Programme Structure (for new students in 2027) – all of the following papers are compulsory for new students to the qualification:

LDP6101 Foundations of learning design in dynamic contexts (15 credits)

LDP6102 Designing learning solutions in dynamic contexts (15 credits)

LDP6103 Evaluating learning design in dynamic organisational contexts (15 credits)

LDP6104 Enhancing learning design practice through collaboration (15 credits)

Paper Descriptions

LDP6101 Foundations of learning design in dynamic contexts (15 credits)

This paper develops learners’ foundational understanding of learning design systems, models and frameworks to enable informed analysis and interpretation of learning design requirements within dynamic and evolving adult, tertiary and organisational contexts. Learners will:

• Analyse pedagogical principles and learning design systems, models and frameworks that inform learning design practice.
• Analyse learning design requirements within a dynamic and evolving adult, tertiary or organisational context.
• Analyse relationships, constraints and feedback influences that shape learning design requirements within organisational and technological systems.

LDP6102 Designing learning solutions in dynamic contexts (15 credits)

This paper develops learners’ capability to design pedagogically and culturally appropriate, technology-enhanced learning solutions that meet a specified design brief within a dynamic adult, tertiary or organisational environment. Learners will:

• Design learning solutions that align key concepts, learning outcomes, activities and assessment to meet a specified design brief in an adult, tertiary or organisational context. 
• Design pedagogically and culturally appropriate learning solutions that integrate organisational performance, workflow and equity considerations within dynamic environments. 
• Design technology-enhanced learning solutions that demonstrate professional judgement in dynamic and evolving digital environments.  

LDP6103 Evaluating learning design in dynamic organisational contexts (15 credits)

This paper develops learners’ capability to evaluate factors that influence the implementation and impact of learning design solutions within dynamic adult, tertiary and organisational systems. Learners will:

• Evaluate factors that influence the implementation and effectiveness of learning solutions within an adult, tertiary or organisational context.
• Evaluate organisational, cultural, technological and system-level factors that affect learning performance and sustainability.
• Evaluate risks, ethical considerations and emerging conditions that impact learning goals and outcomes.

LDP6104 Enhancing learning design practice through collaboration (15 credits)

This paper develops learners’ capability to collaborate with stakeholders and technology-enabled systems to enhance the application, quality and sustainability of learning design practice within adult, tertiary and organisational environments.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts, stakeholders and learners to enhance learning design practice within adult and organisational contexts.
• Collaborate to strengthen and refine learning design practice within dynamic organisational systems.
• Collaborate within evolving professional and technology-supported environments to guide responsible, ethical, culturally appropriate and effective learning design practice.

Programme Structure (for current students to complete):

LDP602 Design for learning (20 credits)

LDP603 Evaluation and mentorship in learning design practice (20 credits)

Paper Descriptions

LDP602 Design for learning (20 credits)

Pre-requisite: LDP601 Foundations of learning design 

This paper has a strong emphasis on understanding the tools and technologies of learning design, and uses the planning done in in LDP601 to develop a solid framework for building engaging, interactive learning assets for an adult learning context. There are two assignments (Design Document and a Portfolio of Artefacts) plus discussion activities. 

Topics include: 

• Design for learning – accessibility, UDL, delivery modes 
• Māori pedagogies 
• The NZQA framework and other requirements 
• Programme curriculum - graduate outcomes and graduate profiles 
• Course aims and learning outcomes 
• Designing assessments and marking guides 
• Resource and content writing 
• Storyboarding 
• Learning Management Systems 
• Engaging learners in activities 

LDP603 Evaluation and mentorship in learning design practice (20 credits)

Pre-requisite: LDP602 Design for learning 

This paper covers iterative design, and the role evaluation and feedback play in the learning design process and for ongoing professional learning. It also has a work-based practice component where students mentor/collaborate with a colleague to help develop their (colleague’s) learning design practice. There are two assignments (Evaluation Plan and a Collaborative Design Journal) plus discussion activities. 

Topics include: 

• Models of evaluation and quality assurance 
• Evidence based evaluation and learning design cycles 
• Using feedback to inform practice 
• Building learning relationships 
• Leading professional learning