Program Overview

Master of Information Science (Extended)

Overview

This course is designed to equip students with the expertise to work as librarians, archivists, and records managers in various organizations. Students will learn to think as information specialists and apply knowledge in environments such as public and academic libraries, community and national archives, and government and corporate records offices.

Admission Criteria

• Applicants require a minimum of a three-year bachelor's degree from a recognized tertiary education provider.
• The course relies on technology skills, so applicants must be competent in word processing and the use of the internet, including web browsing software, before starting the course.

English Requirements

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
  • Writing: 6.0
  • Speaking: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Listening: 6.0
  • Overall band score: 6.5

Other Requirements and Notes for this Course

• The course consists of ten core units that include two fieldwork-focused units and a number of optional units.
• Students can elect to study two project units or extend their professional engagement with an internship.
• Fieldwork placements are arranged for both internal and external students.
• Exemptions may be possible for students with required levels of work experience in libraries or other information services.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic fee paying postgraduate: $21,350* (2025 Fee year)
  • *Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e., units selected and time taken to complete).

Location

• Curtin Perth

How to Apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
• Each campus has different application deadlines

Course Structure

• Instead of being delivered in semesters, this course is delivered across four study periods each year:
  • Special Study Period 1: March–May
  • Special Study Period 2: June–August
  • Special Study Period 3: September–November
  • Special Study Period 4: December–February

Duration

• This course is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study.
• Full-time study may not be available for students commencing mid-year, resulting in an extended course duration.

Credit

• A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.

Qualification

• Master of Information Science (Extended)

Research Areas

• Information science
• Library science
• Archival science
• Records management

What You'll Learn

• Apply knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices in information science, library science, archival science, and records management
• Generate creative and innovative solutions to complex issues facing information professionals
• Access, adapt, and create information and technologies to communicate with diverse stakeholders
• Engage in ethical and culturally capable information practices within local, regional, and international contexts
• Recognize, respect, and support diverse cultures and knowledges with particular awareness of Indigenous perspectives
• Demonstrate personal autonomy, accountability, and collaboration in extended professional practice and/or research that reflects high ethical and moral standards

How This Course Will Make You Industry Ready

• You'll complete two practicums in which you'll gain real-world experience and be able to develop your professional networks.
• You’ll also have the choice of completing an internship in an archives, library, or records work environment.

Specialisations

• Master of Information Science (Extended) is a comprehensive program that covers various aspects of information science, including library science, archival science, and records management. There are no specific specializations within this program.

Campuses

• Australia
• Colombo
• Dubai
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Singapore

Teaching Areas

• Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Business and Law
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Science and Engineering

Deadlines for Applying Direct to Curtin

• Special Study Period 4, 2024: 9 September 2024
• Semester 1, 2025: 12 August 2024
• Special Study Period 1, 2025: 5 August 2024
• Special Study Period 2, 2025: 10 March 2025
• Special Study Period 3, 2025: 14 August 2025
• Special Study Period 4, 2025: 8 September 2025

Additional Information

• Curtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and recognizes the many nations who have looked after Country for more than 60,000 years.
• We are honored and grateful for the privilege to maintain campuses operating in Boorloo (Perth) and Karlkurla (Kalgoorlie) in Australia.
• We pay our respects to Elders past and present as Custodians and Owners of these lands.
• We recognize their deep knowledge and their cultural, spiritual, and educational practices, and aspire to learn and teach in partnership with them.
• Curtin also acknowledges First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses.
• We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.