Bachelor of Information Studies

During this course students will:

1. Apply discipline skills and knowledge ethically and creatively in a range of professional and organisational contexts.
2. Implement culturally sensitive practices related to professional practice.
3. Analyse and interpret the full range of contexts and sources of information and their characteristics.
4. Effectively acquire, organise, describe, disseminate, manage, create and add value to information for use in a range of contexts and for a range of audiences and information needs.
5. Ethically apply their skills and knowledge, ethics, technologies and professional standards of the discipline to practice.
6. Evaluate appropriate technologies in order to ensure transmission of ideas, information and knowledge in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner appropriate to the format, context, and audience.
7. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences and appropriate to the discipline.
8. Work independently and collaboratively within the discipline and in the workplace.
9. Develop, research and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes through creative, critical and reflective thinking and practice and apply this to practice.

The Bachelor of Information Studies (with specialisations) from Charles Sturt University delivers expert education for the information and library professions. The degree is accredited by peak industry bodies, backed by more than 45 years of expertise in the information and library studies field, and taught by experts.

Tailor your degree

The Bachelor of Information Studies (with specialisations) offers a general information and library studies qualification, or you can choose from several specialisations: Librarianship, Children's Librarianship, Information Management or Records and Archive Management.

Professional study visits

Explore institutions through an industry-focused study visit. Study visits are held in a variety of national and international locations throughout the year and offer you unique insight into some of our leading information and cultural organisations.

Learn with industry leaders

With Charles Sturt University, you'll study with one of the world's leading providers of education for the information and library professions. Our experience means we are uniquely placed to design and deliver highly effective and engaging online education to meet the needs of the workplace.

Flexible study

You'll study your information studies course online, to you can learn anywhere, anytime. Access study resources, tools and support services - all at your fingertips. Connect to our network of support and interact with other students in our student-friendly online learning environment.

Recommended study pattern

Students have the flexibility to vary their study load and enrolment pattern according to their individual needs and subject availability. The following enrolment pattern is provided as a guide for part time enrolment. Full time enrolment is dependent on the subject availability of elective subject choices.

A full time enrolment pattern can be provided on request once major/elective subject choices have been determined

SESSION 1 Intake

Year 1 – Session 1

INF109 BIS Introductory Intensive Learning (0)

INF111 Introduction to the Information Professions (16)

Year 1 - Session 2

INF218 Providing Access to Information

INF219 Web Publishing for Information Agencies

Year 2 – Session 1

INF210 Collections

INF211 Information Sources and Services

Year 2 - Session 2

INF200 Supervision and Management

INF209 Metadata for Resource Discovery

Year 3 – Session 1

INF220 Professional Study Visit (4)

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 3 - Session 2

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 4 – Session 1

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 4 - Session 2

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or restricted 

Year 5 - Session 1

INF321 Introduction to Research

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 5 - Session 2

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 6 – Session 1

INF221 Planning for Professional Placement (2 pts)

INF305 Professional Learning and Networking

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 6 - Session 2

INF222 Professional Placement (2 pts)

INF303 The Information Society

SESSION 2 Intake

Year 1 – Session 2

INF109 BIS Introductory Intensive Learning (0)

INF111 Introduction to the Information Professions (16)

Year 2 – Session 1

INF210 Collections

INF211 Information Sources and Services

Year 2 - Session 2

INF218 Providing Access to Information

INF219 Web Publishing for Information Agencies

Year 3 – Session 1

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 3 - Session 2

INF200 Supervision and Management

INF209 Metadata for Resource Discovery

INF220 Professional Study Visit (4)

Year 4 – Session 1

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 4 - Session 2

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 5 – Session 1

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 5 - Session 2

Specialisation or elective subject

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 6 – Session 1

INF321 Introduction to Research

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 6 - Session 2

INF221 Planning for Professional Placement (2 pts)

INF303 The Information Society

Specialisation or elective subject

Year 7 – Session 1

INF222 Professional Placement (2 pts)

INF305 Professional Learning and Networking

Award requirements

To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 192 points.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Records and Archive Management

Be introduced to the world of government, corporate, community and personal record keeping. You'll explore international and Australian theory and practice including standards, legislation and ethical issues relating to the management of digital and analogue records. Our emphasis is on building knowledge and skills, which you can apply in a range of organisational contexts and in a climate of rapid change. This Specialisation is accredited by Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) only. 

Children's Librarianship

You'll be introduced to the knowledge and skills needed to support the needs of children and young adults in public libraries. Explore their literature and develop strategies to plan, develop and implement tailored collections, services and library programs.

Librarianship

Choose from a variety of elective subjects that will give you specialised skills to work in libraries in areas such as reference services, library management, information access and information delivery.

Information Management

Study beyond traditional information management areas as you work with real clients and live scenarios on relevant and practical assignments in business, government and other settings. Get set to develop a comprehensive understanding of people, processes, innovations and trends, and become an expert at combining this understanding with technology to create, share and use information.

Exit points

The Associate Degree in Information Studies is an exit point only and consists of eight core subjects (64 points) and eight restricted elective subjects selected from either the core subjects or from the majors (64 points). To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 128 points.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $48,960

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

Learn more about CSU.

Explore CSU courses.

QS Ranking 2024:

31

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

37

Successful completion of two university level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.

• Minimum ATAR of 60 (including adjustment factors);OR
• Successful completion of a Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies; OR
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR.

• A completed AQF Certificate III or higher level qualification; OR
• 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification.

Demonstrated work experience of a minimum of 2 years full-time equivalence in an information or cultural organisation such as an academic, public, school or corporate library, data or archival centre, government information agency, museum, gallery or other information or cultural organisation will be considered

Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.

DIPLOMA/ASSOCIATE OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES (CODE: CUL50111 OR BSB52115 OR BSB50520 )

Applicants who have a Diploma/Associate Diploma of Library and Information Studies (Code: CUL50111 or BSB52115) or equivalent, graduating from 2014 onwards from an Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) accredited Registered Training Organisation, may be eligible for a maximum credit of 64 points comprising:

Three (3) core subjects (24 points)

INF211 Information Sources and Services

INF218 Providing Access to Information

INF219 Web Publishing for Information Agencies

Five (5) elective subjects (40 points)

INF203 Information Literacy

INF010 Information Studies Credits (32 points) (4 unspecified elective subjects)

DIPLOMA/ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES (CODE: CUL50104 AND PREVIOUS)

Applicants who have a Diploma/Associate Diploma of Library and Information Studies (Code: CUL50104 and previous) or equivalent, graduating prior to 2014 from an ALIA accredited Registered Training Organisation, may be eligible for a maximum credit of 64 points comprising:

Four (4) core subjects (32 points)

INF200 Supervision and Management

INF211 Information Sources and Services

INF218 Providing Access to Information

INF219 Web Publishing for Information Agencies 

Four (4) elective subjects (32 points)

INF010 Information Studies Credits (32 points) (4 unspecified elective subjects)

ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES

Applicants who have an Advanced Diploma of Library and Information Studies from an ALIA accredited Registered Training Organisation may be eligible for a maximum credit of 80 points comprising:

Four (4) core subjects (32 points)

INF200 Supervision and Management

INF211 Information Sources and Services

INF218 Providing Access to Information

INF219 Web Publishing for Information Agencies

Six (6) elective subjects (48 points)

INF451 Issues in Bibliographic Access

INF010 Information Studies Credits (40 points) (5 unspecified elective subjects)

EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY - BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY)

Applicants who have a Bachelor of Science (Library Technology) from Edith Cowan University may be eligible for a maximum credit of 128 points comprising:

Nine (9) core subjects (64 points)

INF109 BIS Residential School (0 points)

INF111 Introduction to the Info Profession (16 points)

INF200 Supervision and Management

INF221 Planning for Professional Placement (2)

INF222 Professional Placement (2)

INF209 Metadata and Resource Discovery

INF211 Information Sources and Services

INF220 Professional Study Visit (4 points)

INF218 Providing Access to Information

INF219 Web Publishing for Information Agencies

Eight (8) elective subjects (64 points)

INF451 Issues in Bibliographic Access

INF010 Seven Information Studies Credits (56 points) (7 unspecified elective subjects)

EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY - ASSOCIATE DEGREE (LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY)

Applicants who have an Associate Degree (Library Technology) from Edith Cowan University may be eligible for a maximum credit of 96 points comprising:

Five (5) core subjects (40 points)

INF109 BIS Residential School (0 points)

INF111 Introduction to the Info Profession (16 points)

INF211 Information Sources and Services

INF218 Providing Access to Information

INF219 Web Publishing for Information Agencies

Seven (7) elective subjects (56 points)

INF010 Information Studies Credits (56 points) (7 unspecified elective subjects).

Please note that the following subjects have a Workplace Learning component:

INF220 - Professional Study Visit

Students visit a range of information agencies (i.e. libraries, archives, records management organisations) where the staff share with students the services, collections and facilities offered by that particular organisation. Students reflect on their experience in a written assessment task.

INF222 - Professional Placement

Students complete an 80 hour placement with an approved host information organisation (i.e. libraries, archives, records management organisations etc.). The student is supervised by a qualified information professional while they are participating in a range of appropriate tasks in a real workplace context. The students reflect on their experience in a written assessment task.