Program Overview

Library and Information Services Management (Distance Learning) MA PG Certificate PG Diploma

The Library and Information Services Management (Distance Learning) MA PG Certificate PG Diploma is designed for library and information professionals at any stage of their career who are seeking to enhance their professional skills and knowledge. This course provides a professionally oriented curriculum to develop the core competencies of the library and information profession, as defined in the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Professional Knowledge and Skills Base.

Course Description

We welcome students from all over the world who have diverse experiences and disciplinary backgrounds, who share different perspectives and ideas that enrich peer discussions and enhance the learning experience on the programme. The course is ranked number one in the world for library and information management in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2025.

Modules

A selection of modules is available each year, including:

• Information Literacy (distance learning)
• Libraries, Information and Society (distance learning)
• Leadership, Strategy and Change (distance learning)
• Information Organisation (distance learning)
• Information and Knowledge Management (distance learning)
• Personal and Professional Development Portfolio (distance learning)
• Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation (distance learning)
• Dissertation (distance learning)
• Academic and Workplace Library, Information and Knowledge Services (distance learning)
• Database Design and Data Management (distance learning)
• Public, School, and Prison Library Services (distance learning)
• Information Governance and Ethics (distance learning)

Accreditation

The MA and PG Diploma awards are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), which is recognised by professional associations in the USA, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.

Duration

The course is available in the following durations:

• 2 years part-time by distance learning
• 3 years part-time by distance learning
• PG Cert: 1 year part-time by distance learning

Teaching

Teaching and learning activities are designed to be flexible so that you can work at your own pace and balance your studies with your professional and personal schedules. Live weekly online sessions are delivered through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard Ultra), which are recorded for students who are unable to attend in real time.

Assessment

Assessments vary depending on the modules you choose, but the majority are coursework only. While you will do traditional assessments such as essays, many assessments are oriented towards developing your experience of formats and skills that mirror real-world tasks required by library and information professionals.

Your Career

Our library and information services management course has been designed for people preparing to take the next step in their careers or who wish to explore other opportunities within the profession. Library and information services require professionals who can support people to navigate an information-rich world. This programme will enable you to develop the skills and competencies desired by employers, those defined by CILIP’s Professional Knowledge and Skills Base and the Sheffield Graduate Attributes.

School

The School of Information, Journalism and Communication is ranked number one in the world for library and information management in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2025. The school has been at the forefront of developments in the information field for more than fifty years.

Student Profiles

The course has exceeded my expectations. The subjects and materials are relevant to my current role and the course has provided an opportunity to improve transferable skills

Josephine Bailey
MA Library and Information Services Management student

Entry Requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject. You should also have around 12 months' information-related practical work experience. This is flexible depending on the level and relevance of your experience. If you don’t have a degree but your professional experience is extensive, you might be able to take the postgraduate certificate or diploma and upgrade to the MA later.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

Fees and Funding

The fees below apply to the two-year version of this course for 2026 entry:

• Home (2026 annual fee): £6,340 each year
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £6,340 each year

The fees below apply to the three-year version of this course for 2026 entry:

• Home (2026 annual fee): £4,226 each year
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £4,226 each year

Alumni Discount

£3,000 scholarships for international students. Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility). Save up to £2,500 on your course fees if you are a Sheffield graduate.