Masters degrees in Librarianship train postgraduates in the creation and management of the various information systems used by a modern library. Often vocational in nature, these Masters will help you develop the skills to begin or continue a career in many kinds of library.
Some courses may ask for prior work experience in a library, but this isn’t always the case. Other postgraduate specialisms include Information Management, Library Management and Library Studies.
The course will enable you to obtain a professional qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and recognised by the profession worldwide.
Our Librarianship and Information Management courses are rated highly within The Complete University Guide subject tables.
This course brings together a mixture of theory and practice that replicates activities found in the workplace, it prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities, ranging from traditional librarianship to information management and research. A variety of research methods and techniques are taught and our students are equipped with a broad range of managerial, professional and technological knowledge and skills.
The MSc Library and Information Studies is available to study full-time or by distance learning. It also offers a four-week placement opportunity for full-time students. We are part of iSchool - the world's leading group of Information Science departments.
“I couldn't recommend the course enough for any future prospective students. Brilliant course”
"The course tutors have been supportive, encouraging and thorough, providing excellent course materials and learning opportunities. The learning forums have been an incredibly fruitful source of learning from my peers, and I could not have asked for a better learning experience. I have felt inspired and supported by both lecturers and fellow students”.
“The course has given me core skills directly and indirectly by providing bridges towards the wider world of professional practice and theory”.
“I would certainly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in Information & Library Services.” - Catherine Jeromson
Please visit the website to find out how to apply.
This CILIP-accredited course is about the creation, management and use of digital libraries and resources. It will introduce you to the strategic thinking and project management skills you need for a successful career. You’ll learn about digitisation, repositories, web creation and how to design digital libraries people want to use.
The course combines lectures from academics and professionals, seminars, small-group work and computer labs. We can also help you to develop leadership and management capabilities.
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.
Including:
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 work in a library, or similar collection-orientated organisation. It is also suitable for anyone wishing to update their knowledge and skills, in order to progress a career based around collections and services within galleries, libraries, museums and archives.
Library Science is a broad, interdisciplinary subject, the principles and practice of which underpin today’s information society. It appeals to students with an eye for detail, an interest in the organisation, technologies, and communication of information, and in understanding the organisational and wider social impacts of information policy, access and provision.
City’s Library 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 the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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 library science.
Communication and networking are an integral part of our Library 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 MA/MSc in Library Science is offered as a one year full-time course, or two year part-time course. On successful completion of the course, you can choose between the award of MA or of MSc. This is usually based on the arts or science content of the work undertaken for the degree, and/or your career aspirations. The course structure and modules are the same for either award. The difference occurs in the focus of the assignments and the dissertation.
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 lectures, seminars, group work, discussion or practical work), and 120 hours are self-directed study.
On successful completion of eight taught modules, students 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 MA/MSc in Library Science covers:
The postgraduate programme in Library and Information Management has been developed by the School of Education in close collaboration with library practitioners to provide an academic route to professional qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma and MSc are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).
The course draws on the direct experience of leaders in the library and information world to provide up-to-date and relevant insight into the key issues facing information services as they relate to the wider learning community, the strategic goals of the parent institution and the promotion of lifelong learning in a knowledge-based society. The course also benefits from the active involvement of the University Library in the provision of learning resources and direct support to students. It provides an academic foundation for professional practice.
The course is designed for library and information professionals in the public and private sectors, in schools, colleges or universities and in specialist libraries or information units.
The course is fully online. Where they are weekly classes, these take place in an ‘online classroom’. For students commencing the course in September 2017 that will be on a Thursday evening (6.00-7.30pm). We will be using the software Blackboard Collaborate for this.
There is useful information about http://www.blackboard.com/online-collaborative-learning/blackboard-collaborate-features.aspx ." target="_blank">Blackboard Collaborate
Students will need a PC / laptop, reliable internet access, a web cam, a usb headset with microphone and audio, and a quiet place from which to participate in the online class. In addition to the weekly online sessions, learning resources will be posted online and students will engage in regular online discussion and keep an online learning journal.
It is likely that we will offer some face-to-face opportunities, and while we will encourage people to attend these, they will not be compulsory.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to assure students that programmes provide an excellent preparation for professional practice.
The Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Library and Information Management prepare individuals for professional library and information careers.
The Library and Information Studies MA provides the ideal foundation for career progression in library or information work. The one-year programme is accredited by the professional association, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), and offers students a wide range of up-to-date learning opportunities while helping to develop strong networks designed to enhance their employability.
The programme prepares students for professional practice in the field of library and information studies. It strengthens traditional principles with cutting-edge approaches and helps students understand how information is produced, disseminated, controlled and recorded. It provides students with the practical skills required to identify, locate, manage and organise 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 research dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), full-time nine months or flexible study 2-5 years, is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, computer laboratory and classroom practicals, with a strong emphasis on active learning and the acquisition of practical skills. Assessment is through a mixture of essays, reports, examination and practical assignments such as website design and the creation of indexing tools.
Placement
The work placement is open to full-time (compulsory) and part-time (optional) students and forms part of G030, The Library and Information Professional module. The work placement gives students experience of how the techniques they have learned may be applied in practice. Placements last for two weeks, and are undertaken at the beginning of the third term. We arrange placements individually for each student and do our best to match the placement with their interests and experience.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Library and Information Studies MA
The programme aims to be broad-based: we are not trying to produce graduates who can work in only one kind of library or information service. The skills and competences we aim to develop are intended to apply in a wide range of different sectors.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
As a vocational Master's, this programme prepares students for employment in the library and information sector, and, in most cases, for promotion from their pre-library school role as a library assistant to a qualified librarian role, such as senior library assistant, assistant librarian, librarian and library manager. Students also choose careers in information provision, such as taxonomists and web designers. There are specialist employment agencies that place students in both short-term and permanent positions, so if students do not find their ideal post straight away, they usually find suitable employment while continuing to seek their ideal post.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL has been the home of professional library training and education since 1919. The current programme continues to attract an outstanding team of researchers, teachers, students, practitioners and information industry leaders. It combines an appreciation of the traditional library with the latest developments in internet and digital technologies to develop an understanding of the ever-evolving information environment.
Networking opportunities include a two-week work placement, regular journal club and speaker events, guest lectures by professionals and career seminars led by industry professionals. Additionally, in terms of expanding its international connections, the programme has been granted precandidacy status by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association (ALA). Precandidacy status is an indication that the programme has voluntarily committed to participate in the ALA accreditation process and is actively seeking accreditation.
Students benefit from UCL's proximity to major libraries and repositories, including the British Library, UCL Special Collections and the Senate House Library of the University of London.
Accreditation
The Library and Information Studies MA/PG Diploma has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) as professional level qualifications for a period of five years from the 2014 student cohort intake.
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.
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.
