MRes in Library, Archive and Information Studies

The MRes is a mid-career cross-domain qualification for librarians, archivists, records managers, museum curators and other information and cultural professionals who wish to develop their leadership, management and professional skills. It is also a research skills qualification for information and cultural professionals preparing for a higher research degree (MPhil or PhD).


Students are offered a flexible but guided programme of study to develop their leadership, management, information technology and professional skills. The programme can be tailored to individual development needs and, usually, related to students’ current or future employment. For those who have little research expertise, or who are considering the possibility of registering for a higher research degree (MPhil or PhD), the MRes programme also offers the opportunity to develop skills in research.

Students can choose from a wide range of taught courses, and will research and write a dissertation of 25,000 words. UCL:DIS is responsible for the administration of the programme, but students may take courses in other UCL departments by arrangement.

To obtain the degree of MRes, students are expected to complete:

  • a foundation week, including study and self management skills and an introduction to UCL resources
  • two taught courses in leadership, management or information and communication technology skills, chosen from one or more of the following fields of study:

* management skills in library and information management or archives and records management
* information and communication technologies
* adult learning and professional development.

  • two taught courses in information and culture, chosen from one or more of the following fields:

* archives and records management
* management of information systems
* collection management
* information organisation and retrieval
* information services for specialist media or users
* information sources (in a chosen subject field)
* electronic communication and publishing
* preservation
* cultural heritage
* library services for children and schools.

  • a research project dissertation of 25,000 words in an applied or theoretical area of information work.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with the Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching at UCL.

Why should I choose to study at UCL:DIS?
UCL:DIS is the only academic department in the UK with programmes which span the areas of library and information studies, archives and records management, electronic publishing, information management and information science so we can offer unparalleled opportunities for cross-domain work to students on the MRes programme, who will have the opportunity to contribute to and draw on DIS’s cross-disciplinary research culture. In addition, MRes students will have the opportunity to work with other academic groups at UCL, including the Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching.

When the School of Librarianship was established at UCL in 1919, it was the first of its kind in Britain; in another pioneering move, the study of Archive Administration was added in 1947. The breadth of the teaching is also reflected within the research culture of the School. UCL:DIS is a leading centre for research in information science and management, health informatics, digital information seeking, web log analysis, research evaluation, scholarly communication, user studies, electronic records, digital technologies for the humanities, preservation management and the history of the book.

UCL is one of the foremost teaching and research institutions in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1826 to provide higher education for all who could benefit from it, regardless of religion, race or class, and is both the oldest and the largest of the various colleges and institutes that make up the University of London. UCL was the first to admit women to higher education on equal terms with men, and also pioneered the teaching of many subjects at university level. UCL currently has over 18,900 students, of whom approximately one third are graduate students, and 70 academic departments.

As a metropolis, London hosts not only a large number of records management services, but also the broadest and finest grouping of historical archives in any city in the English-speaking world. Premier library and information institutions, including the British Library, are within easy reach. With its base in the centre of London, the UCL programme is able to call on an impressive range of visiting speakers, as well as giving students opportunities for structured field visits. UCL's central location also provides easy access to the many other social and cultural attractions which London can offer.

What are the admission requirements?
Candidates should normally have a first or second-class Honours degree, and a first professional qualification and several years of relevant work experience in an archives, records, library, museum or other cultural or information service. In exceptional circumstances, candidates with other qualifications and experience may be admitted.

Applications from any country in the world are welcomed, but please note that we have a language requirement of IELTS 7.5 (or equivalent) for this programme.

How much time commitment is required?
Full-time study for the MRes requires a calendar year (September-September).

Distance learning programmes are not offered at UCL, but part-time study (normally attending one or two days per week) is available for students who do not wish to attend on a full-time basis. Studying part-time, the MRes may be completed over two years.

Classes are normally held on UCL's main site in Gower Street, London WC1; field visits and practical sessions may involve travel to other central London locations.

Where would I live?
Students must live within easy travelling distance of UCL.

For those seeking accommodation in London, UCL offers a choice of halls of residence, student houses and intercollegiate halls. Information about applying for accommodation is available on the website of the UCL student residence office.

How much does it cost?
Details of course fees can be found on the UCL Registry website.

You should note that these fees do not include accommodation and living costs.

Are grants, scholarships or loans available?
UCL:DIS regrets that it is unable to offer financial support to students.

Information about sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on the UCL Department of Educational Liaison website. UCL does not offer any further grants, scholarships or loans to meet living or studying costs, although in some cases students who have begun a programme of study may be eligible to apply for UCL hardship funds if they meet unexpected financial difficulties during the year.

Where can I get more information?
Information about all the postgraduate programmes at UCL:DIS, and about methods of learning and assessment, can be found in the postgraduate prospectus.

If having consulted these pages you have any additional questions, please email the Research Administrator infostudies-adminphd@ucl.ac.uk who will be happy to answer any queries you may have.

How do I apply?
Please download an application pack and return the application form to the College Admissions Office, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, together with two references and other supporting documents as requested in the application pack.

In addition to the personal statement within the application pack, applicants are requested to supply a short outline proposal for their research interest. This should be between 600 - 1000 words and should indicate the proposed area of study, possible methodology and a short bibliography.

What happens after I have applied?
All applications are acknowledged by the College Admissions Office. Provided that your application is complete, it will then be considered by the Programme Director.

Is there a deadline for applications?
For entry in September 2012 the academic deadlines will be:

15 December 2011 (AHRC, UCL and British Council Scholarships only)
15 June 2012

Page last modified on 05 mar 12 09:47