Blended and Online Education

PGCert / PGDip / MSc Blended and Online Education

Student support

The MSc BOE is a fully online programme that allows you to study from work, home or wherever suits, as part of a collaborative online course community that includes highly visible, supportive tutors who have taught across a range of blended and online contexts. As one of the current cohort describes it, the programme is “always on”. Additionally, helpful induction tasks will provide you with the time and space to prepare for all aspects of the programme.

If you are new to studying online or perhaps feel anxious at any point on the programme your personal development tutor and other university systems will be there to help. While there are a range of support servies available to you as a student at Edinburgh Napier University, the collaborative nature of the MSc BOE and the high visibility online of your tutors mean you should never feel you are on your own.

If you are not sure whether online learning is for you, be assured that you are not alone! In that case please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Programme Team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the online nature of our programme. As one of our current students has remarked about her online experience with us: "Studying completely online was a little daunting at first....., however, I have found the high levels of engagement as a group through the activities we have undertaken have been extremely effective in helping us all grow as online learners."

The MSc BOE supports you with:

An online handbook
A dedicated programme website, including trimester dates, assessment board dates, a bank of FAQs, update notices and information for every module
A programme administrator who will act as a point of contact with students
A programme leader who will deal with any issues unresolved between a student and module leader or between a student and a personal development tutor
Designated member of staff who will lead each module
A personal development tutor (PDT) who is the main contact point for direction or guidance in relation to study, personal or social issues
Weekly virtual office hours offered via synchronous (real-time) communication spaces such as chat-rooms, web conferencing software or Second Life.
Online moderated discussion spaces within each module
Non-moderated online social networking spaces within and outwith each module for informal interaction between peers and tutors
Guest expert sessions via web conferencing systems for live contributions from nationally and internationally renowed educators and researchers

Edinburgh Napier University offers further support:

Access to Edinburgh Napier Library’s distance learning facilities and resources
Student email, access and ICT support through the university network
University student support services offering pastoral care, advice and counselling
Access to Edinburgh Napier student portal and related support (e.g. Distance Learning website)
University careers service guidance on career options, CVs and interview techniques
The right to staff student liaison
Access to WebCT support
Edinburgh Napier Students' Association

Professional development planning

Students at Edinburgh Napier are asked to carry out a number of activities that are grouped together and described by the term personal and professional development planning, or PDP.

Effective PDP involves you in developing an understanding of yourself so you can operate more effectively – in your personal life, your studies and your career. It can also help you increase your chances of getting where you want to be. In keeping with the applied ethos of this programme, therefore, we support you from the outset in identifying, planning and reflecting upon your own learning and development needs. As an important part of this process you will maintain your own electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) which you are encouraged to use to reflect upon your progress.