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.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it’s up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we’ll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Duration
- 2 years part-time by distance learning
- 3 years part-time by distance learning
Teaching
We have an international reputation for teaching and research in library management and the latest ideas are fed directly into the programmes.
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 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
Assessments vary depending on the modules you choose but may include essays, briefing papers, reflective reports and portfolios, creation of a database and other relevant assessments.
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.
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.
Department
The University of Sheffield Information School is ranked number one in the world for library and information management in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2021. These rankings are based upon academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.
The school has been at the forefront of developments in the information field for more than fifty years. The subject is characterised by its distinctive, interdisciplinary focus on the interactions between people, information and digital technologies. It has the ultimate goal of enhancing information access, and the management, sharing and use of information, to benefit society.
When you come to study with us you’ll be an integral part of our research culture. The school is your home and we pride ourselves on the friendliness and helpfulness of our staff.
We offer an outstanding academic education through a wide range of taught postgraduate degrees which embed the principles of research-led teaching.
When you join any of our degree programmes you’ll develop a critical understanding of current issues in library and information management. You’ll benefit from being taught by staff who are undertaking leading-edge research and who have many links with industry.
As part of our mission to provide world-quality university education in information, we aim to inspire and help you pursue your highest ambitions for your academic and professional careers.
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.
Fees and funding
Two-year MA
The fees below apply to the two-year version of this course for 2022 entry.
Three-year MA
The fees below apply to the three-year version of this course for 2022 entry.
- Home (2022 annual fee) : £3,833 each year
- Overseas (2022 annual fee) : £3,833 each year
The fee listed is for the advertised mode of study. If you’re studying for an alternative qualification or via a different mode of study (eg full-time, part-time) then the fee could be different. Due to inflation, the fee for Home students could also increase after your first year of study.
