Masters in International Archives, Records and Information Management

This course in International Archives, Records and Information Management is also available at Diploma or Certificate level.

By studying international archives, records and information management at postgraduate level, you will learn professional principles and techniques and acquire the core skills which will enable you to play a part in the management and exploitation of an invaluable informational resource which underpins organisational success.

The Masters in International Archives, Records and Information Management is designed to provide you with the necessary range of knowledge and skills in appropriate areas. The course offers three pathways: Archives Management, Records Management, and Information Management and aims to foster the ability to communicate across different levels of an organisation and with fellow information professionals. Furthermore, while it provides a sound foundation upon which a specific career can be built, it also equips you to be both innovative and flexible in a range of employment opportunities which require transferable skills.

Overview

Course structure

This Masters programme in International Archives, Records and Information Management is divided into two parts. In Part One, you will take a mixture of core and optional modules, which will total 120 credits. Those wishing to finish studying at the end of Part One will be eligible for a Diploma. If you successfully pass these modules at the required assessment level, you can progress to the dissertation element (Part Two), which counts for another 60 credits. Successful completion of the dissertation, therefore, counts towards a total of 180 credits at Master’s level - and gains you a Master’s degree.

You are able to progress at your own pace, taking between 2 and 5 years to complete the total 180 credits required for the Master’s degree. The programme is flexible and current students are progressing at three different pace levels of their own choosing (faster, average and slower). The normal minimum requirement is that you complete 40 credits per year. Most students take about two years to complete Part One and one year to complete Part Two (total of three years).

Study schools

You are required to attend three study schools of 3-5 days in length at various times during your studies. The introductory study school takes place at the start of the course providing an introduction to the course, the University and its facilities as well as to tutors and fellow distance learners.

The second study school is used to introduce students to professional aspects of records and archives management, and incorporates visits to specific working operations in the public sector. This study school enables you to relate your learning experience to the world of work, to discuss current issues with practising members of the profession, as well as providing you with an opportunity to review your progress.

The final study school is a module in research methodology, which provides you with an introduction to the variety of information studies research methods. This module is also essential preparation for the dissertation.

In addition to the three compulsory study schools, at some point during your time on the course you are encouraged to join a series of study visits in London. This tour is organised annually in January to give both full-time and distance learning students the opportunity to visit a range of national and specialist archives and records management institutions.

Fact File

Duration:	Two - Five years by distance learning. April and September intakes annually. On average you should expect to spend 10-15 hours a week studying.
Contact Time:	Students on all courses are required to attend Study Schools in Aberystwyth. For most students this means attending three schools of approximately 4-5 days duration each year. For the rest of the time you will work through specially designed self-study module packs supported by online learning materials.
Assessment:	The progamme is assssed on the basis of coursework in part One and the dissertation in Part Two. A variety of assignments in Part One, including reports, essays, presebtations and case studies enable you to relate theoretical knowledge to your own workplace.
Entry Requirements:	A good honours degree (in any discipline) at undergraduate level Be employed in an archive service environment and have at least three months practical experience of working with archives Candidates with equivalent experience and qualifications will be considered.
English Language Requirements:	If you have a Bachelor’s degree from a UK University, you do not need to take an English proficiency test. Non-native English speakers who do not meet this requirement must take a University-recognised test of academic English language proficiency. For further information please see our English Language requirements page.
Course Fees:	Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.