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

The demands placed upon managers in the library and information profession are increasingly complex. Library and information managers have to cope with rapid change and development. This degree has been devised as a response to the needs of the profession for Continuing Professional Development: to help professional practitioners cope with the demands placed upon them, and to prepare mid-career practitioners 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.

Overview

The objectives of the MScEcon in Management of Library and Information Services 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.

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).

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.

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.

Fact File

Duration:	Of flexible duration, generally taking between two and five years.
Contact Time:	Contact time can be arranged remotely with your tutor. Attendance at at least two study schools is required and these provide the main contact.
Assessment:	There is a variety of assignments in Part One, including reports, presentations, essays, critical reviews and case studies which enable you to relate theoretical knowledge to your own workplace. Part Two, is assessed on the Dissertation.
Entry Requirements:	A strong honours degree at undergraduate level A minimum of five years experience at a middle or senior management level within an information or library service Professional qualification in library and information studies, or library and information science qualification, equivalent to a UK accredited qualification or equivalent professional experience 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.