Library Science MA/MSc

Postgraduate taught degree

This course is for 2021/22 entry.

Apply now

Key information

This programme aims to provide you with a deep understanding of collection-orientated institutions and services and their relevance in society. Your course will enable you to examine the processes of information organisation, communication, access and provision, as well as considering library infrastructures and services from both historical and philosophical perspectives.

Start date

September 2021

Institution

City, University of London

Course code

PSLIST

Location

Northampton Square

Course overview
Structure
Teaching and assessment
Fees and funding
Career
How to apply

Course overview

Benefits of this course

The benefits of this course are many and varied and will help progress your career.

Library Science is a broad, interdisciplinary subject, the principles and practice of which underpin today’s information society.

With an emphasis on the use of new and emergent technologies; methods of investigation and analysis; ethical, legal and socio-political implications, and policy formulation, this MSc will set you up for a career in modern day libraries and galleries.

Award

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

Master of Science (MSc)

Who is this course for?

If you want to learn about library services, and the processes of information organisation and communication, this course is perfect.

You’ll need a first degree or equivalent in any discipline or be keen to start or develop your career around collections and services within galleries, libraries, museums and archives.

You’re likely to have an eye for detail, an interest in the organisation, technologies, and communication of information, and an understanding of the organisational and wider social impacts of information policy, access and provision.

Specialisms

The MA/MSc in Library Science covers:

library history
social-cultural impact of libraries and library services
information resources
collection management
cataloguing and classification
metadata
information law and ethics
digital libraries
information technologies
information literacy
libraries and publishing
research methods
library and information services for children and young adults.

Structure

Master of Science (MSc)

Duration:

Full-time: 12 months
Part-time: 24 months (up to 28 months)

Modules:

8 in total
Core modules: 7
Optional modules: 1

Modules

On successful completion of the course, you can choose between the award of MA or of MSc.

This is usually based on the arts or science content of the work undertaken for the degree, and/or your career aspirations. The course structure and modules are the same for either award. The difference occurs in the focus of the assignments and the dissertation.

Each of the modules counts for 15 credits, and requires approximately 150 hours work.

30 hours are face-to-face instruction (this may be lectures, seminars, group work, discussion or practical work)
120 hours self-directed study.

On successful completion of eight taught modules, students can progress to the dissertation. The dissertation is worth 60 credits, and takes around 400 hours.

Core modules

Elective modules

Dissertation

LIS dissertation (60 credits)

The purpose of this module is for you to gain expertise and experience in research within the field of library and information science (LIS), by undertaking an individual research project.

Programme specification

The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.

Download course specification:

PSLIST - MScMA Library Science

Teaching and assessment

You will learn through a series of lectures, workshops, seminars and coursework designed to allow your specialist knowledge and autonomy to develop as you progress through the course.

You also have access to our online learning environment, Moodle that contains resources to support face-to-face lectures, web-based media resources, lecture notes and an interactive discussion forum.

During your course you will learn about library history, information technologies, digital libraries, collection management and information ethics.

As communication and networking are an integral part of your course you’ll be expected to engage with blogs, Twitter and other communications media.

As well as taking part in face-to-face student and professional forums, you’ll be encouraged to present your work to the wider Library and Information Service community for discussion.

Fees and funding

Fees for academic year 2021/22

Master of Science (MSc)

Full-time per year

UK: £10,200

Overseas/EU: £20,400

Part-time per year

UK: £5,100

Overseas/EU: £10,200

Fees in each subsequent year of study (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of two percent. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study (where applicable).

Funding

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Future Finance Loans

Future Finance offers students loans of between £2,500 and £40,000 to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. All students and courses are considered. All loans are subject to credit checks and approval. For further details visit the Future Finance website.

Career

As a skilled and confident Library Science graduate with an understanding of the principles and practices of the subject your career could start in:

public library
academic library
consultancy
special/heritage library
information services
publishing.
information literacy teaching/training.

This course is also an excellent preparation for further study and research.

How to apply

Entry requirements

English language requirements

If you are an applicant whose first language is not English, the following qualifications are required:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in all four components)
TOEFL 92 (minimum of 20 in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and 22 in Writing)

For information about the various English Language tests City accepts please see the English language requirements. Please note though that the scores listed there are equivalent to IELTS 5.5.

English language programmes

Don't meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Application process

Apply now

You will be expected to submit the following:

Your degree certificate and transcript of marks from your first degree (if you do not have your final results at the time of making your application, please upload a provisional certificate/interim transcript of marks). A transcript is required in order to have your application processed.
If your first language is not English, or you require a Student Visa to study in the UK, please upload a Proof of English Proficiency if you have already obtained it. A list of accepted qualifications can be found here.
If you require a Student Visa to undertake a Master's programme in the UK, please upload a detailed personal statement outlining why you wish to study this specific course, at City, University of London, as well as explaining how your past studies have prepared you for this course and how it will help you to progress in your career.
If you are applying for a Part-time course, or have relevant work experience relating to the degree you are applying for, please upload a copy of your current CV/resume.

Please note: Academic references are not required when you submit your application. However, the admissions tutor may request them at a later date to help make a decision on your application.

September 2021 entry

Contact the postgraduate team

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 0248

Email: smcsepg@city.ac.uk

Facilities

We work in close connection with our colleagues at City Library, which consist of around 250,000 books with over 25,000 online journal titles and over 1600 study places available.
Students can book private library spaces for academic work within City Library. They offer excellent support and advice to our students, in addition to contributing to our courses.
At City, there are many programmes such as the professional mentoring scheme, that help and advise our students in their chosen discipline.
As part of the University of London, City students have access to Senate House Library.

Library Science MA/MSc

Key information