. The philosophy throughout the programme is that teaching will be highly interactive, and students will be encouraged to bring their knowledge to bear on the learning community. Intensive on-campus teaching (or alternative online teaching to reflect current COVID-19 guidelines) will provide the theoretical underpinning to compliment the practical elements of the programme which will be undertaken within the students’ work setting. (Placements will be identified for students who are not currently employed.) Programme staff will work to support students and their home organisations to integrate the EduAT role successfully. Where possible this will include visiting students in their organisations to provide this support. Each year cohort will attend the equivalent of two intensive weeks per academic year, completing four weeks over two academic years. Full-time students will be accommodated by taking all four weeks within one academic year. Intensive weeks will normally take place on campus in Dundee where possible.
Who will teach the programme? The programme is delivered by the Discipline of Computing with the addition of optional modules in the Schools of Education and Social Work, Health Sciences and Social Sciences. The programme builds on the expertise in Accessibility and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Technology within Computing and the ongoing collaboration across other Schools. The programme director is Professor Annalu Waller OBE, supported by two lecturers with extensive experience of working with and teaching individuals with a wide range of disabilities, Rohan Slaughter and Rolf Black. Together we have over 90 years’ experience in AT.
You can find more information about the programme on the MSc in educational assistive technology dedicated website.
To apply for the programme, visit the postgraduate programme websites for part-time / full-time study.
You can also contact us directly by email: MScEduAT@dundee.ac.uk
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