Archives, Records, & Information Management

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.

You should also have a minimum of two weeks of work experience in an archives, records and information management, or digital curation environment. This would ideally be in-person. However, virtual or remote experience will also be considered.

A 2.2 Honours degree may be considered if supported by directly relevant experience. Substantial professional experience may also be accepted in place of formal qualifications. Please upload a short personal statement (500 words) as a PDF, outlining your interest in the programme and relevant experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Archives, Records, & Information Management MSc provides you with an understanding of contemporary archives, records and information management issues. It pays special attention to the management of digital records and electronic resources, and how to manage these alongside analogue resources.

Why this programme

We're ranked 36th for Library & Information Management in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject

• Build the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed for a career in archives, records, and information management. Graduates emerge as adaptable, skilled professionals ready to make an impact across a wide range of archival institutions and records management settings.

• Gain valuable work experience either through placements, virtual placements or your dissertation.

• You’ll develop specialist skills in working with both physical and digital materials across the core areas of archives, records, and information management, gaining expertise in creating and managing digital records, digital curation and preservation, archival theory, user needs, and the description, cataloguing, and navigation of collections.

• As a graduate of the MSc or PGDip you will be eligible for accreditation by both the Archives & Records Association and CILIP (The Library and Information Association). This gives you valuable professional recognition in the archive, records, information management, and library fields.

• You'll gain a critical understanding of the role that archives, records, and information management play in society, from supporting accountability and preserving memory to shaping cultural identity and ensuring democratic access to information. You’ll also explore how international, national, and local contexts influence archival policy and practice, particularly in relation to ethics, legislation, governance, and information rights.

• You will also study how digital technologies are transforming archival theory and practice, including the challenges and opportunities of managing born-digital records and the long-term preservation of digital assets.

• The Archives, Records, and Information Management programme is taught alongside our Museum Studies programme, with joint workshops held throughout the year. These sessions give all students a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing museums, galleries, libraries, and archives in the 21st century.

• Originally called Information Management & Preservation, this programme was designed over 20 years ago by academic staff and colleagues in the University's Archives and Special Collections department. This strong relationship continues today, with students and staff using these collections for teaching and research.

Information for international students

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

• 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0

• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted

• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.