MSc Econ Diploma Records Management

Introduction

The University of Wales at Aberystwyth (UWA) is home to one of the small number of training centres for archive administration and records management in the UK. It is based in the Department of Information Studies, where the range of expertise available provides natural strength both for taught courses of professional training and for higher degrees by research.

Professional training in archive administration has been provided in Aberystwyth since 1956, first as a Diploma course and now as a modular Master's course. In 1997 a parallel course, the Diploma/MSc Econ in Records Management was established, to cater for the increasing need for advanced skills in records management, with an emphasis on the control of record-keeping in an electronic environment and wider aspects of information management. This course is particularly suitable for students who wish to enter records management-related employment in government, business or corporate administration, or information services.

Why study Records Management?

By studying records management at post-graduate level, you will learn professional principles and techniques and acquire the core skills which will enable you to play a part in the management and exploitation of an invaluable informational resource which underpins organisational success.

The Diploma/MSc Econ in Records Management is designed to provide you with the necessary range of knowledge and skills in appropriate areas. While the emphasis is on records management, it includes wider management issues and strength in ICT, and fosters the ability to communicate across different levels of an organisation and with fellow information professionals. Furthermore, while it provides a sound foundation upon which a specific career can be built, it also equips you to be both innovative and flexible in a range of employment opportunities which require transferable skills.

Course structure and delivery mode

The Diploma/MSc Econ in Records Management is divided into two parts: Part I (120 credits) is the taught course, successful completion of which reaches Diploma-level. Part II (60 credits) involves writing a dissertation, to be submitted for the Master’s-level qualification.

The course is available full-time or part-time (part-timers must be generally able to attend classes for half of each week in term time, over two years). Exit points exist at Diploma (9 months) and Master's level (12 months).

Teaching methods

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Lectures and seminars are intended to provide a clear framework for further reading, questioning and thought. They do not form the minimum requirements of factual knowledge for examination answers or assignments! We aim to provide a supportive learning environment: help and guidance are always available, but individual effort is essential.

A significant proportion of your learning takes place in study visits and fieldwork, where you will need to observe and relate what you have learnt to the practice in a number of record keeping environments. Practical experience gained before embarking on the course provides a very important foundation for the training experience of the course itself.

Assessment and examinations

The course is assessed by course work. Each module has its own specific form of assessment, full details of which will be given to you at the beginning of the relevant semester.

Visits and fieldwork

As part of a professional training course such as ours, it is vital that you have the chance to relate the learning experience at University to the world of work and to discuss current issues with practising members of the profession. The course at UWA is particularly strong in these respects. Students undertake a study tour to London and several other study visits in order to observe a wide variety of archives and records management operations in both public and private sectors. Attendance is compulsory.

Students should budget carefully to ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover these extra expenses, which may include accommodation as well as travel. The University regrets that it is unable to offer assistance to cover these costs.

Course accreditation

The course has full accreditation from the Society of Archivists, the relevant professional body, and CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Am I eligible?

To be considered for the course you should have, or expect to obtain, a good honours degree, which can be in any subject. The course is also open to mature non-graduates over 25 years of age with substantial qualifying experience in a relevant field.

In order to benefit fully from the course, it is essential that you obtain at least six weeks pre-course work experience (paid or voluntary) in records management, and some experience of archival work. We can advise you about this when you are considering applying. In fact, many applicants offer much longer periods of work experience and, although it is not essential, it will often improve the chances of getting a place on the course.

As for personal qualities, you should enjoy dealing with people at all levels, since the work invariably involves much personal contact with employers, managers and record users. Attention to detail and analytical skills are required for most records management tasks, whilst a willingness to undertake hard physical work is also necessary in many situations. However, if you are looking for a challenge, and have enthusiasm and commitment, records management can offer a varied and rewarding career.

Funding

For the Diploma/MScEcon funding for students resident in England and Wales is available in the form of a bursary from the Professional Preparation Master’s Scheme administered by the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB). The awards cover fees and a flat-rate maintenance element. These awards are however extremely limited in number and are allocated, on a competitive basis, to students whose applications to the AHRB are supported by the University. Students should therefore carefully consider alternative sources of funding.