Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology
The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology is a programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in instructional design, educational technology and digital learning. Offered at The Open University of Kenya through the School of Education, the programme prepares professionals to design, develop and manage technology-enhanced learning experiences.
The curriculum covers learning design fundamentals, instructional design models, educational technology, e-learning development, digital learning platforms, multimedia for learning, assessment design, learning analytics, curriculum design for digital learning, universal design for learning, mobile learning, open educational resources, research methods and a capstone project. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in learning design and educational technology.
The programme responds to the growing need for professionals who can design effective digital learning experiences in education, corporate training and development. It provides a comprehensive foundation for those working in instructional design, e-learning development and educational technology.
The programme is delivered through open, distance and e-learning modes, making it accessible to working professionals across Kenya. Students engage with online learning materials, virtual lectures, online discussions, practical e-learning development exercises and a capstone project.
Graduates pursue careers as instructional designers, e-learning developers, learning experience designers, educational technology specialists, training coordinators and curriculum developers in educational institutions, corporate training departments, EdTech companies and NGOs. They can also progress to a Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology.
Prospective students should have a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. The programme is suitable for educators, trainers and professionals seeking to strengthen their learning design and educational technology expertise.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 110,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Open, Distance and E-Learning
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 25 students
- Award
- Postgraduate Diploma
What you study
6 subjects- Learning Design Fundamentals and Instructional Design Models
- Educational Technology and E-Learning Development
- Digital Learning Platforms and Multimedia for Learning
- Assessment Design and Learning Analytics
- Curriculum Design for Digital Learning and Universal Design for Learning
- Mobile Learning and Open Educational Resources and Capstone Project
Modules
6 in the programmeLearning Design Fundamentals and Instructional Design Models
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers learning design fundamentals, learning theories, instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM, backward design), needs analysis and learning outcomes design.
Educational Technology and E-Learning Development
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers educational technology, e-learning development, authoring tools, learning management systems, SCORM, content development and e-learning standards.
Digital Learning Platforms and Multimedia for Learning
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers digital learning platforms, LMS administration, multimedia for learning, video production, audio production, graphics and interactive media design.
Assessment Design and Learning Analytics
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers assessment design, formative and summative assessment, online assessment, learning analytics, learning data, data-driven design and learning metrics.
Curriculum Design for Digital Learning and Universal Design for Learning
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers curriculum design for digital learning, digital curriculum development, universal design for learning (UDL), accessibility and inclusive design.
Mobile Learning and Open Educational Resources and Capstone Project
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers mobile learning, m-learning design, open educational resources (OER), OER licensing and a capstone project designing a complete digital learning experience.
Specialisations
Instructional Design
Focuses on instructional design and content development for careers as instructional designers.
E-Learning Development
Specialises in e-learning development and authoring tools for careers as e-learning developers.
Educational Technology
Focuses on EdTech integration and platform management for careers as educational technology specialists.
Mobile and Open Learning
Specialises in mobile learning and OER for careers in open and distance learning.
A day as a student
A typical day involves accessing online learning materials on the OUK platform, participating in virtual lectures on instructional design or educational technology, engaging in online discussion forums, completing e-learning development exercises using authoring tools, and working on the capstone project. Students study at their own pace while meeting semester deadlines.
The trade offs
In its favour
- The programme is offered through open and distance e-learning, making it accessible to working professionals across Kenya.
- Graduates can progress to a Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology.
- Learning design and EdTech skills are increasingly in demand as education and training move online.
Against it
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
- Open and distance learning requires strong self-discipline and time management skills.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 education coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
OUK PGD 110K/yr (ouk.ac.ke). Private: unverified.
Students can access HELB loans for postgraduate study. The Open University of Kenya may offer internal bursaries. Educational institutions may sponsor teachers and trainers pursuing educational technology training.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited postgraduate programmes at recognised institutions
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+
- Alternative entry
- A bachelor's degree from an institution recognised by Senate.
How you are assessed
3 componentsOnline Continuous Assessment
Written examination30% of the mark
Online tests and quizzes covering learning design, instructional design models, educational technology and assessment design.
Practical Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of e-learning development projects, instructional design portfolios, multimedia content creation and discussion forum participation.
Capstone Project
Project40% of the mark
A capstone project designing a complete digital learning experience, assessed through a project portfolio and presentation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at The Open University of Kenya, School of Education.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at The Open University of Kenya, School of Education.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesInstructional Designer
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 250,000
Designs learning experiences, develops instructional materials, applies instructional design models and creates engaging learning content for educational institutions and corporate training.
E-Learning Developer
Moderate demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 230,000
Develops e-learning courses, uses authoring tools, creates interactive content, manages LMS platforms and supports digital learning delivery.
Educational Technology Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 53,000 to Ksh 240,000
Supports educational technology integration, advises on EdTech tools, trains educators on technology use and manages educational technology initiatives.
Training Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 220,000
Coordinates training programmes, designs digital training content, manages training platforms and supports workforce development in corporate and NGO settings.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as instructional designers, e-learning developers, educational technology specialists and training coordinators in educational institutions, corporate training and EdTech companies.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Career Guidance & Labour Market Information CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- School Guidance CounselorEducation17Low exposure
- Motor Vehicle MechanicEducation21Low exposure
- School Counsellor / Guidance TeacherEducation23Low exposure
- AI Safety ResearcherTechnology25Low exposure
- Cyber Security AnalystTechnology26Low exposure
- AI Red TeamerTechnology28Low exposure
- Cybersecurity SpecialistTechnology30Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Moodle
ToolPrimary
Articulate 360
Tool
Adobe Captivate
Tool
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Learning design is just about putting content online.
Learning design involves instructional design principles, learning theories, assessment design, multimedia learning principles, user experience design and learning analytics, not just uploading content.
Educational technology is only for IT specialists.
Learning design and educational technology is for educators, trainers and content developers who design learning experiences, not just IT professionals.
E-learning is inferior to classroom learning.
Well-designed e-learning can be as effective as classroom learning, offering flexibility, personalisation and accessibility while maintaining rigour and quality.
A PGD from an open university is not recognised.
The Open University of Kenya is a public university accredited by CUE, and its qualifications are recognised in Kenya.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.