Program Overview

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Library and Information Management - PgDip, MSc

Overview

Scholarly and professional education for library and information practice.

Summary

The postgraduate programme in Library and Information Management has been developed by the School of Education in close collaboration with library practitioners and professional bodies to provide an academic route to professional qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma and MSc are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

About this course

About

The course draws on the direct experience of leaders in the library and information world to provide up-to-date and relevant insight into the key issues facing information services as they relate to the wider learning community, the strategic goals of the parent institution and the promotion of lifelong learning in a knowledge-based society. The course also benefits from the active involvement of the University Library in the provision of learning resources and direct support to students. It provides an academic foundation for professional practice.

Attendance

The course is fully online. Where they are regular live online classes, these take place in an ‘online classroom’. For students commencing the course in September 2026 these will be on a Wednesday evening (6.00-7.30pm) and for students starting in September 2027 they will be on a Thursday evening (6.00-7.30pm). We will be using the VLE Blackboard Collaborate for this.

Students will need a PC / laptop, reliable internet access, a web cam, a usb headset with microphone and audio, and a quiet place from which to participate in the online class. In addition to the weekly online sessions, learning resources will be posted online and students will engage in regular online discussion and keep an online learning journal.

Start dates

• September 2026

Modules

Year one

The Library in its Environment

Year: 1

Status: C

This is the first module taken in the programme. It is designed to provide students with an academic foundation in library and information management and to enable students to develop and deepen their understanding of the library and/or information environment in which they work. The module is delivered fully online. Assessment is by coursework and there are two coursework components (contributions to online discussions and final portfolio).

Improving Library Practice

Year: 1

Status: C

This is the second module taken in the programme. It is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of library and information management and to enable students to develop and further their understanding of the library and/or information environment in which they work. The module is delivered online using a variety of tools and approaches. Assessment is by coursework and there are two coursework components (online discussion contributions and final portfolio).

Year two

Leadership in Libraries for the future

Year: 2

Status: C

This is the third module taken in the programme. It is designed to provide students with an academic knowledge of leadership theories and their application in a library and information context and to enable students to develop and deepen their understanding of real-world leadership issues, trends, and challenges in the library and/or information environment in which they work. The module is delivered fully online. Assessment is by coursework and there are two coursework components.

Research Design and Initiation

Year: 2

Status: C

The Research Design and Initiation module introduces students to the key ideas and issues that underpin educational research theory and practice. It provides a research methods course to guide them in commencing their own empirical research project. All students will have developed knowledge, insight and skills as reflective practitioners in the classroom or practice situation, and many will be very familiar with action research. This module is designed to widen their views of research enquiry, to help students organise, implement and progress an educational research project by dissertation encompassing good practice in primary and secondary research, methodological design, analytical insightfulness and piloting, and implementation planning including ethical enquiry.

Year three

Dissertation

Year: 3

Status: C

This module allows participants to produce a sustained piece of independent research. It seeks to improve the quality of the participants' personal and professional understanding and the excellence of their practice, so that the impact on their organisation and on their colleagues and students is enhanced. It provides opportunities for the development of educational research methodologies and deepening understanding of the participant's situation and context.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a postgraduate degree course, you must;

• provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grades A-C or equivalent); and
• hold an Honours degree from a UK or Republic of Ireland or from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from another institution which has been recognised by the Senate for this purpose; or
• hold an equivalent standard in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Postgraduate Certificate or an approved alternative qualification; and
• satisfy additional requirements as described in the prospectus entry for your chosen course; or
• provide evidence of your ability to study at postgraduate level through the accreditation of your experience or learning.

Students are also expected to be working in a library/information environment for the duration of the course.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Library and Information Management prepare individuals for professional library and information careers.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to assure students that programmes provide an excellent preparation for professional practice.

Fees and funding

2026/27 Fees

Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

The student with the highest overall mark in the Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Management each year receives the A&O Shearman Prize for Best Performance.

The Biggar Award is given to the student with the best overall performance in the MSc in Library and Information Management each year.

Additional mandatory costs

No additional mandatory costs are associated with this course.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.