MSc Digital Inclusion
Course length:: 2 years part time, block teaching
Course start:: September 2012
January 2012 start:: 9th January 2012
Course leader:: Gill Whitney
Course Location:: Hendon
The new Digital Inclusion Masters is the first of its kind to be offered in Europe. The groundbreaking programme is designed to meet the existing and continuing demand for experts in eInclusion. Digital Inclusion is addressing the needs of older people, and disabled people as well as other socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged groups. The course focuses on social and ethical issues and the technological aspects of ensuring equality of access to ICT and the benefits of using it.
The course will enable you to have the relevant knowledge, personal and professional skills and competencies to design, develop, implement, evaluate and manage a wide range of information and communication technology systems, products and services that adhere to the principles of social inclusion. You will cover the legal and regulatory framework, web accessibility and inclusive design.
The relevance of this course is demonstrated by the increased focus on enabling digital inclusion both in the UK and EU, and the need for a professional workforce. The Council of the European Union in their conclusions on the accessible information society called on stakeholders to: "Provide information, training and support to relevant ICT developers, implementers and deciders in the public, private and non-profit sector." (The 2935th Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting Brussels, 31st March 2009).
This is a part-time course, taught as block release with distance learning. Each module will begin with one week of block classes and continue for the rest of the term by distance learning, supported by electronic communication.
Listen to the course introduction by the Programme Leader and Module Leader
Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.
Find out more about our research.
Modules
Modules
- Year 1
- Accessible Web Design (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- To provide the student with an understanding of the context of web accessibility and digital inclusion including the social and economic issues of the digital divide To equip the student with the theoretical knowledge and current best practice on web accessibility including guidelines, standards compliance To provide the student with an understanding of opportunities and barriers to accessibility in relation to information systems and web-based services within a multi-disciplinary context
- Design for All Regulation, Legislation and Standardisation (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- To develop an understanding of the national, European and International legal and regulatory framework which affect the design of ICT equipment and services. To develop critically informed practical skills in communicating these requirements.
- Digital Inclusion Thesis (60 Credits) - Compulsory
- This project gives the students the opportunity to use a combination of general and specialist knowledge and understanding to apply an existing or emerging technology to the solution of a practical problem. Potential projects will be sourced by the student with the assistance of the module leader and project supervisor. Suitable problems may be obtained from the student s work place or will be provided from third party organisations such as industry, government or user organisations via the Universities links. All projects will relate to real world problems in Digital Inclusion. Or to contribute and extend the theoretical understanding of new and advancing technology and its application to e-Inclusion. The project will give students the opportunity to demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment.
- Fundamentals of Digital Inclusion (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- - To provide the student with a real world understanding of the complex needs of older and disabled people when using ICT and people who use AT. - To provide understanding of the ethical, social, political and economic issues of eInclusion - To provide a sound basis for solving complex problems and undertaking innovative research and design
- Inclusive Design and User Experience (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- To provide a basis for developing the necessary problem solving skills that will lead to creativity and innovation in the development of mainstream ICT systems and services that are accessible and usable.
Attendance
The course is taught as block release with distance learning. Each module will begin with one week of block classes and continue for the rest of the term by distance learning, supported by electronic communication.
- All MSc students take four taught modules, followed by the Digital Inclusion thesis.
- PG Dip students take the four taught modules only.
- PG Certificate students take two modules only.
Download the course specifications.
Fees
The course fee for the MSc Digital Inclusion for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:
UK/EU Students
Part-time students: £63 per taught credit
You would not usually pay more to study part-time than the full-time fee rate. Find out more about how to calculate your part-time course fee.
Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.
International Students
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a minimum of a 2.2 honours degree or an equivalent overseas qualification in a related discipline. Candidates with other relevant qualifications or a minimum of three years work experience will also be considered. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level. Digital Inclusion is an interdisciplinary area and encouragement will be given to students from a range of backgrounds including industry, non-governmental bodies, business, social sciences and disability/rehabilitation.
International entry requirements
We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.
English language requirements
You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 87 (with at least 21 in listening & writing, 22 in speaking and 23 in reading).
Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.
For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.
Application Procedure
How to Apply
Apply now
Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.
Careers
This course is ideal for those who already work in a digital environment, it will enhance their existing skills, enabling them to become Digital Champions in their workplace. It is also ideal for recent Computing graduates who wish to become Digital Inclusion specialists.
Widening access and participation in ICT is becoming an increasingly important area and with the pressure from government to achieve accessibility standards in education, industry, government and commercial organisations, there are many opportunities in the field of design and procurement. Graduates could find roles with digital inclusion units in local councils, as design consultants in large commercial companies or inclusion advisors in charities.

