Master in Records Management and Archival Studies

Program Overview

The two-year Master degree programme in Records Management and Archival Studies offered at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has been designed in collaboration with the UAE National Archives due to high demand in this field. The programme is taught in English by lecturers and international industry experts that provide students with the highest levels of scientific and professional skills in a field that has been rapidly developing in recent decades.

The Master degree programme in Records Management and Archival Studies is a comprehensive programme for decision-makers, that provides high level of intellectual education, the ability to think critically and autonomously, and conduct research on new topics.

The degree is awarded by Sorbonne Université (France). The full title of the programme is Master in the field of Human and Social Sciences; Area: History; Speciality: Records Management and Archival Studies. In the French academic system, this specialisation is usually related to History due to the long-standing tradition of historical record keeping and archives. However, the proposed programme mainly focuses on the core issues of records management and archival studies in a professional context.

The programme will prepare students to become seasoned professionals in the field, especially in the wake of digital revolution and transition towards e-administration and paperless administration, it aims to:

• Prepare students for successful and productive careers in senior and middle management positions in private and public, local and international organisations, and/or for pursuing doctoral studies in records and archives management
• Provide students with the core knowledge and professional skills in records management that would enable them to evaluate international norms and practices, prepare them for managing projects and information governance in a variety of organisational contexts
• Instil leadership and critical thinking skills in students to address challenges related to records and archives, and implement appropriate solutions
• Advancing cultural awareness through preserving documentary materials of all types and forms, and promoting research and discovery

The structure of the curriculum itself and of the individual courses is a result of the awareness of the scholarly and practical nature of the archival work. The curriculum offers theoretical and methodological knowledge in the classroom through fundamental, core courses and experiential learning through professional experiences and internships providing structured opportunities for applying in-class learning in the professional work environment.

The programme aims to inculcate decision-making in various areas such as policy design, appraisal of records, systems, and technologies, and the management of teams and projects. Though management is an integral part of each course, a course in management concludes the two years by bringing together the techniques, tools and strategies of organisational management referred to in the other courses taught throughout the programme.

The strength of the Master Degree Programme in Records Management and Archival Studies, lies not only in it meeting the job market requirements, but also to it contributing to a sustainable knowledge-based economy from a practical perspective. Artificial Intelligence is also a core concept of this programme.

As a Records Manager or an Archival Specialist, graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Accurately articulate ideas about records, as well as theories and practices related to archives fluently and thoughtfully in a variety of communication modes for diverse audiencesEngage critically and creatively with emerging professional and societal issues
• Identify asset value from daily acquired information
• Positively transform organisational effectiveness and innovation
• Capture, store, preserve and make accessible the information needed in future for the businesses
• Capture records for long-term archival preservation and use
• Ensure records retain their value in terms of accountability, cultural memory, and business needs

Such efforts contribute to optimising business operations and to promoting cultural awareness and dialogue.

Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1 and M2

*This is the usual pattern of the courses, changes may sometimes occur.

Our Strategic Partners:

	Geneva School of Business Administration A memorandum of agreement was signed on March 2022 to establish a framework of cooperation with the Geneva School of Business Administration (HEG). Both institutions, HEG & SUAD, do agree to provide students from the other party access to their institutions in the department of Master in Information Science (HEG) and in the Master in Records Management and Archival Studies (SUAD).
	National Library and Archives A memorandum of agreement was signed on November 2018 with the National Library and Archives (NLA) in the UAE. The professional, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes have been designed in collaboration with the NLA to fulfill the market job requirements in this field. Professionals and experts from the NLA contribute to support these academic programmes by being involved in some applied works, internships, and current research projects.
	International Council on Archives Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is also an ICA member since 2019.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master in Records Management and Archival Studies (RMAS)

is a two-year program offered by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the UAE National Archives. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in the field of records management and archival studies.

Program Objectives:

• Prepare graduates for leadership roles in records and archives management.
• Enable graduates to evaluate international norms and best practices in records management.
• Develop graduates' ability to manage projects and information governance in various organizational contexts.
• Instill critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges in records and archives management.
• Advance cultural awareness through the preservation of documentary materials and the promotion of research and discovery.

Program Description:

The RMAS program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field of records management and archival studies. The program's curriculum focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of the field, with a strong emphasis on the latest technologies and advancements in the digital age. Through a series of core courses, professional experiences, and internships, students gain a comprehensive understanding of records management principles, archival theories and practices, information governance, digital recordkeeping, and the management of hybrid data. The program also incorporates elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as business and enterprise content management, cultural and heritage management, financial records management, or health management.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Duration: 2 years
• Delivery Language: English
• Degree Awarded: Master in Records Management and Archival Studies
• Accreditation: European ECTS system, Sorbonne University (France)
• Admission Deadline: 25 August 2024
• Interview Dates: To be announced

Program Content:

The RMAS program consists of four semesters, each with a unique set of modules and courses.

Year 1 - Semester 1:

• Modules:
• Fundamental Courses I
• Regular Courses
• Professional Courses
• Academic Course
• Courses:
• Archival Theories and Concepts
• Archival Diplomatics
• Records Management/ Advanced Records Management
• The Juridical Administrative UAE System in the Age of Digital Transformation
• Records Management in Business & Administrative contexts
• Academic and Administrative Writing

Year 1 - Semester 2:

• Modules:
• Fundamental Courses II
• Regular Courses
• General Education
• Professional Courses
• Elective Courses
• Courses:
• Digital Recordkeeping
• Database Design
• IT Security and Risk Management
• Research and Scholarship
• Records Management in Business and Administrative contexts
• Professional Arabic for Archival Terminology

Year 2 - Semester 1:

• Modules:
• Fundamental Courses
• Academic Courses
• Professional Courses
• Elective Course
• Courses:
• Archives System / Business System Analysis
• Archives Organisation and Description / Advanced Archives Organisation and Description
• Digital Preservation
• Preservation of Archival Materials
• E-Records and e-Archives Law
• Records Management in Business & Administrative Contexts
• Data Analysis II

Year 2 - Semester 2:

• Modules:
• Fundamental Courses
• Capstone Courses
• Professional Courses
• Elective Courses
• Courses:
• Archival Appraisal and Acquisition
• Archival Access and Dissemination
• Big Data Processing and Valuation
• Non-textual and Audiovisual Records
• Management of Information Organisations
• Research Project Dissertation
• Professional Arabic for Archival Terminology

Assessment:

The RMAS program employs a diverse range of assessment methods to evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, and skills. These methods include:

• Examinations: Written and oral examinations are used to assess students' comprehension of theoretical concepts and analytical skills.
• Assignments: Individual and group assignments are designed to test students' ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and demonstrate their research and problem-solving skills.
• Presentations: Students are required to deliver presentations based on their research findings or professional experiences, allowing them to showcase their communication and presentation skills.
• Case studies: Students engage in case studies to analyze real-world challenges and propose effective solutions, demonstrating their critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Capstone Project: The program culminates in a capstone project, requiring students to conduct independent research, analyze complex data, and present their findings in a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The RMAS program employs various interactive teaching methods to facilitate student learning and engagement. These methods include:

• Lectures: Interactive lectures delivered by experienced faculty members provide students with a solid foundation in key concepts and theories.
• Seminars and discussions: Regular seminars and discussions encourage active participation, critical thinking, and the exchange of ideas among students and faculty.
• Case studies and simulations: Students actively engage in case studies and simulations to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and develop practical problem-solving skills.
• Guest lectures: Industry professionals and experts contribute to the program by sharing their knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights into the contemporary challenges and opportunities in the field of records management and archival studies.

Faculty:

The RMAS program benefits from a dedicated team of faculty members with extensive expertise and experience in records management and archival studies. The faculty holds advanced degrees from reputable universities and possesses a blend of academic and professional backgrounds, ensuring students receive up-to-date knowledge and practical insights.

Unique Approach:

The RMAS program adopts a unique approach that emphasizes:

• Practical application: The program integrates practical experiences and internships, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain exposure to industry standards and best practices.
• International perspective: The program draws on international norms and best practices in records management and archival studies, preparing students for success in a globalized environment.
• Technology focus: The program emphasizes the latest technologies and advancements in the digital age, equipping students with the skills necessary to manage and preserve information in various formats.

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the RMAS program are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue successful careers in various fields related to records management and archival studies. Potential career paths include:

• Records Manager: Managing the creation, storage, retrieval, and disposal of records in organizations of all sizes and sectors.
• Archivist: Preserving and managing historical documents and artifacts in archives, museums, and libraries.
• Digital Archivist: Specializing in the preservation and management of digital records and born-digital content.
• Academic Researcher: Conducting research on topics related to records management and archival studies, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Career Opportunities:

RMAS graduates are highly sought-after by both public and private sector organizations, including:

• Government agencies: National Archives, ministries, municipalities, and other government entities.
• Private corporations: Banks, insurance companies, healthcare organizations, and other businesses of all sizes.
• Non-profit organizations: Museums, libraries, historical societies, and other cultural institutions.
• International organizations: United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other international bodies.

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the RMAS program are well-positioned for successful careers in the field of records management and archival studies. Additionally, the program's emphasis on international standards and best practices prepares graduates for success in a globalized environment.

Other:

Strategic Partnerships:

The RMAS program benefits from strategic partnerships with leading organizations in the field, including:

• Geneva School of Business Administration (HEG): Providing students with access to specialized courses and research opportunities in information science.
• National Library and Archives (NLA): Collaborating on program development, internships, and research projects.

International Mobility of Students:

The RMAS program encourages international mobility, providing students with opportunities to study abroad or participate in international conferences and workshops. This exposure to diverse perspectives and international practices enriches their learning experience and enhances their employability in a globalized job market.

• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344) • Payment of fees: Click here