Library and Information Studies UCL Qatar

Qatar has a bold vision to become a knowledge society. It is also committed to developing a world-class Qatar National Library (QNL) which will ‘bridge with knowledge Qatar’s heritage and future’. This ground-breaking MA aims to nurture a world-class cadre of library professionals and train the future leaders of the sector.

The programme provides students with an awareness of current issues and trends in library and information work. It fosters understanding of the processes by which information is produced, disseminated, controlled and recorded, and equips students with practical skills for the identification, location, management and organisation of information.

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 dissertation (60 credits).

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

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is also offered. Students complete all modules except the dissertation.

Core modules

• Knowledge Organisation and Access
• Collection Management
• Information Sources and Retrieval
• Introduction to Management
• Principles of Computing and Information Technology
• Professional Awareness
• Dissertation

Optional modules

• The Book in the World
• Digital Resources in the Humanities
• Information Literacy
• Interdisciplinary Methods for the Study of Cultural Heritage
• Introduction to Archives and Preservation
• Islamic Manuscripts
• Library Systems and Data Management
• Services to Children and Young People

Dissertation/report

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

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, private reading, seminars, practical classes, small group work, group project work, computer laboratory sessions, essay writing, and independent research. Except for short courses, all programmes are delivered in afternoon sessions. Students can access and use the virtual learning environment (Moodle) at UCL, which provides the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of UCL staff both in London and Qatar. Intensive short courses will also be delivered by visiting staff from UCL Information Studies (London). Assessment takes a variety of forms including: essays, portfolios, prepared practical work, individual and group project work, report writing, policy writing, presentations, peer assessment and the dissertation. There is also a written examination, attached to the professional awareness module, and accounting for 50% of the marks.

A second-class Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject from a UK university or an international qualification of an equivalent standard. 
Students should normally have a minimum of one year’s experience in a relevant field, but those who do not will be able to acquire relevant experience in a range of other ways.