Master of Science in Educational Technology (EduTech) Saarland University

Advances in digital technology are transforming how learning is designed, implemented, and studied. The Master’s programme in Educational Technology (EduTech) is grounded in established and emerging theories from the Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, Instructional Design, and Computer Science. It integrates these perspectives with empirical research methods to systematically investigate and shape technology-enhanced learning environments. 

The programme addresses key domains such as: 

• Hybrid and online learning environments, from massive open online courses (MOOCs) to micro-learning 
• Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) 
• Digital tools, social media, and open educational resources & practices (OER & OEP) 
• Game-based and embodied learning  
• Mobile and multi-touch learning technologies  

A central component of the programme is the systematic integration of theory-driven instructional design with practical experience. Building on foundational models from Instructional Design and the Learning Sciences, students learn to design, implement, and evaluate technology-enhanced learning environments using research-informed approaches. This includes applying theoretical approaches to real-world design challenges. Internships are a central component of the programme, which may include joining our EduTech Podcast Team, becoming a tutor, doing a research internship, or interning at an EduTech company.  

The programme explicitly welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. It is particularly suited for:

• graduates in psychology, education, or related social sciences who seek to develop technical and analytical competencies for designing digital learning environments  

• graduates in computer science, data science, or related technical disciplines who aim to apply their skills to the design and empirical study of learning processes  

Students from other disciplines with relevant experience and motivation are also encouraged to apply.

The programme is delivered by an interdisciplinary, international research team with expertise across the learning sciences and technological development, ensuring close alignment between research and teaching. 

Completion of the EduTech Master's programme requires 120 credit points (CP) based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The programme includes compulsory and elective courses.

The compulsory modules cover the core subjects of the Master's programme: learning science, design, research methods, and programming.

• EduTech (15 CP)
• Cognition (12 CP)
• *Methods I (5-15 CP) consists of the courses ERM I and ERM II. ERM II is compulsory for all students while ERM I and Programming are compulsory for students without sufficient knowledge from their Bachelor’s degree.
• Practice (8 CP)
• Master's thesis (31 CP)

In addition to the required modules, students have the choice of a wide range of elective modules. 

• Methods II (10 CP)
• Design (12 CP)
• Knowledge Management and Communication (16 CP)
• Human Computer Interaction (12 CP)
• AI Support (15 CP)

LA and Human Computer Systems (16 CP)

*Based on their prior education, students should enrol in either "Programming for EduTech" or "Empirical Research Methods I", and in a few cases, both courses may be needed.

A more detailed description of the modules and courses can be found on our website: https://edutech.uni-saarland.de/.

During the EduTech Master's programme, you can complete an internship as part of the practical module of up to 240 hours. This has to be approved in advance, either by the faculty director of studies or by the examination board. The internship must take place during the lecture period. It can be completed abroad. The host of the internship must issue an (ungraded) certificate as proof of completion of the internship. You need to submit both the certificate and a report on the internship to attain a maximum of eight credit points (one credit point corresponds to 30 hours of internship).

The Department of Educational Technology welcomes applications from German and international candidates with a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Education, Computer Science or related fields with a grade of at least 3.0 (based on the German grading system) and proof of fluency in English (see "Language requirements" below). Bachelor's degrees in other (but still EduTech-relevant) fields may be accepted, provided that there are still vacancies. This depends on the total amount of applicants and varies each year. For applicants of other backgrounds, it is required to have a very good final grade of 1.5 or better.

Applicants must also submit a letter of motivation along with a copy of their CV. Official translations in English or German need to be provided for any document that is not in either of those languages. For more information please consult our official website.

Additional information for international applicants: Further information about the application and enrolment processes as well as special information and advice for non-EU applicants can be found here: https://edutech.uni-saarland.de/studies/apply.

Currently 394.30 EUR per semester (https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/organisation/fees/semester-fee.html)

There are several possibilities to find part-time jobs in Saarbrücken (retail, hospitality, etc.). There are also numerous opportunities to work in fields related to educational technology as a student assistant at the university or in private companies.

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 220 EUR: https://www.stw-saarland.de/wohnen/.

For additional information about accommodation, please check the "Living in Germany" section on our website: https://edutech.uni-saarland.de/studies/enrolling.