Higher Diploma in Archival Studies

Course objectives and general structure
Practical and term assignments, tutorials and essays
Visits and placements
Examinations
Entry Requirements and procedures
Fees, expenses and accommodation
Sessional dates
Syllabus

Course objectives and general structure
The principal objectives of the Higher Diploma in Archival Studies course are as follows:

The syllabus of the Higher Diploma in Archival Studies course is divided into two component parts consisting of five modules. The core component is entitled Archival science and record services. The purpose of the core section is to provide professional expertise in all matters relating to records and archives, the management of the archives service, the work of the archivist and the archivistís ability to read and understand the handwriting, language, nature and origin of archives. Course work, which consists of practical and term assignments, essays and presentations, is seen as an important dimension of the core section.

The section entitled Syllabus of the Higher Diploma in Archival Studies provides a detailed account of the subjects which are taught and how each is tested. There are approximately eighteen taught classes or seminars and a considerable amount of course work each week. 

Successful completion of the Higher Diploma in Archival Studies demands a high level of commitment, motivation and sustained application from each participant It also requires regular and lengthy attendance in the Archives Department both in term and during term breaks.

Practical and term assignments, tutorials and essays.
Practical and term assignments, presentations and essays are directly related to the core section, Archival science and record services. Practical assignments are carried out on a weekly basis throughout the session. Essays and term assignments must also be submitted as part of course work. In addition presentations are organised on select topics by groups of participants during the session.

Visits and placements.
Occasional visits are made to archives services and to other bodies connected with records and archives during the year. Most of the visits take place in the Dublin area although one or two may be to locations elsewhere.

Placement work is carried out during the period between the Hilary and Trinity terms. Students are urged to spend this period in an archives service outside Ireland. The choice of service must be approved and it should offer both an archives and a records management perspective.

Examinations.
The examination consists of two stages of equal importance. Stage one comprises all practical assignments, term assignments, presentations and essays. Stage two, at the end of the session, entails eight written examination papers. A viva is held at the end of the written examination.

Entry requirements and procedures
The Higher Diploma in Archival Studies is a postgraduate full-time course. Applications are generally sought from arts and humanities graduates although graduates of other faculties and disciplines will be considered. As the number of places on the course is limited, the allocation of places is on a competitive basis.

In applying for this course applicants will have a distinct advantage if they have

• a good academic record,

• relevant experience and/or reasonable understanding of archives,

• very good interpersonal skills,

• computer and other relevant skills,

• motivation.

Pre-course experience of working in an archives service although not strictly essential is very desirable. It is particularly important for those seeking a career change and for those whose experience of archives may be extensive but from a research point of view. Applicants must be well informed about the nature of records and archives, the work of a modern archives services and the functions of a professional archivist. If applicants do not have pre-course experience, they should visit archives services, talk to archivists and carry out some relevant research.

Often those intending to take archives as a career seek pre-course experience by working on a voluntary basis in an archives service or by availing of studentships and other funded schemes for trainees which are provided by some archives services. In recent years those applicants who have pre-course experience have had a distinct advantage in applying for places.

It is not considered a function of the Higher Diploma in Archival Studies to teach students how to use computers therefore applicants should already have a very good level of computer literacy which allows for familiarity with word processing and file management. Tutorials will only be given in the use of the College’s network on which each student has an account and on internet access. Special courses will be held on database management systems and on web page design.

Applicants for a place on the HDipAS course must complete an application form. Applications for places must be received by 30 April for the course beginning in the following academic session. Applicants may be called for interview. Late applications will be considered although it is very unlikely that they will be successful. In addition to those to whom offers of places are made, the Archives Department maintains a waiting list of applicants each session. Should an applicant to whom a first round offer was made decline to accept that place, it may be offered to someone on the waiting list. It should be noted that the placing of an applicant on a waiting list one year does not mean that the applicant will automatically receive a place on the course in the following session, or in any other session.

Fees, expenses and accommodation
The attention of intending applicants is drawn to the General Information pamphlet available from the Registrar's Office, University College Dublin, Michael Tierney Building, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland (telephone +353-1-716 1452). This pamphlet contains details of registration requirements and course fees which differ for EU and non-EU students.

There are no funded places on the Higher Diploma in Archival Studies course although Irish and UK local authority grants may be available to some students.

Students are required to pay all expenses incurred in the organised visits and during the period of placement in an archives service. Expenses will also be incurred in the preparation of essay and assignment work.

For details of accommodation in student halls of residence it is recommended that applicants contact the Blackrock residence, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland (telephone +353-1-716 8807), which is an off campus college residence.

Sessional dates
The Michaelmas term generally begins in the third week of September and runs for twelve weeks. The Hilary term beings in either the first or second week of January and lasts for eight or nine weeks. It is followed by a three week interval during which placements and some course work take place. The Trinity term lasts for either three or four weeks. Written examinations usually commence in the last week of April or first week of May. A viva is held either in May or early June.

Syllabus

Core component : Archival science and record services
Ancillary component

Core section: Archival science and the management of the archives service.

Module I Preservation of archives

Module II Management of archives

Module III Management of user services and of the archives service

Module IV Corporate records services

Ancillary component

Module V Select lecture series