MSc in Information Management
Effective exploitation of information is at the heart of economic development in the information society. The rapid pace of technological change and other factors such as the globalisation of markets and the turbulence of business environments mean that there is increasing emphasis in organisations in all sectors on the value and development of information systems, and on the need for employees who are information literate. New information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly the Internet and the World Wide Web, are contributing to far-reaching changes to both business models and organisational processes. Against this background, specialist expertise in information management is at a premium.
The Information Management programmes at Sheffield prepare students for careers as information professionals, or more broadly, for work in a wide variety of organisational and consultancy roles which also demand expertise in information and knowledge management. The emphasis of the programme is on encouraging the development of a blend of knowledge, skills and awareness which will enable effective mediation between information users, resources and information systems in specific organisational contexts. Students also acquire practical experience in the use of new ICTs and develop personal awareness and skills of relevance to information management in a variety of workplace roles, e.g. skills in information literacy, communication, group work and research.
The Department has an active research group in the area of information management and systems and has a very strong research profile overall; it has been awarded the highest research rating in all of the Research Assessment Exercises carried out by the Higher Education Funding Council. As a consequence there are significant opportunities for students to extend their study of information management to doctoral level if they wish.
The MSc in Information Management can be taken as either a standard MSc, or as a Professional Enhancement Programme. The Prospectus links below show the syllabus for each programme as it stands this year; please note that there may be small changes to the selection of modules each year, as we constantly update the programmes.
MSc in Information Management
This programme is aimed at students with little (up to one year) or no previous relevant work experience and who wish to pursue a career in this field.
The programme will equip you with the information literacy skills and technical background to function effectively in such environments. As a consequence, you will be highly sought after by employers and enjoy a very wide job market upon graduation.
Postgraduate Prospectus entry for this degree, including entry requirements and details of the modules you will study.
MSc in Information Management (Professional Enhancement)
This programme is aimed at students who have two or more years' relevant work experience in the library and information sector, and who wish to study for a higher degree and develop their knowledge and skills.
You may enrol on the MSc, PGDiploma or PGCertificate level of study, and will take modules totalling 180 credits at Masters level, 120 credits at PGDiploma level and 60 credits at PGCertificate level. All core modules must be taken, with students choosing the remainder of their credits from the list of approved modules available (please note, the number of core and approved modules to be taken will depend upon the chosen level of study).
Postgraduate Prospectus entry for this degree, including entry requirements and details of the modules you will study.
Dissertation Study
Each student registered for a Masters´ degree is required to complete a research-based dissertation in the period from the middle of June to September (full-time attendance), following completion of the taught part of the programme. The topic for study is selected in consultation with appropriate members of the teaching staff. Opportunities exist for dissertation studies to be carried out with external organisations (Continuing Professional Development students may wish to undertake a dissertation project directly relevant to their own work situation). In the past, students who have carried out such dissertations have welcomed the opportunity to tackle 'real-life' problems. The dissertation is a major part of the degree, and each student is allocated an academic supervisor who will provide advice and guidance throughout the period of study.
Further Information
For further information regarding the MSc in Information Management programmes, please download one of our brochures or request a course brochure using the links in the top right-hand corner of this page.
Alternatively, if you wish to discuss the programmes in more detail, please contact the Programme Coordinator:
Dr Jonathan Foster
