Librarianship

Program Overview

The PhD in Librarianship at Aberystwyth University is a research-based program, equipping students with advanced research methodology training. Through independent research and collaboration with faculty, students develop their own research interests and contribute to the field's advancement. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in diverse sectors, including libraries, businesses, and government departments, where their skills are highly valued.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD in Librarianship at Aberystwyth University is a research-based program designed to provide students with advanced training in research methodology and the ability to conduct original research in the field of librarianship or information science. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the advancement of the field.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program focuses on research in any aspect of modern librarianship or information science.
Students choose their own research topic and develop a research proposal outlining the aims and methodology of their study.
• Structure: The program is structured around a research project culminating in a thesis.
Students are assigned a Director of Studies who provides guidance and support throughout the research process.
• Course Schedule: The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.
The minimum duration is three years full-time or five years part-time. Students with a Masters Degree obtained by research or advanced study may have their study period reduced by one year.
• Modules:
• Year 1 (Full-time):
• Core Modules:
• Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis (for social scientists) - PGM1010 (10 credits)
• Manuscript Skills: Post Medieval Palaeographic and Diplomatic - PGM1210 (10 credits)
• Principles of Research Design - PGM0210 (10 credits)
• Ways of Reading - PGM0410 (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Modules may be available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh.
• Research Training Programme: Full-time students are required to register for the Research Training Programme, which consists of six modules designed to provide training in research methods.
This program is taken during the student's first year of study.

Assessment:

• Thesis: The primary assessment for the PhD is a thesis based on the student's original research.
The thesis must demonstrate knowledge of the field and the ability to exercise critical judgment.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program emphasizes independent research, with students working closely with their Director of Studies.
The Research Training Programme provides structured training in research methods.
• Faculty: The Department of Information Studies has a strong research reputation and is able to supervise students researching into any aspect of modern librarianship or information science.
• Unique Approaches: The program encourages students to develop their own research interests and to contribute to the advancement of the field.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in libraries, schools, hospitals, businesses, government departments, and record offices.
• Opportunities: The skills developed in the program are highly valued by a wide range of employers both nationally and internationally.

Other:

• Research Excellence: Aberystwyth University has a strong tradition of research excellence, as demonstrated in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014) assessment.
The university placed in the top 50 institutions for research power and intensity. 95% of the university's research was of an internationally recognized standard.