Masters degrees in Information Services consider the management and use of different information materials, ranging from data in digital databases to physical books and records in libraries and collections.
Degrees in this discipline can be quite theoretical, exploring new systems for efficient information storage and retrieval. Others have clear professional and vocational applications in areas such as public heritage and record-keeping, data security and legal compliance.
Courses can be taught or research Masters. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) qualifications are also available.
Change happens fast in information management. As a professional, you need to keep up with new technologies and approaches if you want to provide great services. That’s what we’re here for.
Our new CILIP-accredited MA helps you develop the skills you need to move your career forward. It’s also a unique opportunity to share your experience with fellow professionals. We offer modules that focus on leadership and on your own personal and professional development.
This course is designed to suit busy professionals. It’s taught completely online so you can fit it around your other commitments. And you can study from anywhere in the world.
Effective use of information improves the world and makes a positive difference to our lives. It is also central to economic development. The rapid pace of technological change and the globalisation of markets means that organisations in all sectors must realise the value of information systems.
The world needs graduates who are information literate.
Our graduates work for all kinds of organisations, in the public and private sectors. Employers include:
Adidas; BBC; British Red Cross; Cambridge University; The Department of Health; Ernst and Young; GCHQ; Goldman Sachs; Hewlett-Packard CDS; House of Commons Library; Imperial College London; IBM; Kings College London; NHS; Pepsico; Pricewaterhouse Coopers; Stanford University
If you’re already an experienced professional, you can develop new skills and advance your career with one of our Professional Enhancement Programmes.
Our courses are research-led, which means you’ll learn about the latest concepts from academics who work with organisations to drive developments in this field. Alongside the theory and technical skills, you’ll develop some valuable attributes including effective communication, application of research methods and creative problem solving.
All our courses (except our distance learning courses) include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratory classes, group work, online discussion, case studies and lectures by visiting speakers. Our MA Librarianship course also includes visits to library and information service organisations. You’ll be assessed using a wide variety of methods including essays, reports, small projects, in-class tests, presentations, posters, group work and a research-based dissertation.
Our dedicated departmental teaching suite contains two networked laboratories with 60 computers and a 30-seat lecture room. Our state of the art iLab includes a Usability Lab and Digital Media Lab designed to collect research data into human–computer interaction.
The iSpace is an open plan, social learning area for students. It has display facilities, open-access PCs and bookable partitioned group work areas. There is Wi-Fi coverage throughout the department, and you can connect your own laptop to our network. Mobile devices and tables are available for you to borrow for project work.
We’re right in the middle of the campus and close to the Information Commons and the new Diamond building so you’ll be able to access the University’s many resources.
Part-time students normally take one or two taught module in each semester, depending upon whether the course is taken over three or two years. In the final year you’ll also take a dissertation module. For most modules, you’ll usually need to come in for three to four hours per week.
You'll receive the highest quality teaching from one of the leading information science schools in the UK. You'll also receive unmatched professional engagement via our partnership with one of the largest cultural consortiums in Europe.
It's the only course in the UK that in semester 1 or 2 will provide a weekly, one-day placement in a Central Scotland library and information service. Current partners include Glasgow Life, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scottish Enterprise, the BBC, and the Scottish Government. You'll be exposed to the latest developments in library and information practice to learn in practice alongside the theory you learn in lectures and labs. You'll also receive guest lectures from leading library professionals, and the option to undertake your MSc thesis research in the professional context.
We're a member of the iSchools group, a partnership of the world's leading information schools, and our courses are professionally accredited by CILIP, incorporating international reciprocal agreements.
We're members of the two national Doctoral Training Consortiums, the Scottish Graduate School for the Arts and Humanities and the Scottish Graduate School for Social Sciences.
Our staff are regular contributors to the leading international Information Science Index (ISI) ranked library and information science journals.
We have been a leading school of library and information science teaching and research for 70 years.
Working across a vast spectrum of information resources, spanning special collections and digital services, you'll learn up-to-date theory and practice in:
You'll also be provided with a thorough understanding of the various information and library sectors, including public, academic, law, health, and government libraries through a range of leading guest speakers drawn from the wider profession.
Compulsory classes
Dissertation
This is an individual research project of up to 20,000 words on an approved topic. It allows you to pursue an area of specific interest, providing scope for original thought, research and presentation.
Our Masters students are provided with real-world practical experience via a first or second-semester placement with one of our placement partners, which include public, university, and special libraries in Central Scotland. Partners currently include Glasgow Life, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scottish Enterprise, the BBC, and the Scottish Government
Our postgraduate courses are internationally recognised, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP), incorporating international reciprocal agreements with other professional bodies, including:
CILIP accreditation also allows graduates the eligibility to become Chartered members of the body after following an approved professional development programme.
Our faculty are engaged with the work of professional bodies and are closely linked with the profession generally in terms of cutting edge research with professional partners. Departmental staff regularly present at professional conference worldwide, including:
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories. Dissertation is by supervision.
Coursework assignments involve:
For the award of the MSc, you’ll be required to complete an individual project under supervision. This should contain an element of original research.
Graduates of our MSc Information & Library Studies have a wide range of career options open to them, spanning across a range of sectors, including public, academic, school and health libraries, as well as government information services, law libraries, media libraries and corporate information services. Our graduates have professional careers in a range of roles including:
This course is for students with a first degree or equivalent in any discipline, who would like to start or develop a career working with digital technologies and media to manage information resources, systems and services. The course is also ideal for professionals wishing to update their knowledge and skills within the information sector.
Information Science is a broad, interdisciplinary field, which is relevant and applicable to all disciplines. Information Scientists may work in any organisation that collects and processes information of any kind. Whilst it has its origins in the handling of the scientific and technical literature, today the subject appeals to those who enjoy working with information resources of all kinds, and who have an aptitude for the technological systems and processes related to information storage, preservation, discovery and access.
City's Information Science course is approved by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). CILIP accredited courses are recognised by the American Library Association (ALA) and The Australian Library and Information Association, which means that our graduates are qualified to apply for posts requiring professional level qualifications in these countries.
The teaching and learning methods we use are designed to allow your specialist knowledge and autonomy to develop as you progress through the course.
Teaching at CityLIS takes place on Mondays and Fridays, during each of the two, 10 week teaching terms. Full-time students attend on both days. Part-time students attend on Mondays in year one, and Fridays in year two. Classes may be scheduled anytime between 09.00 and 18.00, although we usually try to work between 10.00 and 17.00.
Taught modules are usually delivered through a series of 30 hours of lectures. Lectures are normally used to:
City's online learning environment, Moodle, contains resources to support face-to-face lectures, including lecture notes, further reading, web-based media resources and an interactive discussion forum.
In addition to lectures, you will have the opportunity to attend course-related workshops and seminars. You also will have access to a personal tutor, an academic member of staff from whom you can gain learning support throughout your degree.
We expect you to study independently and complete coursework for each module. This will amount to approximately 120 hours of study per module, in addition to class attendance. Each of the modules run by CityLIS is assessed through coursework, where you will need to answer a variety of assignments to show that you are able to apply your theoretical learning to practical situations. Elective modules may be assessed by examination.
On successful completion of the course's eight taught modules, you will undertake your dissertation. This is an original piece of research conducted with academic supervision, but largely independently. The dissertation allows you to demonstrate your ability to think and work independently, to be aware of and to comprehend current issues within the discipline and practice, to initiate ways of investigating and solving current problems or questions, and to deliver results, solutions and recommendations on time.
The individual project is a substantial task. It is your opportunity to develop a research-related topic under the supervision of an academic member of staff. This is where you can apply what you have learnt to a real-world problem or to develop further, contemporary conceptual theory in information science.
Communication and networking are an integral part of our Information Science masters course, and in preparation for professional practice, you will be expected to engage with blogs, Twitter and other relevant communications media as part of your studies. Face-to-face participation in student and new professional forums including research seminars, workshops and conferences is actively promoted. You will be encouraged to present your work (assignments, dissertation) to the wider LIS community for discussion and development.
The MSc in Information Science is offered as a one year full-time course, or two year part-time course.
You can expect to study for approximately 40 hours per week full-time, and 20 hours per week part-time. The actual time required will vary according to the individual, and with existing experience and prior study.
The course comprises seven core modules and one elective module. These taught modules run during the first and second terms, whilst the third, summer term is reserved for the dissertation. While we aim to run all of our advertised electives, we reserve the right to cancel an elective should this be necessary. For example, if very few students choose it. Some electives are offered by other departments, who may need to restrict access to very popular electives (though this has not happened in recent years). Please note that as some electives run on different days, students who can only attend on one day per week may be restricted in their choice of elective module.
Each of the modules counts for 15 credits, and requires approximately 150 hours work, of which 30 hours are face-to-face instruction (this may be as lectures, seminars, group work, discussion, practical work), and 120 hours are self-directed study.
On successful completion of 8 taught modules, you can progress to the dissertation. The dissertation is worth 60 credits, and takes around 400 hours. This is an original piece of research conducted with academic supervision, but largely independently.
The goal of library and information science is to enable access to, use of, and consequent understanding of information. To do this, the discipline is concerned with the processes of the information communication chain: the creation, dissemination, management, organisation, preservation, analysis and use of information, instantiated as documents.
The MSc in Information Science covers:
This course has multiple study modes and will develop your critical, analytical thinking and practice oriented skills. It has been designed to replicate the environment found in the workplace by bringing together a mixture of theoretical and practical teaching methods.
You will explore the value of information to societies, how it is effectively organised, structured, managed and disseminated and the variety of sources and services.
Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to hear from industry professionals and practice your skills within real-life scenarios
You will learn a variety of research methods and techniques and you will be equipped with a broad range of managerial, professional and technological knowledge and skills.
Ranked 2nd in Librarianship and Information Management
The Complete University Guide 2018.
STAGE 1
You will develop the knowledge and skills to be able to perform professional tasks involved in information enquiry and reference work. You will gain an understanding of techniques of representation and organisation of recorded knowledge, cataloguing and classification
STAGE 2
You will develop the capabilities of performing professional tasks in the management of modern library and information services within an information environment centre or library. You will be able to identify and conduct independent topical investigations and critically reflect (via a fieldwork placement) on relevant work related skills.
STAGE 3
You will design and execute research and conduct a project of professional concern in the field of information and library studies. You will be able to analyse the results of such investigations and apply your communication and presentation skills at an advanced level.
On Campus
You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshop sessions which compromise of a mix of group study, computer-based learning activities, case studies and presentations.
Part Time On Campus
Our part-time delivery mode combines aspects of distance learning and on-campus delivery. You will benefit from the support of our online virtual learning environment, Campus Moodle but also face-to-face interaction with tutors and classmates.
ODL
You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, Campus Moodle which provides you with lectures and course materials and allows you to study from any location. You will participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting.
All modes of study will have access to ProQuest® Graduate Education Program online databases for training in online information retrieval.
ACTIVITY SUMMARY
INDEPENDENT STUDY
The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 15 hours per week in the ODL mode of study working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for group activities and researching and writing course reports.
ASSESSMENT
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
If studying on campus will have the opportunity to undertake a 4 week unpaid fieldwork placement in Semester 2 of Year 2. You will have access to our Placement Office, who will support you in sourcing and validating a suitable placement position.
If you are studying via ODL, internal or external virtual placement projects, which can be undertaken remotely, can be organised for students.
If you are already employed in the sector, you can carry out the placement within your organisation to allow you to critically examine other day-to-day working activities and identify different functions in the service relevant to your course of study.
Past students have completed their placement at the National Library of Scotland, Dublin City Libraries, The National Art Library at the V&A and the MCC Cricket Library at Lords.
The information industry continues to expand, providing a wide range of opportunities for graduates equipped with a broad range of managerial, professional and technological knowledge and skills. This course prepares you to work in or enhance your career in all aspects of the information sector. There are many opportunities arising from developments in networking and multimedia information services within commercial and educational establishments. Our graduates now work in all parts of the sector, ranging from traditional librarianship to information management and research.
Roles held by our graduates include Knowledge Manager, Acquisitions Librarian, Curate of Church of England, Information Assistant (within the Health sector), Development Officer with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and Programme Assistant (UN International Criminal Tribunals).
Please visit the website to find out how to apply.
This online course is designed to provide you with a well-rounded and balanced introduction to all aspects of information work including sources and services, information retrieval and information dissemination. The course is suitable if you have no prior experience of the subject or are currently working within the sector and are seeking to enhance your knowledge and skills.
The course has been developed in close consultation from practitioners and professional bodies and our continued strong relationships with industry ensure it is continuously evolving in line with industry demand. It has a practice-based approach, replicating workplace challenges in many of the taught modules. You will develop problem-solving, learning and research skills that are necessary for employment in this sector, as well as developing transferable skills in information and communications technologies, project management, communication skills and team working.
Ranked 2nd in Librarianship and Information Management
The Complete University Guide 2018
STAGE 1
You will develop the knowledge and skills to be able to manage information, knowledge systems and services, execute search strategies, evaluate information governance issues (both legal and ethical) and methods of knowledge and information organisation and create and implement effective and compliant records management policies.
STAGE 2
You will learn to design and implement database solutions, evaluate recent technologies and create practical strategies for information dissemination. You will be able to identify and conduct independent investigations of a topic of interest relating to the information profession.
STAGE 3
You will design, execute and critically evaluate a research or development project of relevance to the field of information and knowledge management. This will normally form the basis for the Masters level dissertation. You will work independently but under tutorial supervision, to undertake the research and prepare the dissertation.
ACTIVITY SUMMARY
This is an online course taught through CampusMoodle, the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers you flexibility of where and when you can study.
CampusMoodle provides you with full open access to tutors and other class members. You will have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting.
The interactive virtual learning environment provides you with lecture and course materials including:
You will also have access to ProQuest® Graduate Education Program online databases for training in online information retrieval.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 15 hours per week working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for group activities and researching and writing course reports.
STAFF DELIVERING ON THIS COURSE
This course is taught by the academic staff within Information Management who have significant teaching and professional industry experience. They will recreate the same challenging interactive format of the on-campus courses while you study at a distance. Staff are actively engaged in research and scholarly activities which ensures the course is relevant and you are prepared for professional practice in contemporary issues.
Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
ASSESSMENT
Typically students are assessed:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You will have the opportunity to undertake a 4 week unpaid fieldwork placement at the end of Year 2. You will have access to our Placement Office, who will support you remotely in sourcing and validating a suitable placement position.
If you are already employed in the sector, you can carry out the placement within your organisation to allow you to critically examine the day-to-day workings and identify the different functions in the service relevant to your course of study.
Alternatively (internal or external) virtual placement projects, which can be undertaken remotely can be organised for students.
Information Services is found in every type of organisation in the public and private sectors and continues to offer a number of graduate opportunities. On completion of this course, you will be prepared for a career as an information professional and have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of organisational, consultancy and research roles which also demand expertise in information and knowledge management. Example organisations include libraries, charities, health boards, police services, media services, the arts and oil and gas companies.
Recent graduates have gone on to take up specialist roles such as Risk Intelligence Analyst, Document Controller, Information Manager, Freedom of Information Support Analyst and Data Analyst.
Please visit the website to find out how to apply.
This MRes is aimed at those wishing to broaden or deepen understanding of aspects of the information world at postgraduate level, or to prepare for doctoral studies. It is also aimed at mid-career information and cultural professionals who wish to develop their leadership, management and professional skills.
This is a flexible programme of study combining information disciplines, information technology, leadership, management and professional skills. The programme is tailored to individual needs, closely related to students' current or future employment or research goals. Through research skills classes and a substantial research project, students develop skills for further study and career development.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (120 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students select in conjunction with their Director of Studies, four modules from the range of postgraduate programmes offered by the Department of Information Studies. Typically, the selection is made across the following areas:
The full range of postgraduate modules is available on the UCL Information Studies website. On occasion it may be appropriate for students to take modules offered by another UCL department also.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project in an applied or theoretical area of information work, which culminates in a dissertation of 25,000 words.
Teaching and learning
Taught modules are delivered through lectures, seminars, groupwork and practicals. Research skills are developed through classes within the department and students are encouraged to take courses run by UCL Doctoral School. Assessment is through a mixture of essays, reports, examination and practical assignments and by the dissertation and viva voce.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Information Studies MRes
The programme provides an ideal foundation for further doctoral research, as a preparation for an MPhil or PhD, and enables career development of information professionals into senior and managerial roles.
Places of employment or further study of recent students include:
UCL Information Studies is unique in the UK with programmes spanning archives, records management, information studies and systems, digital humanities and publishing. Students have unparalleled opportunities for cross-domain engagement and the opportunity to work with other departments at UCL.
Students benefit from UCL's central London location, and many premier information and cultural institutions are within easy reach. Staff are experts in their field and closely involved with the professional bodies and companies, supporting students in building contacts and widening experience.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Information Studies
68% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Delivered by one of the leading information science schools in the UK, this is the only dual-recognised information management degree providing graduates with direct entry to two internationally-affiliated professional bodies.
Delivered by one of the leading information science schools in the UK, this is the only dual-recognised information management degree providing graduates with direct entry to two internationally-affiliated professional bodies.
Core subjects include:
In the era of big data, our professional graduates are driving the information society and digital economy as leaders, innovators, and managers in the areas of business, data, and technology.
The course has been developed in close consultation with industry practitioners and professional bodies and is for students who are new to the subject as well as those who looking to enhance their existing levels of knowledge and gain a professional qualification. It also offers the opportunity to undertake an MSc with placement where you'll have the opportunity to work within an organisation to get hands-on practical experience.
This course is delivered by the Department of Computer & Information Sciences. The department is an iSchool member, a partnership of the world's leading information science departments. Our staff are regular contributors to the leading international Information Science Index (ISI) ranked library and information science journals, and are directly engaged in professional practice.
Spanning computer and information sciences, business, and management science, this programme will provide you with the professional skills and knowledge to successfully:
When you graduate, you'll have gained:
You'll also develop other valuable transferable skills including effective presentation and writing research reports, which will further enhance your skills as an information leader.
Compulsory classes
Students take the following compulsory classes:
Dissertation
This is an individual research project on an approved topic. It allows you to pursue an area of specific interest, providing scope for original thought, research and presentation.
Information Management (MSc) is professionally accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and further recognised by the Chartered Management Institute.
Graduates are entitled to become associate members of CILIP and are eligible for chartership leading to the award of MCLIP. Graduates are also entitled to associate membership of CMI (ACMI) and can progress to Member grade (MCMI) and finally Chartered manager.
The Department of Computer & Information Sciences is based on levels 11 to 14 of the Livingstone Tower. We have a large quiet study zone and a large social zone for working on group activities.
There are three large computer laboratories within the department, each containing state-of-the-art equipment with over 175 dual boot Windows and Linux machines available. Each lab machine is equipped with up-to-date software.
All departmental machines are linked by a high-speed local area network and operate under a single network file system so you can access your files from any of our machines. High-speed wireless access is also available throughout the department.
The University has a large modern library which contains all of the materials that you need for your course. Many of the books are also available online electronically meaning they are available to all students at all times.
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories. Dissertation is by supervision.
Coursework assignments involve:
For the award of the MSc, you’ll be required to complete an individual project under supervision. This should contain an element of original research.
Our highly skilled graduates are employed in a variety of roles across a wide range of industries. Among these roles are:
Previous employers of our graduates include:
Strathclyde University provides a range of professional development services, including career support services introduced during induction and offered throughout the period of study and even after graduation, to help our students achieve their career ambitions. The Department of Computer & Information Sciences has one of the highest rates for Graduate Prospects in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2016).
With the profusion of data and the rapid emergence of new technologies in today's digital world, effective management of information systems is vital to any successful organisation.
Get a valuable specialist qualification that builds on your IT knowledge and experience. Victoria's MIM is New Zealand’s premier Master’s qualification designed for IT professionals like you who want to move into senior management roles. Courses are based on leading-edge research and in-depth case analysis to give you fresh insights into modern information management.
Take advantage of the MIM's flexible learning options to focus on your personal career aspirations.
Gain the analytical, communication and decision-making skills essential to build a successful career in information management. You'll develop your managerial abilities and learn to use research-based frameworks and tools to help you understand, diagnose and solve real-world information problems. Gain skills that are now in high demand worldwide—in government, business and in not-for-profit organisations.
You'll study Information Management at Victoria's Pipitea campus in Wellington's CBD. Students attend dual-venue seminars that combine face-to-face discussions and video-conferencing via live streaming.
Study at the School of Information Management full time or part time. Your classes will be after normal working hours so you can study part time and continue working if you wish.
You can opt for a shorter postgraduate Information Management qualification by doing the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. These are valuable courses in themselves, or you can use them as stepping stones towards the Master's degree.
Your MIM will provide you with a broad understanding of information management and encourage personal development and exploration. Your studies will include:
The Diploma programme requires you do the two core courses and six more courses of your choice, and Certificate students do the two core courses and choose a further two.
Learn on-campus in the evenings through lectures and class seminars, tackling projects and assignments based on real-life problems and situations.
You'll attend lectures and class seminars tailored to students used to working in a business environment. Learn alongside and share experiences with other mid-career professionals who come from a variety of technical and business backgrounds.
If you are studying full-time you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students should expect to do around 10–12 hours per course per week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working full-time.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.
The MIM can be completed in two to four years part-time, or in 16 months of full-time study.
All classes are held on weekday evenings so students working full-time can attend.
Postgraduate study at Victoria will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues.
You'll have opportunities to attend MIM events, workshops and social functions as well as general postgraduate student seminars such as the Student Learning Postgraduate Research Skills sessions. As a postgraduate student you'll also have access to a computer lab at the School.
Get prepared for promotion to a higher-level management position like chief information officer, chief technology officer, chief digital officer or other senior roles in the management of information services and information systems. Or you might use your knowledge to create your own online startup.
Graduates with Master’s degrees in management and information technology are in high demand and are among New Zealand’s highest earners five years after the completion of their degrees.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you on campus.
Qatar has a bold vision to become a knowledge society. It is also committed to developing a world-class Qatar National Library (QNL) which will bridge with knowledge Qatar's heritage and future. This ground-breaking MA aims to nurture a world-class cadre of library professionals and train the future leaders of the sector.
The programme provides students with an awareness of current issues and trends in library and information work. It fosters understanding of the processes by which information is produced, disseminated, controlled and recorded, and equips students with practical skills for the identification, location, management and organisation of information.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is also offered. Students complete all modules except the dissertation.
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose two modules from the following:
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, private reading, seminars, practical classes, small group work, group project work, computer laboratory sessions, essay writing, and independent research. Except for short courses, all programmes are delivered in afternoon sessions. Students can access and use the virtual learning environment (Moodle) at UCL, which provides the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of UCL staff both in London and Qatar. Intensive short courses will also be delivered by visiting staff from UCL Information Studies (London). Assessment takes a variety of forms including: essays, portfolios, prepared practical work, individual and group project work, report writing, policy writing, presentations, peer assessment and the dissertation. There is also a written examination, attached to the professional awareness module, and accounting for 50% of the marks.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Library and Information Studies (UCL Qatar) MA
Graduates will be equipped to work in a wide network of settings including school libraries, libraries based in government ministries, and many more libraries in institutions such as museums and societies, and countless business libraries and archives.
The MA in Library and Information Studies at UCL Qatar has become the first degree programme of its kind in the region to be formally accredited by CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. The MA in Library and Information Studies is identical to the programme offered by UCL Information Studies in London – the UK’s largest facility for the teaching of library and information studies.
Students have the opportunity to network with leading library professionals from Qatar and the region and will undertake a placement in a local or international library.
Qatar is investing heavily in libraries, infrastructure and capacity building. This is an exceptionally exciting period for students and professionals who are looking to develop their career in the region.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Delivered by the top information science school in Scotland and top three in the UK, this is the only dual-recognised information management degree providing graduates with direct entry to two internationally-affiliated professional bodies.
Core subjects include:
In the era of big data, our professional graduates are driving the information society and digital economy as leaders, innovators, and managers in the areas of business, data, and technology.
The course has been developed in close consultation with industry practitioners and professional bodies and is for students who are new to the subject as well as those who looking to enhance their existing levels of knowledge and gain a professional qualification. It also offers the opportunity to undertake an MSc with placement where you'll have the opportunity to work within an organisation to get hands-on practical experience.
This course is delivered by the Department of Computer & Information Sciences. The department is an iSchool member, a partnership of the world's leading information science departments. Our staff are regular contributors to the leading international Information Science Index (ISI) ranked library and information science journals, and are directly engaged in professional practice.
Spanning computer and information sciences, business, and management science, this programme will provide you with the professional skills and knowledge to successfully:
When you graduate, you'll have gained:
You'll also develop other valuable transferable skills including effective presentation and writing research reports, which will further enhance your skills as an information leader.
Compulsory classes
Students take the following compulsory classes:
Dissertation
This is an individual research project on an approved topic. It allows you to pursue an area of specific interest, providing scope for original thought, research and presentation.
Information Management (MSc) is professionally accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and further recognised by the Chartered Management Institute.
Graduates are entitled to become associate members of CILIP and are eligible for chartership leading to the award of MCLIP. Graduates are also entitled to associate membership of CMI (ACMI) and can progress to Member grade (MCMI) and finally Chartered manager.
As part of your professional development you have the chance to work alongside professionals and put your skills into practice, getting hands-on practical experience. With the guidance and support of the course director, and drawing on the University's extensive network of industrial partners where appropriate you'll be responsible for securing and organising your industrial placement.
Throughout the academic year, you'll meet potential placement partners through invited lectures and other events.
The Department of Computer & Information Sciences is based on levels 11 to 14 of the Livingstone Tower. We have a large quiet study zone and a large social zone for working on group activities.
There are three large computer laboratories within the department, each containing state-of-the-art equipment with over 175 dual boot Windows and Linux machines available. Each lab machine is equipped with up-to-date software.
All departmental machines are linked by a high-speed local area network and operate under a single network file system so you can access your files from any of our machines. High-speed wireless access is also available throughout the department.
The University has a large modern library which contains all of the materials that you need for your course. Many of the books are also available online electronically meaning they are available to all students at all times.
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories. Dissertation is by supervision.
Coursework assignments involve:
For the award of the MSc, you’ll be required to complete an individual project under supervision. This should contain an element of original research.
Our highly skilled graduates are employed in a variety of roles across a wide range of industries. Among these roles are:
Previous employers of our graduates include:
Strathclyde University provides a range of professional development services, including career support services introduced during induction and offered throughout the period of study and even after graduation, to help our students achieve their career ambitions. The Department of Computer & Information Sciences has one of the highest rates for Graduate Prospects in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2016).
Become an expert in managing information in a world driven by big data. Government departments, businesses, libraries, museums and archives all need people who can identify relevant information, retrieve it, organise it and make sure people can access it.
Get the professional skills you need to understand and manage information in today's fast-changing world. Learn about information storage and retrieval, while gaining skills in management and communication, information technology and research methods.
You'll gain a thorough, technology-focused and research-based education in information organisation, oriented to the needs of New Zealand information professionals.
You can study online from anywhere in New Zealand. Some courses are also available on campus in Wellington and Auckland.
Study full time and complete your Master's in two years, or study part time over three or four years so you can continue working.
You can choose to specialise in either Library Science (LIBS) or in Archives and Records Management (ARCR) and this will be stated on your qualification. You don't have to specialise, or you can choose to specialise in both areas, which will take a little longer.
You'll benefit from the School of Information Management's membership of the WISE (Web-based Information Science) Consortium. This links top schools of library and information studies from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Online courses are made available to other members and you can choose to do up to two of these in your qualification.
Depending on your goals, you can opt for a shorter postgraduate Information Studies qualification by doing the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. These are valuable programmes in themselves, or you can use them as stepping stones towards the Master's degree.
You can also study most courses in the MIS programme individually. This is useful for targeted professional development and you will receive a certificate of proficiency in that one subject area.
Develop your awareness of the Treaty of Waitangi and biculturalism during your studies. You'll gain an understanding of Māori culture and language and a knowledge of Māori taonga, or artefacts, in libraries, archives and museums.
The MIS will give you the broad skills and knowledge you need to work in many information professions. Your studies will include:
For the diploma programme, you need to do five core courses and three more courses of your choice. Certificate students do two core courses and choose a further two.
Information Studies courses are available in a variety of formats. All classes are available online and some are available in person. Some classes require you attend via internet conferencing (iConferencing) or seminar and some can be downloaded and viewed at a time convenient to you.
Classes are held on weekday evenings or on Saturdays. Some classes for core courses or large courses are held in Wellington or Auckland and you can attend on campus or online.
Study materials are delivered through Blackboard—Victoria's web-based learning environment.
You can study full time or part time. If you are studying full-time you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working full-time.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.
Many employers in the information field are now looking for graduates with Master's-level education. Go on to work as a records manager, librarian, web content manager, archivist, knowledge manager or information manager.
The Master of Information Studies is recognised by these local and international professional bodies:
Taught Masters degrees in History, Art History, Philosophy and American Studies at Sussex, a top 20 University
Choose from Conservation, International Development or Contemporary Studies at our Graduate School
