Learning Designer; Online

The Learning Designer will play a key role in the design, development, and continuous enhancement of high-quality online programmes delivered through Aber Online, Aberystwyth University’s online learning provision.

As a key member of Aber Online, the role holder will work in close partnership with academic colleagues, professional services, and external specialists; the postholder will apply evidence-informed learning design principles to create engaging, inclusive, and academically rigorous digital learning experiences. The role will contribute directly to Aber Online’s strategic aim to deliver high-quality online education aligned with the University’s academic standards and values.

You will understand the needs of online learners and the need for online learners to continue their learning and continuous professional development in an asynchronous, fully online environment.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr. Callum Smith, Head of Aber Online.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

• Collaborate with University staff to design and redevelop online modules and programmes, ensuring constructive alignment between learning outcomes, learning activities, and assessment.
• Apply appropriate learning design frameworks and online pedagogical approaches, including active learning, assessment for learning, and student engagement at scale.

• Design, build, and enhance digital learning content using appropriate authoring tools, including Articulate Rise, to support high-quality, structured online learning.
• Advise academic staff on effective use of Articulate Rise, including content structuring, narrative flow, interaction design, and learner engagement.
• Ensure that content produced using Articulate Rise is accessible, responsive, and aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
• Work with the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas, to integrate authored content effectively into module delivery.

• Provide expert advice on digital pedagogy and the effective use of learning technologies to enhance online learning and teaching.
• Evaluate emerging tools, approaches, and practices in online education, contributing to innovation within Aber Online where appropriate.
• Promote inclusive, student-centred approaches to learning design across all Aber Online provision.

• Ensure that online modules and programmes meet Aberystwyth University’s academic quality standards, internal policies, and relevant external benchmarks.
• Contribute learning-design expertise to module and programme approval, review, and revalidation processes.
• Use student feedback, evaluation data, and (where appropriate) learning analytics to inform continuous enhancement of online provision.

• Work collaboratively with university colleagues, adopting a consultative and partnership-based approach to course development.

• Contribute to staff development activities, guidance materials, and resources related to online learning and teaching

• Work as part of the wider Aber Online team, including academic leads, project management, learning content specialists, and external partners.
• Contribute to project planning, development timelines, and delivery milestones for online programme development.
• Liaise effectively with central professional services (e.g. quality assurance, accessibility, IT, marketing, and student journey) to support a coherent learner experience.