Master of Science in Educational Technology (EduTech)

Modern technologies are reshaping how people learn—inside schools, across workplaces, and in informal settings. This English‑taught master's trains you to design and manage contemporary learning experiences such as hybrid and online courses, community and collaborative learning, MOOCs, learning management and social platforms, open educational resources, game‑based learning, and learning with multi‑touch devices (smartphones, tablets, interactive tabletops). Teaching and learning take place in online and blended formats as well as in technologically equipped classrooms so you gain hands‑on experience with current tools.

The programme is explicitly interdisciplinary, bridging computer science (systems, platforms, and technical implementation) with socio‑cognitive theories of learning. You will learn learner‑centred and interactive instructional approaches and work in interdisciplinary teams on project work tied to ongoing research. Projects let you investigate computer‑supported collaborative learning across devices and platforms and give you practical experience designing and developing educational software; you are encouraged to shape projects around your own research questions.

Current research strengths include:

• Computer‑Supported Collaborative Learning and collaboration scripts for orchestrating activities
• Argumentation processes in online settings
• Joint attention and embodied learning with co‑present multi‑touch surfaces (iPads, tablet PCs, interactive tabletops)
• Computational thinking, online learning tools and platforms, and adaptive educational technology (e.g., automated feedback)
• Audience response systems, social learning platforms for large lectures, and MOOCs

Graduates gain a solid grounding in instructional design and learning theory, digital learning tools and platforms, and methods for developing and evaluating digital learning products. Career paths include educational research, digital media development, roles in e‑learning companies, instructional design for workplace training, creators of online learning materials, and advisory positions in educational institutions. An alumni survey from 2018 reports that over 90% of graduates found work in the field of educational technology within three months after finishing the programme.

Requirements (key points)

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Psychology, Education, or Computer Science; applicants from other fields are also considered)
• Programme language: English

This two-year (120 ECTS) Master’s curriculum combines foundations in learning science, practical design skills, empirical research, and programming to prepare graduates for roles in educational technology, instructional design, HCI, and applied research. Core modules are grouped to ensure depth across complementary areas: "EduTech" (14 CP) introduces the field and collaborative, trend-focused projects; "Learning with Media" (12 CP) examines multimedia learning and self-regulation; "Design" (12 CP) builds instructional-design and design-thinking competencies; and the methods/programming sequence develops empirical research skills and basic programming for educational tools. The programme culminates in a substantial 31 CP master’s thesis that integrates theory and practice.

Students choose between or combine method- and programming-focused preparatory courses depending on their prior training: either "Programming for EduTech" or "Empirical Research Methods I" is required, and some students may need both. Beyond the compulsory modules, a broad set of electives lets you tailor your studies toward areas such as Artificial Intelligence or Human–Computer Interaction; practical options include tutor training and a short internship. Module crediting is ECTS-based, with “Methods I” flexible (5–15 CP, typically 10 CP) to reflect different backgrounds.

Key modules (high-level)

• EduTech (14 CP): field overview, collaborative learning design, design challenge projects, and exposure to current tech trends and gadgets.
• Learning with Media (12 CP): multimedia learning theory (I & II) and strategies for self-regulated learning using digital media.
• Design (12 CP): instructional design I & II plus applied design thinking for educational products and environments.
• Methods I (5–15 CP, usually 10 CP): empirical research foundations (hypothesis testing) and experimentation in practice; programming option available for those needing technical grounding.
• Master’s thesis (31 CP): independent research project linking methods, design, and technology.

Typical learning outcomes

• Ability to design, prototype, and evaluate technology-enhanced learning experiences grounded in learning-science principles.
• Competence in planning and conducting empirical studies, including hypothesis testing and experimental methods, and in interpreting data for educational contexts.
• Practical skills in applying instructional-design frameworks and design-thinking processes to real-world problems.
• Technical literacy sufficient to collaborate with developers or to build basic educational software (when Programming for EduTech is taken).
• Preparedness for interdisciplinary roles in research, industry, or educational institutions, supported by elective specialization (e.g., AI, HCI), tutor training, or internship experience.

Admission/Programme requirements (concise)

• Total programme workload: 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
• Compulsory module groups: EduTech (14 CP), Learning with Media (12 CP), Design (12 CP), Methods/Programming sequence (Methods I: 5–15 CP, usually 10 CP), Master’s thesis (31 CP)
• Students must enrol in either Programming for EduTech or Empirical Research Methods I based on prior education; some students may need both
• Electives available in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Human–Computer Interaction
• Optional/practical credits: Methods II (10 CP), Knowledge Management & Communication (15 CP), Computer Science (31 CP), Tutor training (8 CP), Internship (6 CP)

For full module descriptions, course schedules, and PDF downloads, see: https://edutech.uni-saarland.de/.

Graduates are prepared for both research and applied roles in educational technology. Typical career paths include positions in educational research, e‑learning companies, digital media development, instructional design for workplace or higher education, creators of online learning materials, and advisory roles for schools and institutions. The programme’s mix of empirical methods, design practice and programming equips you to evaluate and implement evidence‑based digital learning solutions.

Many alumni enter industry roles (product or instructional design, platform development) while others continue in academic or research positions; the curriculum supports either pathway through research‑relevant projects, electives in areas such as AI or HCI, and a substantial master’s thesis component.