MA

Archives and Records Management

You are viewing this course for April start 2026

Key Facts

Course Code P132D

  • Qualification

    MA

  • Course duration

    5 years

  • Delivery method

    Distance learning

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By studying this degree, students will develop the academic and practical knowledge skills needed to collect, preserve, and provide access to records and archives from our earliest surviving manuscripts to born digital records.

This MA or Diploma, accredited by both the UK’s Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the Archives and Records Association (ARA), will prepare you for work in any archive or records management environment. Graduates from the course go on to work in a wide range of local, national, and specialist organisations.

This course is delivered via distance learning over a period of two to five years.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) degree in any subject, or equivalent. Distance learners must demonstrate 3 months (around 400 hours) work experience and be in continued employment or have regular volunteer work in a relevant sector.  Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants should provide details of previous relevant work/volunteer experience, and current position held, at the point of application and include an up-to-date CV.

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Course Overview

Why study Archive and Records Management at Aberystwyth University?

  • hands-on project working with professional archivists
  • in-depth study of palaeography using documents in different hands
  • medieval and post-medieval palaeography pathways
  • training in industry standard cataloguing and preservation software
  • intensive dissertation workshop to support research topic identification and develop research skills
  • professional conferences, visits and lectures
  • studying in a town with a rich information history and range of cultural organisations with which the Department has close links including: the National Library of Wales (one of the UK’s five copyright libraries); the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales; the Welsh Books Council; Ceredigion Archives; and Ceredigion Museum.

About this course

Duration:

2-5 years distance learning.

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details.

Modules September start - 2026

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Dissertation DSM1460 60
Access, Outreach and Advocacy DSM2020 20
Archives and Records - Practical Project DSM2410 10
Collections Care DSM2120 20
Record Keeping Process and Practice DSM2520 20
Record Keeping Theories and Contexts DSM2610 10
Research in the Profession DSM1810 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Archives and Manuscripts : Content and Use DSM0020 20
Digital Collection Development DSM2220 20
Digital Information : Discovery to Delivery DSM7510 10
Digital Presence: Content and Creation DSM0520 20
Manuscript Skills:Post Medieval Palaeography & Diplomatic DSM3810 10
Rare Books Librarianship i DSM1610 10
Rare Books and Special Collections DSM0620 20
Workplace Case Study: Digital Preservation DSM6310 10

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

This course will also equip you with a wide range of general work skills such as research, analysis, writing, presentation and management, ensuring your employability is improved across all areas. Upon graduation, you will have proven your abilities in structuring and communicating ideas efficiently, writing for and speaking to a range of audiences, evaluating and organizing information, working effectively with others and working within time frames and to specific deadlines.

Teaching & Learning

A wide variety of teaching methods are used. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and practical classes. High quality teaching and supervision will enable you to realise your full potential. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and work on projects both individually and in groups.

Assessment

A number of different types of assessment are used throughout the programme. In addition to essays and written exams, you will give individual and group presentations. You will receive constructive feedback on all coursework assignments.