Program Overview

Archives and Records Management

Key Facts

• Qualification: MA
• Course duration: 5 years
• Delivery method: Distance learning
• Available for: September start 2025, April start 2026

Typical Entry Requirements

• Entry Requirements: 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) degree in any subject, or equivalent
• Distance learners: 3 months (around 400 hours) work experience and continued employment or regular volunteer work in a relevant sector
• Non-graduates: Considered individually based on relevant work experience
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Details of previous relevant work/volunteer experience, current position held, and an up-to-date CV

Course Overview

• Department: Department of Information Studies
• Reputation: Well-established international reputation in teaching and research in information studies
• Location: Aberystwyth, a town with a rich information history and range of cultural organisations
• Links: Close links with the National Library of Wales, the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, the Welsh Books Council, Ceredigion Archives, and Ceredigion Museum

About this course

• Why study Archive and Records Management at Aberystwyth University?
  • Well-established international reputation in teaching and research in information studies
  • Strong history of delivering distance education
  • Flexible, guided study to fit around work commitments
  • Study schools provide opportunity to meet staff and fellow students

Modules (September start - 2025)

Core

• Dissertation: DSM1460, 60 credits
• Access, Outreach and Advocacy: DSM2020, 20 credits
• Archives and Records - Practical Project: DSM2410, 10 credits
• Collections Care: DSM2120, 20 credits
• Record Keeping Process and Practice: DSM2520, 20 credits
• Record Keeping Theories and Contexts: DSM2610, 10 credits
• Research in the Profession: DSM1810, 10 credits

Options

• Archives and Manuscripts: Content and Use: DSM0020, 20 credits
• Digital Collection Development: DSM2220, 20 credits
• Digital Information: Discovery to Delivery: DSM7510, 10 credits
• Digital Presence: Content and Creation: DSM0520, 20 credits
• Knowledge and Information Architecture: DSM6820, 20 credits
• Manuscript Skills: Post Medieval Palaeography & Diplomatic: DSM3810, 10 credits
• Rare Books Librarianship i: DSM1610, 10 credits
• Rare Books Librarianship ii: DSM1710, 10 credits
• Rare Books and Special Collections: DSM0620, 20 credits

Careers

• Employability: Improved across all areas
• Skills: Research, analysis, writing, presentation, and management
• Graduate destinations: Local, national, and specialist organisations

Teaching & Learning

• Breakdown:
  • Recordkeeping Theories and Contexts
  • Recordkeeping Process and Practice
  • Access, Outreach, and Advocacy
  • Collections Care
  • Archives and Records Practical Project
  • Research in the Profession
• Option modules:
  • Manuscript Skills
  • Digital Collection Development
  • Rare Books Librarianship
• Study method: Flexible distance learning, 2-5 years
• Attendance: Two study schools for MA, one study school for Postgraduate Diploma
• Support: Online learning materials, remote contact with tutor