Master

Technology has transformed the way we learn and has opened up new possibilities for students and teachers, by increasing flexibility, personalized learning, collaboration, and accessibility to a wide range of resources. In this context, the Master in Instructional Design for Online Education addresses the impact of educational technology on the teaching and learning process and prepares students to achieve advanced skills in instructional design and curriculum design, online education and online teaching tools, pedagogical innovation, and research.

The programme provides students with a wide breadth of research knowledge and skills in the analysis and comparison of traditional pedagogy, online pedagogy, and instructional design theories and methods. Through the Master, students will be able to critically analyze the main challenges of the use of technology in education by comparing online education methods with traditional pedagogy. They will also develop the research and problem-solving skills needed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of digital technologies in the improvement of students' academic performance. Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to analyse the impact of innovations in pedagogy and technology and to identify the methods and tools needed to develop effective instructional design solutions aimed at improving student outcomes. The entire programme is taught in an online environment, and all of the classes are designed using the most current research on online pedagogies to provide students with effective teaching practices and experience.

Upon completion of the Master’s, graduates will develop the specific knowledge and the research abilities required to:

• Understand the impact of innovations in pedagogy and technology
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of digital technologies in the improvement of students' academic performance
• Describe innovative design practices and technologies and their integration in a variety of learning and educational environments
• Define instructional design models, principles, and best practices
• Identify leadership and collaboration methods for conducting research and educational technology projects
• Describe educational technologies and their relationship with the major learning theories
• List the methods for effective integration of technology into the curriculum
• Identify current and emerging technologies and their relationship with instructional design methods

Instructional Designers play a critical role in developing and improving educational materials and programs to ensure that learners acquire knowledge and skills in the most effective and engaging way. The demand for professionals in this field is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing adoption of digital learning in both academic and corporate settings.

Graduates of the programme can pursue a wide range of roles, including:

• Instructional Designer
• Instructional Technologist
• Training and Development Manager
• Director of Instructional Design Projects
• Learning Consultant
• Training and Development Specialist for Corporate Education

These roles involve the design, implementation, and evaluation of learning experiences, the integration of technology in teaching and training, and the leadership of educational innovation projects.

The master is accredited by MFHEA - Malta Further & Higher Education Authority, with license number 2023-05. Moreover the master is recognized and approved by KYASAT, the competent authority of the Republic of Cyprus for the recognition of higher education qualifications. KYSATS is a member of the NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centres), ENIC (European Network of National Information Centres on academic recognition and mobility) and MERIC (Mediterranean Recognition Information Centres) networks.

Our online education model gives you the freedom to complete classes on your schedule and create a learning experience that fits your needs, with access to faculty and advisors who will support you throughout the master.

All the modules will be taught online through an interactive Virtual Learning Environment where you can access synchronous and asynchronous lectures and project based and lab activities. Live interactive sessions and webinars will be organised by the professor to deepen relevant topics, present case studies and organise practical activities. The module also includes different discussion forums that allows students to create and process information, practise critical thinking and collaborate and interact simultaneously or asynchronously in the online learning environment.

Customised assistance by faculty and academic advisors will be provided to the students throughout the academic journey to improve academic success and results.

The master's degree is designed for professionals and teachers aged 31 to 65 who are looking to upskill, reskill, or specialise in education, online teaching and instructional design.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Teachers and professors wishing to specialise in instructional design, online curriculum development, and research
• Education professionals aiming to develop advanced competencies as online education directors and instructional designers
• Teachers and education experts seeking to integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum, design online study programmes, and work professionally in instructional design
• Instructional designers and L&D specialists who want to advance their careers by earning a master's degree and an MQF Level 7 qualification

Fall: September 24th, 2025 - October 24th, 2025

Spring: January 26th, 2026

To begin the application process, please submit the application form along with all required documents. Your application will be evaluated by the Admissions Office and the Master's Committee, and you will be informed of the outcome by email.

As part of the admissions process, an interview with each applicant will be scheduled by the Admissions Officer.

15% and 20% scholarships are available for EU and international students, as well as for professionals in the IT sector. To apply for these scholarships, eligible candidates must submit their application for the Master and indicate their interest in the scholarship during the application process. Additional documentation, such as proof of professional experience (for the Professional Experience Scholarship) or proof of citizenship (for the EU Scholarship), may be required.