Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Design
Education studies
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Advance your learning and teaching development career or transition into learning design with this fully online postgraduate qualification focused on learning design theory, instructional strategy, technology, project management, and cross-cultural practice. Study part-time, building practical and theoretical skills across four key courses.
NZ$3,289
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Online
It will take a total of 2 years
This course requires 10 hours per week
NZ$3,289
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Employ creative solutions for learning design needs
Devise and implement innovative approaches to address learning design requirements guided by client and industry briefs.
Evaluate and apply learning approaches
Assess and use appropriate learning theories and design strategies to create effective learning experiences for diverse contexts and learners.
Apply online learning design strategies and tools
Select and use suitable online learning tools to produce high-quality, engaging educational resources.
About This Course
The Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Design is aimed at professionals involved in education, training, or learning resource development who want to deepen their knowledge of learning design. Over four courses (delivered entirely online), you'll explore educational models, instructional and visual design, technology for learning, project management, and bicultural and user-centred approaches. The programme is ideal for those upskilling within their existing role or transitioning to specialist positions in learning and instructional design, and is supported by external advisory groups. Graduates are equipped for roles in educational content design, training management, e-learning development, and related areas.
Course Content
- Management of Learning Design Projects: project management, stakeholder relationships, ISD frameworks, needs analysis, scope, communication, blueprints, QA, monitoring, evaluation
- Learning Theories and Learning Design: major learning theories (behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism), modes and contexts of learning, assessment design, culturally-centred approaches
- Learning Technologies for Learning Design: types of learning technologies, needs analysis, evaluation of tools, OER, copyright, accessibility tech, use of technology for assessment
- Visual Communication for Learning Design: visual design principles, accessibility, typography, colour theory, visual literacy, graphics for learning, critique, data visualisation
- Orientation course (not assessed): acclimatisation to online environment, cohort connection
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate degree or degree-equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience
Structured resumé or CV
Build towards these roles
Learning DesignerInstructional DesignerCorporate TrainerE-learning DeveloperTraining and Development SpecialistCurriculum Developer
Build skills in these industries
EducationInformation Technology
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
