Postgraduate Coursework
Master of Digital Learning Futures
2021
Advancements and innovations with digital technology are not stopping now! The Master of Digital Learning Futures can help you get ready for the next wave of global transformation. This innovative, industry-relevant program investigates the dynamics of the digital era. What new 'smarts' are on the horizon and what skills are needed to engage effectively within the digital paradigm? How might we learn next? How might we teach?
The Master of Digital Learning Futures is an inter-disciplinary course that probes the possibilities of digital media and how it can optimise learning.
The course is suited to those working or aiming to work in educational settings, creative industries, software development, learning design, e-learning and related fields. Based on a solid foundation of core units, you'll have opportunities for research and internships, as well as the flexibility to choose from electives in new media production skills, web development, programming and systems management.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to a range of roles, including in teaching or as a teaching centre technology officer, instructional designer, education software developer, learning and development specialist or e-learning specialist.
Credit transfers and pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
English Language Requirements for International Students
For detail on English Language Entry Requirements please read the entry requirements provided for International students.
How to Apply
International applicants apply directly to CDU and should refer to the information provided for International future students Apply.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 65% in Academic English 3 with a 65% pass in the research essay. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Course structure
The Master of Digital Learning Futures offers 10 core units, which equip students with research, theory and practice related knowledge and skills. The program also offers a choice of specialist elective sequences including:
- New Media
- New Media Web Development
- Information Technology - Introductory Web Programming
- Information Technology - Systems Management
The program concludes with a research project grounded in a real-world situation, which can be either theory focused or digital resource production based, and linked to an industry-based internship.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (10 units) |
120cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below.
BUS502 Entrepreneurship (replaces PRT503 from 2021) |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) |
40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below.
Note: at least two (2) units must be at 200 level or above. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - WEB DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAMMING Complete the three (3) units below: HIT137 Software Now And one (1) unit from the following: HIT237 Building Interactive Software INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications NEW MEDIA* (please see further information below) IAS114 Introduction to Screen Media (replaces SMP101 from 2020 - recoded from NMD201 2018) NEW MEDIA WEB DEVELOPMENT Select two (2) units from the following: SMP203 Digital Media Design Studio 1 (recoded from NMD203 2018) (no longer available from 2020) And two (2) from the following: HIT164 Computing Fundamentals |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Masters Degree by Coursework AQF Level 9 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
*NEW MEDIA
Students with demonstrated high level competence in video production (camera, lighting, sound, editing, scripting), conventions of non-fiction and fiction forms as well as post production software (Adobe Premier) need not take NMD201.
Students with demonstrated high level competence in motion graphics, visual effects and animation (Adobe After Effects) need not take NMD203.
Students with demonstrated high level competence in design software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator for interactive and print) need not take NMD204.
Students with demonstrated high level competence in sound (location and studio mixing and recording, knowledge of different microphones, pick up patterns, acoustics) and design and editing (Pro-Tools) need not take MUS299.
Students with advanced digital media skills who are ready to apply those skills at a professional level (for client or industry) should be selecting 300-level units.
Students are encouraged to take any 200-level unit that encompasses skills and knowledge not already attained to gain experience with a broad set of digital media applications.
Course Changes - 2021
PRT503 Entrepreneurship for Professionals has been replaced by BUS502 Entrepreneurship from 2021. Students who have completed PRT503 should not also complete BUS502.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DLF511 Hacking the Matrix: Video Fames, Cyber Security and the Digital Paradigm | CO | DLF514 Digital Technologies: Education, Apps and Mobile Devices | CO |
| DLF515 Digital Technologies: Languages, Literacies and Data Literacy | CO | DLF512 Digital Technologies: Aid and Development | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Global Learning | CO | DLF513 Re/making Digital Cultures Through Curricula and Assessment | CO |
| PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability | CO | BUS502 Entrepreneurship (replaces PRT503 from 2021) | CO |
| EMG609 Internship in Global Learning (20cp) (repeatable) | CO | EMG609 Internship in Global Learning (20cp) (repeatable) | CO |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DLF511 Hacking the Matrix: Video Fames, Cyber Security and the Digital Paradigm | CO | ||
| DLF512 Digital Technologies: Aid and Development | CO | ||
| DLF514 Digital Technologies: Education, Apps and Mobile Devices | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| EMG505 Research Methodologies in Global Learning | CO | DLF513 Re/making Digital Cultures Through Curricula and Assessment | CO |
| DLF515 Digital Technologies: Languages, Literacies and Data Literacy | CO | BUS502 Entrepreneurship (replaces PRT503 from 2021) | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | EMG609 Internship in Global Learning (20cp) (repeatable) | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| EMG609 Internship in Global Learning (20cp) (repeatable) | CO | ||
Course fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points (1.0 EFTSL) for commencing students in 2021 is AUD $28,104.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.