University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This specialised stream within the Master of Information Management combines core information management principles with archival and records-specific practice. You will study theories and methods for appraisal, acquisition, description and access, together with practical skills in managing records lifecycles, digital preservation, metadata standards and digitisation workflows.

• Core information management topics – information organisation and retrieval, information policy and ethics, and information systems.
• Archives and records modules – records management frameworks, archival theory and practice, appraisal and selection, provenance and arrangement, description and cataloguing (including archival standards and metadata schemas).
• Digital preservation and access – strategies for preserving born-digital records, file formats and migration, repositories, access provision and user services.
• Legal, regulatory and governance issues – privacy, freedom of information, evidence and compliance obligations affecting recordkeeping and archives.
• Research methods and project work – applied research methods, a research or professional project (capstone) or industry placement that demonstrates practical application of archival and records skills.

Program structure typically mixes coursework with a substantial professional project or placement option to build hands-on experience. Elective choices allow you to tailor study to areas such as cultural heritage, digital curation, or corporate information governance.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as information studies, library science, history, computer science, or another cognate area. Applicants without a directly related degree but with substantial relevant professional experience in records, archives or information management may also be considered.

• Academic credential – an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution; honours or postgraduate study may be advantageous.
• Professional experience – work experience in archives, records or related information roles can strengthen an application, especially where academic background is not directly aligned.
• English language proficiency – international applicants must meet the University's English language requirements through recognised tests or prior study in English.
• Supplementary material – a statement of purpose, CV and, where requested, references or samples of work may be required to demonstrate suitability for the program.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for professional roles across government, cultural institutions and the private sector. The combination of archival theory and practical skills is valued in organisations that need to manage records as evidence, heritage and business assets.

• Archivist or records manager in government agencies, universities, museums, galleries and libraries
• Digital preservation specialist or digital curator in cultural heritage institutions and memory organisations
• Information governance or compliance officer in corporate and not-for-profit sectors
• Metadata and cataloguing specialist, access services or collections management roles
• Consultant roles in records appraisal, digitisation projects, or systems implementation

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research-led teaching and a curriculum designed to combine archival theory with hands-on practice. Students benefit from access to contemporary information infrastructure and opportunities for applied learning through project work and placements.

• Interdisciplinary teaching – study draws on information science, history, law and digital technologies to prepare you for complex recordkeeping environments.
• Industry engagement – the program emphasises professional skills and encourages connections with libraries, archives and records offices in South Australia and beyond for practical experience.
• Practical facilities and support – the University provides library and research resources, study support services and career guidance relevant to information professionals.