The University of Sheffield
Information School

Introduction to the Programmes of Study

The Information School provides high quality teaching consistent with the University´s mission "to maintain the highest standards of excellence as a research-led institution, whose staff work at the frontiers of academic enquiry and educate students in a research environment". The School contributes to the development of librarianship and information management at a national and international level by educating students to a high academic standard, by providing opportunities for continuing professional development, and through the conduct of research.

Aims

The School aims to:

  1. deliver a curriculum for each degree programme that develops in students a broad understanding of the subject area together with a detailed and critical understanding of selected areas
  2. provide students with the knowledge and skills required to work as effective information professionals, managers of information or research workers in their chosen field
  3. enable those already working in the information field to update and expand their professional understanding and competencies
  4. prepare students for professional practice by providing programmes which meet the accreditation requirements of professional bodies and that meet the needs of employers
  5. deliver teaching informed and inspired by professional expertise and by the research and scholarship of staff
  6. encourage students to become informed citizens and to understand the place of information in society

Objectives

To achieve these aims the School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, which have different emphases defined by key areas of study (as shown in the individual programme descriptions given in the following pages). By the end of their chosen programme students will:

  1. be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of information and its uses, the interface between information and its users, and the technology and systems which produce, analyse and communicate information
  2. be able to apply theory and recognise best practice in their chosen field
  3. have acquired an up-to-date subject knowledge, practical/professional and research skills relevant to the employment market
  4. have gained an understanding of how theory is applied to practice in the workplace
  5. have developed communication and interpersonal skills to complement their subject knowledge
  6. have obtained learning skills of relevance to their studies and for lifelong learning