Information and Library Studies (Taught)

This course is a vocational first qualification Masters course that will help you to develop the necessary skills and expertise for working in today’s rapidly changing information society.

Information is one of the world’s most valuable commodities and being able to access, organise, control and manage information in all its formats, is at the heart of this programme. The all-pervasive nature of information, means that this course is relevant to those who wish to work both nationally and internationally in sectors ranging from academic, public, education, health care, archives and media through to charity and commercial sectors.

The course curriculum will focus on both theory and practice but you will be actively encouraged to draw upon any relevant experience that you have already acquired. Course visits to relevant organisations and guest lectures, will further enhance your exposure to professional practice.

Semester 1: core modules addressing the information society, the organisation and retrieval of information as well as the provision of information services.

Semester 2: core modules covering both organisational management and the management of collections.

There is also the opportunity to complement these core modules with an optional module which will enable you to develop an area of special interest. In addition to these taught modules, you will also be able to access a series of research training sessions that will help to prepare you for the 15,000 word Masters dissertation in Semester 3.

Semester 3: 15,000 word Masters dissertation

With staff guidance and support, here you will have to the opportunity to conduct a piece of independent research within the information and library field. Not only will this enable you to further develop a specialism, but you will also acquire a range of transferrable research skills that are highly desirable in today’s employment market.

Year 1 Core (100 Credits) The following modules are core and must be taken

Semester 1
Information And Society ILM5120
Information Organisation And Retrieval ILM5320
Information Services: Planning For Delivery ILM5420

Semester 2
Studies In Management ILM5220
Collection Management ILM8220

Year 1 Options You must take 20 credits of the following modules.

Semester 1
Digital Information: Management For Access And Preservation ILM7400

Semester 2
Records And Information Governance ILM0820
Digital Information: Management For Access And Preservation ILM7420
Rare Books And Special Collections ILM8120

The taught part of the course, which is 120 credits, is delivered and assessed through lectures, student seminars, practical exercises, case studies and course work. Successful completion of 60 credits of taught modules makes you eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate, 120 credits gives eligibility for a CILIP accredited Postgraduate Diploma, or successful completion of your postgraduate dissertation leads to an accredited Master’s degree.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals