MScEcon/Diploma Management of Library and Information Studies (Distance Learning)

The demands placed upon managers in the library and information profession are increasing in their complexity. Library and information managers are having to cope with rapid change and development. This degree has been devised as a response to the needs of the library and information profession for Continuing Professional Development. It is designed to help the professional cope with the demands placed upon them, and to prepare mid-career professionals for the next stage in their career. It is therefore not designed to provide the student with a first qualification in information and library studies, but to update and progress existing knowledge and qualifications.

The objectives of the course are to:

  • enable senior library and information service staff to manage key resources through an understanding of their organisational value
  • provide managers with specific skills in core activities
  • offer an academic component to the career advancement of professionals
  • enable employers to support Continuous Professional Development without the need for breaks in employment

Structure of the programme

This programme is offered in flexible distance learning mode as it is recognised that prospective students will not wish a mid-career break in order to update their qualifications. The length of the degree scheme is normally three years, but students may take between two and five years to complete their studies. Normally, the first two years (Part One) consist of a taught element, whereby students complete 120 credits. Those wishing to finish study at the end of the taught element will be eligible for a Diploma (120 credits). The remaining period (Part Two) is to complete a dissertation (60 credits), to gain the Master’s qualification (180 credits).

Study School

Students on this course will be required to attend two compulsory residential study schools in Aberystwyth. The first will be in September at the commencement of the course, and is designed to prepare students for the taught element (Part One) of the programme. The second is a research study school (offered during April and September) and is designed to prepare students for the dissertation (Part Two).

Completion requires accumulation of 120 credits for the award of the Diploma and 180 credits for the award of the Master’s degree

Entry Requirements

The minimum basic entry requirement for a Masters degree is normally a good Honours Degree (in any discipline).

Applicants must also have:

  • a professional library and information studies, or library and information science qualification (equivalent to a UK accredited qualification)
  • a minimum of 5 years experience at a middle or senior management level within an information or library service (dependent on level and range of experience)
  • pre-defined Information and Communication Technology skills and access to a computer linked to the Internet

Non-native English speakers are required to take a University recognised test of academic English language proficiency with required minimum proficiency levels equating to an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 580 (paper based test) or 237 (computer based) with an essay rating of 5.0. Applicants who have successfully undertaken a Bachelors degree in a UK University are exempt from this requirement.