MA in Information Studies
| Duration: 1 yr [FT], 2 yrs [PT] | • This is the only MA in Information Studies on offer anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland. |
| Schedule: September to September | |
| Information on fees | |
Who is the MA in Information Studies for?
The MA is intended for graduates of Information Studies, and also those from cognate disciplines, who wish to extend their knowledge of Information Studies beyond their primary degree.
What will I learn?
The MA provides an opportunity for graduate study and research in Information Studies. Students are expected to complete a number of taught modules (worth 45 credits) and to complete a research project and write a minor thesis (45 credits). The programme requires a high level of commitment by students to independent study.
How will I benefit?
By completing this programme students will further develop their understanding of Information Studies. Students also develop important intellectual, cognitive and transferable skills in relation to communication, IT, academic writing, and research. The programme can prepare students for further research at MLitt or PhD level.
What is the programme about?
The programme provides opportunities for a broader and deeper understanding of the discipline of Information Studies. Students undertake a thesis in one of the four core areas: information behaviour; information and society; information management and digital libraries; or information sharing and collaboration. The programme also includes modules on research methods for information research, and there are opportunities for developing research skills and subject knowledge through working with academic staff on research projects.
Features
- Wide range of taught modules.
- Innovative assessment methods.
- Makes use of virtual learning environments (Blackboard).
- Experienced national and international staff with a good range of subject expertise and backgrounds.
Curriculum
- The MA programme is composed of 90 Credits: 45 credits of taught modules, including some compulsory modules, and a 45-credit thesis of between 18,000 and 20,000 words.
Note: Not all optional modules are available very year.
- Core modules:
- Research Methods 1 (7.5 credits)
- Research Methods 2 (7.5 credits)
- Research Practice (5 credits)
- Students need to accumulate 25 credits from the elective / optional modules on offer. These include:
- Information Architecture (5 credits)
- Information Behaviour in the 21st Century (5 credits)
- System Design and Analysis (5 credits)
- Political Information and Media (5 credits)
- Management for Information Professionals (5 credits)
- Information Retrieval and Indexing (5 credits)
- Theory in Action (5 credits)
- Cybersociety: Technology, Culture and Communication (5 credits)
- Web Publishing (5 credits)
- Information and Reference Services (10 credits)
Careers
An MA in Information Studies is excellent preparation for the workplace, or for further graduate research.
Admissions
If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes.
MA in Information Studies
You will need:
- A primary degree in Information Studies, or congnate discipline (Second class honours or higer)
- Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your suitability, intellectual ability, and motivation
Application is online through the UCD Online Applications System.