Abertay Online

Abertay University’s fully online master's degree programmes are delivered asynchronously, with six entry points for students each academic year.

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Abertay Online is the name given to Abertay University’s fully online master's degree programmes which are delivered asynchronously with six entry points for students each academic year. This is known as the carousel model. Modules are seven weeks long and are worth 15 credits, other than the project module that is worth 30 credits and runs for double the duration. Abertay Online is delivered in partnership with Higher Ed Partners (HEP) who are a comprehensive online service provider to universities that enable online delivery of high demand master's degree programmes.

This partnership supports Abertay’s mission of growing our online footprint, it widens access to Abertay degree programmes by delivering selected degree programmes though an online only delivery methodology.

Online higher education is attractive to students as it widens access to degree study and in the international landscape it is more affordable than in-country study.  Abertay remain in full control of all academic matters including faculty appointments, curriculum, assessment, evaluations, teaching and awards. The university retains all the intellectual property created.

Students can choose to study part or full time and have the option to pay per module or for the entire programme.

Enquiries and applications can be made here: www.online.abertay.ac.uk.

Programmes on offer

Abertay Online currently offers three programme streams, MBA, MSc Computer Science and MSc Engineering.

We welcome your suggestions and recommendations for subjects that you would like to see as part of our educational offerings. Please email able@abertay.ac.uk for further information.

The programmes currently on offer are listed below:

MBA

This future-focused MBA degree aims to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, and opportunity to develop strategic leadership and decision-making capabilities in the complex work environment. 

Students will engage with relevant theories and gain exposure to real-world business challenges to boost their long-term career prospects, whilst developing the confidence to effectively participate in and manage teams comprising of diverse and global talent.

MBA with Entrepreneurship

Throughout this MBA with Entrepreneurship degree, students will study the process of new idea creation, leading innovation, and developing new enterprises, either as off-shoots of existing organisations or as standalone entities.

On successful completion of this degree, students will have a well-rounded knowledge of the workings of a business and will be equipped with the skills to make positive change to multiple sectors.

MBA with Project Management

The MBA with Project Management prepares students to progress into leadership roles within project management teams. The skills you’ll learn can be applied to projects across industries, giving you the freedom to apply your learning to any sector.

Alongside project management skills, students will also develop a thorough grounding in the business management discipline through development of knowledge and understanding of strategic leadership in the complex and changing modern work environment.

MBA with Data Analytics

This MBA with Data Analytics programme will give students the skills and knowledge needed to develop your career and progress into senior leadership positions within organisations that have data at the core of their operations.

Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of the benefits of being a data-driven leader and will develop the ability to communicate key findings to stakeholder across a business in a clear and confident manner.

MBA with Cyber Security

This MBA with Cyber Security degree combines skills and knowledge critical to management and leadership, including problem solving and strategic management, with the capacity to understand, identify and help mitigate cyber security risks.

Students will boost their career with exposure to real-world business challenges, as well as the fundamental computing and programming skills sought by today’s employers and learn defensive and offensive cyber security solutions to protect data and information.

MBA with Fintech

The MBA with Fintech degree provides the skills, knowledge and capabilities in strategy, problem-solving, communications and more, needed to excel as a leader in fintech environments.

Students will develop highly sought-after skills specific to banking and finance contexts, learning how to manage and provide innovative solutions to fintech challenges in local and multinational business environments improving students’ employability on the path to leadership.

MSc Computer Science

This MSc Computer Science degree is a modern course, consisting of up-to-date content covering the full spectrum of the computer science discipline to give students a through grounding of networking, databases and web development, whilst introducing students to growing trends in the field such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable technology and smart devices.

Students will delve into both theory and hands on practice, providing the skills to tackle real-world computer science challenges.

MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security

Abertay has extensive experience of delivering cyber security education to master’s students and provide students with a broad range of skills and knowledge in the computer science domain as well as the cyber security specialism.

The MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security will develop a core knowledge in networking, databases and web development, whilst building a specialist understanding of how defensive and offensive techniques can be used to improve resilience to a cyberattack or data breach. Students will explore various threat modelling techniques to understand a system’s weak points, and learn how solutions that bring together technology, people, and policies can be used to improve defences.

MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering

This MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering degree gives students a firm foundation in the field of computer science alongside specialist knowledge of AI. You will build a broad range of skills that will be applicable to technical roles across many sectors.

Students will develop core knowledge on networking, databases, and web development, whilst also developing the ability to utilise AI to improve processes and recognise how businesses and systems can be improved through the application of AI techniques.

MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics

This MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics degree provides students with the core competencies in networking, databases, programming and more needed to work in computer science with a focus on data analytics.

Students will gain important analytical skills and knowledge needed to understand and use data to reveal insights about and develop solutions to improve business activity and operations.

MSc Engineering

This MSc Engineering programme provides the skills to lead and coordinate engineering teams with expertise in project management, facilities management, and effective communications, enabling you to successfully navigate complex engineering projects and drive organisational growth. You will also develop your leadership and interpersonal skills, explore diverse technologies, such as biofuels, and learn how to analyse risk, develop continuity plans and help organisations integrate sustainability into their decision-making.

MSc Engineering with Sustainability

Our MSc Engineering with Sustainability aligns with the needs of the rapidly growing sustainable engineering sector, equipping you with the theoretical and practical knowledge to improve processes, problem-solve and create sustainable solutions within the engineering industry.

It is well suited to professionals from non-engineering background seeking to pivot their careers into the engineering industry. You’ll develop your knowledge in sustainability and renewable energy, assessing the impacts of various renewable energy sources, such as biofuels and biogas production, while maintaining an understanding of their global importance. Furth to learning, you’ll demonstrate your new knowledge by completing a research proposal and project.

MSc Engineering with Construction Management

Construction projects require some of the most detailed planning and effective management to succeed, with carefully considered and well-informed decisions made every step of the way. Our MSc Engineering with Construction Management equips you with the skills and knowledge to be a pillar in this process.

This programme is designed to prepare you for success in engineering environments even if you’re from a non-engineering background. You’ll develop an understanding of engineering, strategy, and management, learning how to navigate the ever-evolving construction landscape and apply Building Information Modelling (BIM) principles to project design. You’ll also undertake advanced study to complete a research proposal and project in a core engineering with construction management topic.

MSc Engineering Management

Our flexible online MSc Engineering Management programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage engineering projects and teams. Designed to suit graduates from non-engineering backgrounds looking to work in the industry, you’ll develop your understanding in engineering, strategy, management, and health and safety.

This degree develops graduates with knowledge of engineering management core concepts and an awareness of developments at the forefront of professional practice in the field. You’ll learn how to work independently and with others to research, design, develop and implement creative engineering solutions to practical industry problems. You will also gain expertise in facility planning, sustainability, risk assessment and how to use energy-saving measures to improve facilities management.

Delivery Model and Module Development

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Delivery Model

Abertay Online provides six module start dates within each academic year, these start approximately every eight weeks. For the university, this model requires multiple modules on each programme running concurrently. This allows students greater flexibility and convenience, providing the opportunity to begin studies at a time that aligns best with their personal circumstances, such as work commitments or family responsibilities.

This flexibility allows students to maintain a better work life balance while pursuing their academic goals. By having multiple start dates enables students to progress at their own pace. Students can choose to take a lighter course load during certain times and then intensify their studies during other periods, depending on their individual capabilities and availability. This flexibility empowers students to customize their learning experience according to their unique needs and preferences. The frequent start dates enhance the accessibility for students who may have missed previous enrolment deadlines or experienced delays in their academic journey. It provides students with additional opportunities to embark on their desired courses without having to wait for a prolonged period.

Abertay Online programmes offer two distinct delivery schedules for students: full time and part time. Each model caters to different needs and preferences allowing students to choose the option that best aligns with their lifestyle and commitments.

For full time students, the programme structure involves taking two modules simultaneously. By engaging intensively with two modules concurrently, full time students can experience a more focused and concentrated learning experience. This accelerated pace allows students to compete their programme in a minimum of one year, providing a faster route to obtaining their academic qualification.

Part time students follow a more flexible approach by taking one module at a time. This model is particularly suitable for individuals who may have work, family or other commitments that require a more balanced schedule. By taking one module at a time, part time students can manage their workload more effectively, ensuring that they can successfully juggle their professional and personal responsibilities alongside their studies. While this approach may take longer, with a minimum completion time of two years, it allows for a more gradual and manageable learning journey.

Our programmes are designed to provide high-quality education, engaging curriculum and comprehensive support to ensure an enriching, and rewarding learning experience.

Students will use Instructure Canvas as their Virtual Learning Environment throughout their studies. This is a popular learning management system used my educational institutions worldwide. It is a robust online platform that provides a range of tools and features to facilitate teaching, learning and collaboration in a digital environment. Canvas serves as a central hub where educators and students can access course materials, engage in interactive activities, submit assignments, participate in discussion, and receive feedback.

Abertay Staff can receive training and support on Instructure Canvas from the Technology Enhanced Learning Support (TELS) Team at Abertay.

Module Development

To successfully deliver the carousel model, we follow a module development cycle. Each module is carefully planned and created by our academic experts in collaboration with Instructional Design Consultants. Academics work closely with Abertay’s Learning Resources and the Technology Enhanced Learning Support team amongst other colleagues. This collaboration ensures that content and resources adhere to accessibility standards, promoting inclusivity and supports learner focused asynchronous design for delivery and assessment.

The Instructional Design Consultant support academics in keeping you the academic to development schedule in time for the submission for external review. They provide pedagogical expertise and will share their expertise to support your design of content that aligns with meaningful asynchronous content supporting student understanding and retention. The Instructional Design Consultants will share their knowledge in designing engaging and interactive learning experiences and assessment specifically tailored to the online environment.

At Abertay, we understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest educational technologies. Our Technology Enhanced Learning Support team is here to ensure that you have the necessary resources and guidance to harness the full potential of tools including Instructure Canvas and Kaltura. With our expertise and personalised approach, we are committed to equipping Abertay staff with the skills to excel in a digital learning environment.

Abertay is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student has equal opportunities to thrive. Our Learning Resources team specialise in enhancing accessibility for educational materials. By working closely with the team, academics can ensure that their content reaches a wider audience, accommodating diverse learning needs.

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