Information and Library Studies

Stage 1

You will develop the knowledge and skills to be able to perform professional tasks involved in information enquiry and reference work. You will gain an understanding of techniques of representation and organisation of recorded knowledge, cataloguing and classification

Stage 2

You will develop the capabilities of performing professional tasks in the management of modern library and information services within an information environment centre or library. You will be able to identify and conduct independent topical investigations and critically reflect on relevant work related skills.

Stage 3

You will design and execute research and conduct a project of professional concern in the field of information and library studies. You will be able to analyse the results of such investigations and apply your communication and presentation skills at an advanced level.

Online Learning

You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle which provides you with lectures and course materials and allows you to study from any location. You will participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting.

All modes of study will have access to ProQuest® Graduate Education Program online databases for training in online information retrieval.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 40+ students per group, 2 hours per week
• Webinar - 2-3 hours per term
• Tutorial - 40+ students per group, 2 hours - online learning activities
• Independent Study - 15 hours per week

How long is an Information and Library Studies course?

The Information and Library Studies MSc can be successfully completed within 12 - 33 months.

Independent Study

The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 15 hours per week in the Online Learning mode of study working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for group activities and researching and writing course reports.

Staff Delivering on this Course

This course is taught by the academic staff within Information Management who have significant teaching and professional industry experience. They will recreate the same challenging interactive format of the on-campus courses while you study at a distance. Staff are actively engaged in research and scholarly activities which ensures the course is relevant and you are prepared for professional practice in contemporary issues.

Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year*:

• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 4 reports
• 1 dissertation or practical project output (students can opt for project or dissertation)
• 2 set exercises
• 1 to 2 oral assessments
• 1 group critique

*If studying over 3 years part-time, these assessments will be spread across the duration of the course.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

The information industry continues to expand, providing a wide range of opportunities for graduates equipped with a broad range of managerial, professional and technological knowledge and skills. This course prepares you to work in or enhance your career in all aspects of the information sector. There are many opportunities arising from developments in networking and multimedia information services within commercial and educational establishments. Our graduates now work in all parts of the sector, ranging from traditional librarianship to information management and research.

IS STUDYING INFORMATION AND LIBRARY STUDIES A GOOD CAREER CHOICE?

Roles held by our graduates include:

• Knowledge Manager
• Acquisitions Librarian
• Curate of Church of England
• Information Assistant (within the Health sector)
• Development Officer with the Chartered Institute of Library
• Information Professionals and Programme Assistant  (UN International Criminal Tribunals)

What is needed for an MSc in Information and Library Studies?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject area.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis. 
• Applicants who successfully achieve the RGU Pre-Masters Graduate Certificate Creative and Cultural Business are also eligible to apply or this Masters.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £30 costs associated with external library visits