Master of Information Management (Archives and Records Management)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
Online
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Entry requirements
For entry into the Master of Information Management applicants will be required to have:
- A completed Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognised higher education institution; OR
- A completed Graduate Diploma in Information Management
This program is available to international students to study online from their home country.
Degree overview
- Develop the unique and advanced skills required for archiving and information preservation.
- Benefit from experiential learning through a practical fieldwork project and a two-week placement within a library.
- Professionally accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association, Australian Society of Archivists and Records and Information Management Professionals Alliance.
- 100 per cent of our assessed research rated at or above world class1.
- The only degree of its kind in South Australia.
- Online only program including part and full-time study options.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
Snapshot
Information is one of the most vital, strategic assets of an organisation. Archiving and records management professionals use their unique and advanced technological skills to maintain and leverage these assets, and to minimise organisational risk.
You can tailor your studies to suit your busy life, with flexible options such as part time and online study.
The Master of Information Management (Archives and Records Management) is the only qualification of its kind in South Australia. It leverages a unique partnership with the State Records of South Australia and UniSA Library, and it offers a learning environment informed by industry and relevant professional practice.
The degree is offered as part of a suite of three programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master). Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification. If you decide to exit this degree having completed the first four courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Information Management. If you have completed the first eight courses, you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Information Management (Archives and Records Management).
There is the option to complete a minor thesis on a topic of your choice which could result in your eligibility to apply for a PhD.
What you'll learn
You will develop an advanced understanding of library collection and resource management, and study contemporary information management. You will also study several elective courses to further develop your chosen area of professional interest, and also develop a profound understanding of metadata, marketing and social media, digital literacy, reading and readers' advisory, and scholarly communications.
Depending on your career goals, you will also complete one of the projects below.
Professional focus – Information Management Research Project
- a professional research project in collaboration with an industry partner
- work in a structured project team and gain practical experience in modern information management techniques and practices
- supervised by an on-site supervisor and a UniSA course coordinator or supervisor
Research focus – Minor Thesis
- develop an in-depth understanding of a topic agreed upon with a supervisor
- devise the research question(s), develop a proposal for research methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) and analyse findings
- write a minor thesis with a sound argument and relevant supporting evidence
- supervised by a UniSA course coordinator or supervisor
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports and project documentation
- assignments
- group projects and presentations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Research
UniSA’s research centres, institutes and concentrations provide a dynamic teaching and research base for students. All have state-of-the-art facilities, with world renowned links and associations.
Why Master of Information Management (Archives and Records Management)
Improve your employment prospects and professional standing with a master degree that’s accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association, the Australian Society of Archivists and Records and Information Management Professionals Alliance.
You will learn the most contemporary practical applications of information theory and have the opportunity to do a practical field work project and a two-week placement in a library. You will also study several elective courses to further develop your chosen area of professional interest, and also develop a profound understanding of metadata, marketing and social media, digital literacy, reading and readers' advisory, and scholarly communications.
The degree culminates in a professional research project or minor research thesis.
Real-world connections
The University of South Australia has more than 200 industry partners. In your courses you will have opportunities to get real-world experience through projects and placements with our partners.
This master degree has a strong foundation in contemporary professional practice. It has been developed and is delivered in partnership with industry – in particular the State Records of South Australia and the UniSA Library. Staff members from each of these industry partners teach and guest lecture in the courses, melding theory and practice and creating a convergence between records management, archives and librarianship.
We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Careers to consider:
- archivist: authenticating and appraising historical documents and archival materials; maintaining accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases; locating new materials and organising their acquisition and display
- records manager: managing the storage and maintenance organisational records; maintaining the legal requirements of record keeping and freedom of information; ensuring the responsible and appropriate disposal of records
- librarian: managing and resourcing a branch library, a section of a large library, a small special library, or a research program; supervising and leading staff; providing expert advice on strategic information management; managing major projects such as information technology systems
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program has been granted Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Gold reaccreditation. Students must complete a work placement for a minimum ten day duration.
This program is professionally accredited by Records and Information Management Professional Alliance.
This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Society of Archivists.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
I am the Program Director of Library & Information Management and Business Information Management at the University of South Australia.
I work with post graduate students and industry to make sure that our programs are relevant to library and information management, archives, and records management professionals. We make sure our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that make them valued in the work place in Australia or internationally.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
