Learning Designer (Online)

Role Overview

The Learning Designer at Aberystwyth University will be instrumental in the design, creation, and ongoing improvement of premium online educational offerings delivered through AberOnline. This role involves collaborating closely with academic faculties, professional services, and external experts to implement evidence-based instructional design standards for engaging, inclusive, and academically sound digital learning experiences. The position directly supports the strategic goal of providing top-tier online education consistent with the University’s standards and values, understanding the unique requirements of asynchronous online learners and their continuous professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with university staff to design and update online courses, ensuring alignment among learning outcomes, activities, and assessments.
• Utilize learning design models and online teaching strategies such as active learning, assessment for learning, and scalable student engagement.
• Create and refine digital learning materials using authoring tools like Articulate Rise to deliver well-structured, accessible online content.
• Guide academic staff on best practices for content structure, narrative flow, interaction design, and learner engagement within Articulate Rise.
• Ensure digital content meets accessibility standards and adheres to Universal Design for Learning principles.
• Integrate authored content effectively into the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment.
• Advise on digital pedagogy and the use of educational technologies to enhance online teaching quality.
• Assess new digital tools and methodologies to foster innovation within AberOnline’s offerings.
• Champion inclusive, student-focused learning design approaches across all online programs.
• Maintain academic quality assurance compliance for online modules and programs; contribute to approval, review, and revalidation processes.
• Leverage student feedback and evaluation metrics, including learning analytics where applicable, to continually improve the online curriculum.
• Collaborate with university colleagues in a consultative manner to support course development and professional growth.
• Participate in the development of staff training resources related to online education.
• Engage with AberOnline’s broader team and cross-functional units like quality assurance, accessibility, IT, marketing, and student support to ensure a cohesive learner journey.

Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate degree or relevant professional experience in education, instructional/learning design, or a related discipline.
• Proven background designing online or blended learning environments within higher education.
• Experience collaborating with academic professionals to develop and enhance curricula.
• Comprehensive understanding of online pedagogy, learning design, and assessment strategies suitable for higher education.
• Hands-on expertise with Articulate Rise or similar rapid authoring tools for developing accessible, structured online learning content.
• Familiarity with Virtual Learning Environments, particularly Canvas, for managing and delivering online courses.
• Knowledge of digital accessibility, inclusive education practices, and Universal Design for Learning frameworks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage productively with diverse academic and support teams.
• Strong organizational skills to balance and prioritize multiple demands efficiently.
• Dedication to continuous professional learning and development.
• Basic understanding (Level A0) of oral and written Welsh or awareness of bilingual working practices at the University.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience with fully online degree programs or large-scale online educational delivery.
• Familiarity with UK higher education quality assurance systems.
• Use of learning analytics and evaluation data to inform instructional design improvements.
• Experience collaborating on content development with Articulate 360.
• Welsh language proficiency at Level B1 or above.

Employment Details & Benefits

• Fixed term contract for 2 years.
• Full-time position with a 36.5-hour workweek.
• Support for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid models combining office and remote work.
• Generous leave package: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and designated university closure days.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Enhanced contributions to workplace pension schemes and staff recognition programs.
• Access to free Welsh language courses.
• Relocation bursary offered.
• Entitlement to maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption leave.
• Discounts at campus gym, hospitality, and retail facilities.

Additional Information

The University encourages applications from individuals seeking full-time, part-time, job share, or term-time-only working arrangements. No visa sponsorship is available for this role under the UK Skilled Worker route. Applicants from diverse and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The institution is bilingual and compliance with Welsh Language Standards is maintained, welcoming applications in either Welsh or English.