Master of Information Science (Extended)

On successful completion of this program the learner will be able to:

1. apply knowledge of the theory, principles and practices in information science, library science, archival science, and records management
2. generate creative and innovative solutions to complex issues facing the information professionals
3. access, adapt, and create information and technologies to communicate with diverse stakeholders
4. engage in ethical and culturally capable information practices within local, regional and international contexts
5. recognise, respect and support diverse cultures and knowledges with particular awareness of Indigenous perspectives
6. demonstrate personal autonomy, accountability and collaboration in extended professional practice and/or research that reflects high ethical and moral standards

As an information professional you will be well placed to provide advice on how to acquire, organise, access, curate and preserve information as well as being able to contextualise information so it is used ethically and meaningfully. The explosion of personal and organisational information, and expansion of data tracking and recording, requires professionals in key roles within organisations to advise on data privacy, metadata, governance, information literacy, user experience, universal design, digital fluency and data management.

You may pursue a career in:

• Public, state and national libraries
• Academic and special libraries
• Corporate and government records management
• Local, state and national archives
• Family and local history
• Museum archives
• Digital repositories
• Publishing

Professional recognition

Graduates of this degree in Australia may be eligible for membership of the Australian Library and Information Association, Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia, and the Australian Society of Archivists.

Higher education

Applicants require a minimum of a three-year bachelor's degree from a recognised tertiary education provider. This degree relies on technology skills, so applicants must be competent in word processing and the use of the internet, including web browsing software, before starting the degree.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Practicum placement

Fieldwork placements are arranged for both internal and external students. Exemptions may be possible for students with required levels of work experience in libraries or other information services.

Curtin is committed to providing opportunities for students to obtain professional experience during their degree and satisfactory completion of practicums is a requirement. All students undertake two three-week full-time work placements in the core subjects INF520 Research and Evaluation and INF540 Digital Preservation.

Practicums are arranged in your local area by the Practicum Coordinator. Further information is available at:

https://engage.curtin.edu.au/partnerships/humanities-partnerships/libraries-archives-and-records-industry-practicum-placements/

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines. More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

Master Degrees (Coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.

This program is designed to enhance technical skill and to provide an understanding of the ways in which the field of information management is developing. The program is designed to provide graduates with a professional qualification in information management or an avenue to upgrade previous qualifications. Areas of study include librarianship, information science, archives and records management.

Recommended Study Pattern

Year 1:

INF500 Knowledge Organisation and Metadata

INF510 Telling Stories with Data

INF530 Public and Private Records

INFM510 Leading and Managing in Information Environments

INFM520 Critical Information Values

INFM540 Communities and Literacies

INFM560 Libraries as Organisations

INFM570 Archives and Heritage Collections

Year 2:

INF520 Research and Evaluation

INF540 Digital Preservation

Complete 1 subject from the list :

HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1

OR

COM610 Masters Professional or Creative Project

Complete 1 subject from the list:

COM600 Masters Professional Experience

OR

HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2

Choose 2 elective units:

CHRE502 Dialogue across Cultures and Religions

PRM500 Project Management Overview

PRM510 Project and People

PRM530 Project Time Management

PRM550 Project Risk Management

Award Requirements

Students must complete 15 subjects and meet the following requirements:

• Complete 10 mandatory core subjects
• Complete 4 subjects selected from option list
• Complete one project subject from project list

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:

• CUR-ARM-GDI Graduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management
• CUR-ILS-GDI Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Science
• CUR-ISC-MAS Master of Information Science

2024 Changes

This degree has undergone major changes effective from Study Period 1, 2024.

The following subjects will no longer be offered in 2024: 

• INFM600 Advanced Discipline Project 1 
• INFM610 Advanced Discipline Project 2

Students who have completed the above subjects will have them counted towards the completion of their degrees. 

Where these subjects are removed, they will be replaced by the following subjects offered from 2024: 

• HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1 
• HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2 

In Year 2 of the program, students choose to do:

COM610 Masters Professional or Creative Project and COM600 Masters Professional Experience

OR

HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1 and HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2, along with the listed core and elective units.

HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1 must be studied in an earlier study period to HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2, as it is the pre-requisite.

Master of Information Management students must do the new 100 credit project, i.e. HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1 AND HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2 and cannot do the COM610 Masters Professional or Creative Project AND COM600 Masters Professional Experience.

For assistance with Student Services, please phone 1300 222 888 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm AWST (Tuesday from 9:30 am), Monday to Friday, or contact Curtin Connect via the Ask Connect Webform.