Studying records and archives management: opportunities for international students to gain a first professional qualification


UCL's MA/Diploma/Certificate in Records and Archives Management (International) is designed specifically to accommodate students from a wide variety of countries, including students from the UK who might wish to work overseas at some point in the future. It provides a unique opportunity to study records and archives alongside fellow-students of many different nationalities, and to share experiences with others whose background may be very different from your own.

Students on the programme learn to manage, organise, describe, interpret and provide access to records and archives created by a wide range of organisations and individuals. They learn to manage records created in the present and those inherited from the past, and also to maintain and preserve records for use in the future.

The main focus of the programme is on written records and archives, in both digital and hard copy format, though non-script formats will also be examined. Teaching and learning give equal emphasis to the management of records for business purposes within the organisations where they are created, and to their longer-term preservation and use for historical research and other cultural purposes.

For the MA and Diploma, UCL provides seven core modules:

• Principles of Archives and Records Management
• Preservation
• Access: Policies and Practice
• Records Management
• Archival Description
• Management Skills
• International Professional Contexts.

Students' individual interests can be explored in depth through an eighth module which offers a choice of options (such as Advanced Preservation, Independent Study, Database Systems Analysis, Web Publishing) and through the MA dissertation.

The MA and the Diploma provide a foundation of understanding, knowledge and practical skills for those pursuing, or intending to pursue, a career in archives or records management outside the United Kingdom. Both are accredited by the Archives and Records Association as entry-level professional qualifications.

For the Certificate, students take four modules. The Certificate may be more appropriate for those who seek a shorter programme of study, or training in a more limited range of subjects.


What are the admission requirements?

Normal requirements for admission are a first or second class honours degree and about a year's experience of paid or voluntary employment in an established archive or records service, or experience in a post where management of archives or records is a substantial part of the postholder's responsibility. Overseas applicants without a first degree may be accepted for the Diploma or Certificate if they have substantial professional experience and seniority.

The programme is taught in English, and most students are from English-speaking countries; however, applications from any country in the world are welcomed, provided the applicant has an acceptable command of the English language. Details of the English Language requirements are available here.


How much time commitment is required?

Full-time study for the Diploma takes nine months, from late September to early June.

Full-time study for the MA requires a calendar year (September-September), with the summer months being occupied by work on the MA dissertation.

Depending on the modules chosen, the Certificate may be completed in approximately a half year of full-time study (late September-late January or early January-early June), or may be taken more gradually over nine months (late September-early June).

In term time, classes are held in the morning (10:00-1:00) or afternoon (2:00-5:00). In addition, time should be allowed for private study and for completion of coursework. There is a two-week practical placement in late April or early May.

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?

UCL offers different types of accommodation to suit different students' requirements: there are halls of residence, student houses and intercollegiate halls. Information about applying for accommodation is available on the website of the UCL student residence office. Students are also free to make their own accommodation arrangements, but are recommended to live within easy travelling distance of UCL. If you are offered a place at DIS, it will be important to arrange accommodation before you arrive in London.


How much does it cost?

Details of course fees can be found on the UCL Registry website. The fee for the Diploma is two-thirds of the fee for the Masters degree. The fee for the Certificate is one-third of the fee for the Masters degree.

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.


Can I take paid work while I am studying?

Under UK government regulations, international students are allowed to undertake a limited amount of paid employment to help meet the costs of their studies, and students often take casual jobs at evenings or weekends to provide a small supplement to their income.


How do I apply?

Please follow the link to: Graduate study.

All applicants must supply two references.


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?

Applications must be submitted by 31st July in the year for which entry is sought.


Where can I get more information?

If you have any further questions, please e-mail infostudies-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk.