Library and Information Studies

Description:
The Master of Science in Library and Information Studies at University College London offers a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in information management, library services, and digital information environments. This programme provides a thorough grounding in core theoretical principles, practical skills, and technological advancements that are essential for managing information assets in diverse settings. Students will explore topics such as cataloging, classification, information retrieval, digital librarianship, data management, and information policy, equipping them to meet the evolving needs of libraries, archives, museums, and other information organizations.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and an understanding of user behavior, aiming to produce graduates who are capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating information services that are accessible, user-centered, and aligned with current industry standards. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical projects, and internships, students will gain hands-on experience working with digital repositories, content management systems, and emerging information technologies. The curriculum is tailored to foster technical proficiency while nurturing an appreciation of the social, cultural, and legal contexts in which information is managed and accessed.

Research modules encourage students to engage with current scholarly debates and contribute to the advancement of the field. Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers, providing mentorship and insights into contemporary issues facing information services worldwide. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in academic, public, and special libraries, information consultancy, digital asset management, and other related professions. They will possess the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the digital transformation of information services, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective in an increasingly interconnected world.

The programme is delivered on a flexible schedule, accommodating both full-time and part-time students, with options for online and blended learning. It is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that graduates meet industry standards and are competitive in the global job market. Whether students aim to specialize in digital librarianship, information policy, or archival science, this programme provides a solid foundation for a rewarding and impactful career in the information sector.

The programme prepares students for professional practice in the field of library and information studies. It equips them with the practical skills required for the identification, location, management and organisation of information and information stores, and fosters an understanding of the processes by which information is produced, disseminated, controlled and recorded.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), full-time nine months or flexible study 2-5 years, is offered.

Core modules

• Cataloguing and Classification 1
• Collection Management and Preservation
• Information Sources and Retrieval
• Introduction to Management
• Principles of Computing and Information Technology
• Professional Awareness

Optional modules

• Students choose two of the following:
• Collections Care
• Cataloguing and Classification 2
• Digital Resources in the Humanities
• Electronic Publishing
• Historical Bibliography
• Individual Approved Study
• Information Governance
• Knowledge Representation and Semantic Technologies
• Manuscript Studies
• Web Publishing
• Information Literacy
• Academic and Journals Publishing

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, computer laboratory and classroom practicals, with a strong emphasis on active learning and the acquisition of practical skills. Assessment is through a mixture of essays, reports, examination and practical assignments such as website design and the creation of indexing tools.

Placement

The work placement is only open to full-time students and forms part of the G030 Professional Awareness module. The work placement gives students experience of how the techniques they have learned may be applied in practice. Placements last for two weeks, and are undertaken at the beginning of the third term. We arrange placements individually for each student and do our best to match the placement with their interests and experience.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Normally a substantial amount (usually equivalent to about a year) of full-time employment or its equivalent in a recognised library or information service.

The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers offers a scholarship (fees) for a full-time Library and Information Studies MA student under the age of 25 years.

Scottish applicants may be eligible for an award from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

The Master of Science in Library and Information Studies at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for the dynamic field of information management and library services. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including information retrieval, cataloging, digital libraries, data management, user experience, information policy, and archival science. Emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical applications, the program prepares graduates for careers in public, academic, special, and digital libraries, as well as information consultancy, data management, and information governance. The program benefits from UCL’s strong links with professional bodies and industry partners, providing students with networking opportunities, internships, and access to cutting-edge research. Taught by leading experts in the field, students engage with current issues such as open access, digital preservation, and the role of information professionals in society. The program also offers pathways for specialization, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within library and information science. With its location in London, students have access to a wealth of cultural institutions and information organizations that enhance their learning experience. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of information services and to contribute to innovations in the management and dissemination of information in various contexts. The MSc in Library and Information Studies at UCL is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to producing skilled, adaptable, and ethically responsible information professionals ready to make a positive impact in their communities and industries.