Learning and Teaching at HEA 

Build knowledge you can put to work. 

Learning at HEA connects academic knowledge with practical application. Throughout the Master of Information Technology, you develop your understanding, apply it to realistic challenges and produce work that demonstrates your growing capability.  

How You’ll Learn

Each unit is designed to help you build knowledge and learn how to use it. 

Applied Assessment

Assessment with a clear connection to practice 

Assessment at HEA is designed to test your academic knowledge while helping you develop practical, transferable capability. 

Depending on the unit, your assessment may include: 

• Reports and professional recommendations  
• Programming and technical solutions  
• Data analysis and visualisation  
• Dashboards and digital outputs  
• Project plans and presentations  
• Research and evidence-based analysis  
• Individual and collaborative problem-solving  

Where appropriate, these outputs can also contribute to a professional portfolio that demonstrates your developing capability. 

Your Learning Environment 

Structured learning, accessible support 

HEA’s learning environment is designed to give you structure, flexibility and access to support throughout your studies. 

Small-cohort learning 

Learn through guided teaching, practical activities, independent study and collaboration. Small cohorts create more opportunity for discussion, feedback and interaction with academic staff and classmates. 

Flexible blended delivery 

Combine on-campus and online learning, with evening classes designed to help you balance study with work and other commitments. Weekend classes may also be offered based on demand. 

Resources for your studies 

Access the tools and guidance needed to participate successfully in postgraduate study, including: 

• Canvas – unit materials, assessments, announcements and online learning activities  
• Library resources – access to textbooks, eBooks, journals and academic databases  
• Academic skills support – guidance with academic writing, research, critical thinking and presentations  
• Student support – information and assistance to help you navigate study and student life  

Beyond Academic Learning 

Build professional readiness alongside your degree 

The Master of Information Technology develops academic and technical capability through the registered course. Professional Edge runs alongside it as an additional HEA service, helping you build the professional readiness to use that capability in the workplace. 

Through personalised preparation, professional profiling and coaching, Professional Edge helps you develop evidence of what you can do. When you are ready, HEA works with you to arrange placement with employers recruiting for paid, course-relevant roles. Once placed, you are also supported by a workplace mentor. 

Paid roles are subject to student readiness, role availability and employer selection. Professional Edge is an additional HEA service provided alongside the registered course. 

The Thinking Behind Our Approach 

Learning designed to build capability 

HEA’s learning and teaching approach is informed by an Integrated Capability Framework that brings together: 

• Disciplinary capability – the knowledge and technical skills required in your field  
• Professional practice – the ability to apply learning in realistic professional contexts  
• Professional capability – the skills needed to communicate, collaborate and work effectively  

These areas inform how learning and assessment are designed across the course.