Our department offers a number of courses and qualifications at postgraduate level within the broad area of information studies. Central to all of these subjects is an interest in how people and information connect. This can range from a child using a library, a doctor working in a hospital, a lawyer researching a case, to a citizen's right to information about their government.
We are also interested in how culture is shared in society, through access to books in libraries, artefacts in museums and historical documents in archives. The Department has a long and prestigious history in providing education and skills for professional library staff throughout the world.
You can study with us on campus or by distance learning. Our graduates work in libraries, schools, hospitals, businesses, government departments and record offices. Their skills are highly valued by a wide range of employers both nationally and internationally.
Research may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. The minimum periods of study for a Masters Degree (MPhil) are one year full-time or two years part-time. For a doctoral degree (PhD) the minimum period is three years full-time or five years part-time. For those candidates who already possess a Masters Degree obtained by research or advanced study, the period of study is reduced by one year.
Part-time candidates for the Masters Degree who are resident in the UK or the Republic of Ireland normally visit the Department at least once each term. Part-time overseas candidates for the Masters Degree are required to spend a total of at least three months in residence at the Department at times to be agreed with their Director of Studies.
The Director of Studies will determine the period of attendance at the Department for part-time Doctoral candidates.
Please visit our School's Research pages for information regarding our staff, areas of interest, facilities and other information
Course Overview
The Department of Information Studies is able to supervise students researching into any aspect of modern librarianship or information science. The topic for research is chosen by the applicant, who should submit a proposal outlining the aims and methodology of the research. Intending applicants are invited to make informal enquiries about the suitability and viability of the topics before a formal application is submitted, and staff of the Department will advise candidates on the development of acceptable proposals if necessary. In the case of the Doctoral degree (PhD), a clear indication of the amount of original work to be undertaken will be required.
Research students undertake a programme of research and present a thesis on a chosen topic. The aim is to provide candidates with training in research methodology, by requiring them to undertake work which displays knowledge of the field and an ability to exercise critical judgement. Full time students are also required to register for the Research Training Programme. This is a course of six modules designed to provide training and research methods which is taken during the student's first year of study. The conduct of the research is the student's responsibility, but each candidate is assigned a Director of Studies with whom the candidate is expected to consult on a regular basis.
The university has a proud tradition of research excellence, as demonstrated in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014) assessment. It placed the university in the top 50 institutions for research power and intensity. It submitted 77% of eligible staff and 95% of the university's research was of an internationally recognised standard.
Modules September start - 2025
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.
