Learning Designer (Online) in Aberystwyth

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. Cds11@aber. ac. uk

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

What you’ll do

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.

• Learning Design & Curriculum Development
• 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.
• Digital Content Development & Educational Technologies
• 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.
• Digital Pedagogy & Innovation
• 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.
• Quality Assurance & Enhancement
• 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.
• Academic & Professional Support
• 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
• Collaboration & Project Working
• 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.
• Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

• A postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience in education, learning design, instructional design, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience of designing online and/or blended learning in a higher education context.
• Experience working collaboratively with academic staff to support curriculum development and enhancement.
• Strong understanding of online pedagogy, learning design principles, and assessment design for higher education.
• Practical experience of using Articulate Rise (or comparable rapid authoring tools) to develop structured, accessible online learning content.
• Experience working with a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support and deliver online modules.
• Knowledge of accessibility, inclusive learning, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in digital education.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across academic and professional teams.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet agreed deadlines.
• Commitment to own professional development.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A0 or an ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

• Experience supporting fully online degree programmes or large-scale online provision.
• Familiarity with UK higher education quality assurance processes.
• Experience using learning analytics or evaluation data to inform learning design decisions.
• Experience working with Articulate 360 in a collaborative development environment.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B1

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at: https://www. aber. ac. uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs. aber. ac. uk.

You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid Working
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.
• Please keep reading

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity.

Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home-based work, subject to service needs and manager approval.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities.

You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.

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