Library and Information Services Management (Distance Learning)

Course description

This course will introduce you to the best current thinking and practice, and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to enter this fast-developing sector. You'll learn core competencies in IT, management and information handling, together with a wide range of specialisms.

The skills of librarians and information specialists are essential to identify, control, organise and make accessible the ever-increasing amounts of information available in paper, digital and multimedia formats. You'll be prepared for a professional role in areas ranging from public service to business.

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Accreditation

CILIP accredited for the MA and PG Diploma awards

Modules

Explore core and optional modules

Teaching

We have an international reputation for teaching and research in library management and the latest ideas are fed directly into the Library and Information Services Management MA programme.

You will be taught via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment and specialised distance-learning software, which delivers lectures, seminars and tutorials online in real-time. If you cannot attend live sessions you will be able to catch up on recordings and take part asynchronously in discussions using online fora.

Teaching for each module lasts 12 weeks with assessment deadlines typically in the middle and at the end of semesters. We recommend that you spend 10–12 hours a week, per module, for the 12 timetabled weeks and for the weeks leading up to and following teaching. This will include reading, viewing recorded lectures, undertaking coursework and assignment preparation, and participating in online lectures, activities and seminars. You will write your dissertation after teaching ends, in the final year of your course.

Throughout the course you'll have the support of a personal tutor and module coordinators and peer support through student-led discussions and interaction is also encouraged.

Assessment

There is a dissertation of 10–15,000 words, which provides the opportunity, under one-to-one supervision, to focus in depth on a topic of your choice. You may choose to carry out your dissertation with an external organisation, for instance if you are in employment, your project could be directly related to your own work situation. In the past, students who have carried out such dissertations have welcomed the opportunity to tackle real-life problems.

Duration

• 2 years part-time by distance learning
• 3 years part-time by distance learning

Your career

Modern library and information services require professionals who can manage large volumes of information in both digital and traditional forms. Graduates from the MA Library and Information Services Management programme will be equipped with the skills that are needed for the developing role of the library and information professional in organisations today.

Student profile

Entry requirements

Entry requirements are flexible. You’ll need a combination of a good second-class honours degree and around 12 months’ information-related practical work experience.

If you don’t have a degree but your professional experience is extensive, you might be able to take the postgraduate certificate or diploma and upgrade to the MA later.

IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component or equivalent.