Start date
January
March
June
September

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Program Code
DMIL

Fees
AUD$ 36,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa

Degree overview

  • Specialise in advanced skills required for librarians and information officers.
  • Participate in a practical field work project and a two-week placement within a library.
  • The only degree of its kind in South Australia.
  • Online only program including part and full-time study options.
  • 100 per cent of our assessed research rated at or above world-class1.
  • Accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research. 

What you'll learn

What you 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 digital literacy, metadata, marketing and social media, reading and readers' advisory and scholarly communications.

Depending on your career focus, 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

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
Semester 1
Information Management Professional Practice INFS 5087 4.5
Technological Foundations INFS 5107 4.5
Information Management Foundations INFS 5104 4.5
Information Discovery and Evaluation INFS 5139 4.5
Semester 2
Information Management Experience Reports INFS 5086 0 Rule(s): 1
Information Management Project INFS 5067 4.5 Note(s): 3
Information Description and Discovery INFS 5138 4.5
Information Management Course 1 4.5 Note(s): 4
Please select one of the following two courses:
Readers' Advisory and Collections INFS 5140 4.5 Note(s): 2
Scholarly Communications INFS 5134 4.5 Note(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
Semester 1
Information Management Course 2 4.5 Note(s): 4
Information Management Course 3 4.5 Note(s): 4
Elective 1 4.5
Masters Research Theory and Practice ENGG 5020 4.5
Semester 2
Elective 2 4.5
Elective 3 4.5
IM Masters Research Project INFS 5124 9 Note(s): 1

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 (independent study). 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

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.

Global opportunities

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 (Library and Information Management)

Why this Degree

Accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association, the Australian Society of Archivists and Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia, this degree offers you a learning environment informed by industry and relevant professional practice.

You will learn the most contemporary practical applications of information theory, 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 digital literacy, metadata, marketing and social media, reading and readers' advisory and scholarly communications.

The degree culminates in a 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 librarianship, records management, and archives.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

Careers to consider:

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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.

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for Librarians is expected to grow moderately by 5.9% (600 jobs) by 2026

(Labour Market Insights, 2022)

chart-people

Librarians are identified as 1 of 25 emerging occupations

(National Skills Commission, 2021)

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

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

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

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.

Dr Jo Kaeding

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Jo Kaeding
Portrait image for Dr Jo Kaeding

Dr Jo Kaeding

Program Director

Enquire

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