Master of Information Management (Teacher Librarianship)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
DMIL
SATAC Code
4CM237 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
Online
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
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
- Specialise in advanced skills required for teacher librarians, including concepts, skills, knowledge and abilities in managing a school library.
- Participate in a practical field work project and a two-week placement within a school library.
- The only degree of its kind in South Australia.
- Online only program including part and full-time study options.
- 100% of our assessed research rated at or above work-class1.
- Develop an understanding of Information Management in a global environment with specific understanding of cultural, social and ethical issues in information asset management.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
Snapshot
The Master of Information Management (Library and Information Management) is the only qualification of its kind in South Australia.
There is a teaching shortage as well as a teacher librarian shortage nationwide. This degree is focussed on upskilling students who have already completed teaching degree, with the sole focus on the library and information management courses needed to run a school library.
You will graduate with an understanding of librarianship in the areas of academic, public and school librarianship. Electives for Teacher Librarianship students will include library and archives courses, business, education and IT related courses. This degree will enable you to develop communication skills, specifically in managing cross-functional and inter-organisational teams.
You will gain an understanding of information systems in the areas of professional Information Management involving effective management, preservation and archiving of digital and physical records and information, strategic management of an organisation’s information assets. This degree will give you opportunities to develop intellectual and professional independence, apply knowledge and theories to practical solutions, provide practical solutions and relevant evidence to support any solutions.
The Teacher Librarianship specialisation prepares graduates for a career as a teacher librarian if a Bachelor or Master of Teaching has been completed. 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 nine courses, you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Information Management (Teacher Librarianship).
There is the option to complete a research paper on a topic of your choice which could result in your eligibility to apply for a PhD.
What you'll learn
You will graduate with an understanding of librarianship in the areas of academic, public and school librarianship. Electives for Teacher Librarianship students will include library and archives courses, business, education and IT related courses. This degree will enable you to develop communication skills, specifically in managing cross-functional and inter-organisational teams.
You will learn from academic staff who include their own relevant research to bridge the theory-practice divide.
Depending on your career focus, you will also complete one of the projects below which enable you to be inspired by a project that may solve a problem or shed some light on something in your own workplace that is meaningful to you.
Professional focus – Information Management 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 – IM Masters Research Project
- 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 research paper 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.
Why Master of Information Management (Teacher Librarianship)
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 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.
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.
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
In South Australia, the primary places where graduates would get jobs are in independent and Catholic schools (both primary and secondary), and in government schools at the secondary level. Careers to consider may also include:
- Librarians
- Information Officers
- Knowledge Management Officers
- Records Managers
- Teacher Librarians
- Preservation Managers
- Information Managers
- Archivists
Industry facts
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.
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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.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
