Master of Information Management (Archives and Records Management)

University of South Australia

About

Information is one of the most vital, strategic assets of an organisation.

Archiving and records management professionals use their unique and advanced technological skills to maintain and leverage these assets, and to minimise organisational risk.

You can tailor your studies to suit your busy life, with flexible options such as part time and online study.

The Master of Information Management (Archives and Records Management) is the only qualification of its kind in South Australia.

It leverages a unique partnership with the State Library and State Records of South Australia, it offers a learning environment informed by industry and relevant professional practice.

The degree is offered as part of a suite of three programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master).

Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification.

If you decide to exit this degree having completed the first four courses you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Information Management.

If you have completed the first nine courses you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Information Management (Archives and Records Management).

There is the option to complete a minor thesis on a topic of your choice which could result in your eligibility to apply for a PhD.

Structure

Course name Area and cat no Units Reference Rules
FIRST YEAR
Information and Records Management INFS 5063 4.5
Technological Foundations INFS 5107 4.5
Archival Management INFS 5081 4.5
Information Management Foundations INFS 5104 4.5
Information Resources and Services INFS 5079 4.5
Information Management Experience Reports INFS 5086 0
Information Management Professional Practice INFS 5087 4.5
Information Management Project INFS 5067 4.5
Choose one out of the following two:
Digital Preservation INFS 5082 4.5
Preservation Principles INFS 5069 4.5
SECOND YEAR with RESEARCH PROJECT
Research Methods INFT 4017 4.5
Elective 1 4.5
Metadata INFS 5126 4.5
Elective 2 4.5
Elective 3 4.5
IT Masters Research Project INFS 5124 9 Note(s): 1
Choose the one out of the two that have not been completed:
Digital Preservation INFS 5082 4.5
Preservation Principles INFS 5069 4.5
SECOND YEAR with MINOR THESIS
Research Methods INFT 4017 4.5
Elective 1 4.5 Note(s): 3
Elective 2 4.5
ITMS Masters Minor Thesis 1 COMP 5005 9 Note(s): 2
ITMS Masters Minor Thesis 2 COMP 5003 9 Note(s): 2
Choose the one out of the two that have not been completed:
Digital Preservation INFS 5082 4.5
Preservation Principles INFS 5069 4.5

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

  • A completed Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognised higher education institution; OR
  • A completed Graduate Diploma in Information Management

Learning outcomes

You will develop an advanced understanding of library collection and resource management, and study contemporary information management. You will also study several elective courses to further develop your chosen area of professional interest, and also develop a profound understanding of information behaviour, metadata, marketing, literacy, reading and readers.

Depending on your career goals, you will also complete one of the projects below.

Professional focus – Information Management Research Project
  • a professional research project in collaboration with an industry partner
  • work in a structured project team and gain practical experience in modern information management techniques and practices
  • supervised by an on-site supervisor and a UniSA course coordinator or supervisor
Research focus – Minor Thesis
  • develop an in-depth understanding of a topic agreed upon with a supervisor
  • devise the research question(s), develop a proposal for research methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) and analyse findings
  • write a minor thesis with a sound argument and relevant supporting evidence
  • supervised by a UniSA course coordinator or supervisor

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

The University of South Australia has more than 200 industry partners. In your courses you will have opportunities to get real-world experience through projects and placements with our partners.

This master degree has a strong foundation in contemporary professional practice. It has been developed and is delivered in partnership with industry – in particular the State Library of South Australia, State Records of South Australia, and the UniSA Library. Staff members from each of these industry partners teach and guest lecture in the courses, melding theory and practice and creating a convergence between librarianship, records management, and archives.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

By 2022 in Australia, roles in archives and records management are predicted to grow by 1,000 to 7,800 roles1.

Careers to consider:

  • archivist: authenticating and appraising historical documents and archival materials; maintaining accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases; locating new materials and organising their acquisition and display
  • records manager: managing the storage and maintenance organisational records; maintaining the legal requirements of record keeping and freedom of information; ensuring the responsible and appropriate disposal of records
  • librarian: managing and resourcing a branch library, a section of a large library, a small special library, or a research program; supervising and leading staff; providing expert advice on strategic information management; managing major projects such as information technology systems

1 Australian Government Department of Employment: Occupation projections

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Institution