A bunch of students at the Medical School talking at a table
MC-INFSCI

Information Science

Master by coursework

Gain the skills to develop and manage services and collections that document history, inform the present and engage communities.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Master of Information Science
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year, 6 months full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    300
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Special Study Period 4, 2023

11 September 2023

Applications now closed!

Special Study Period 1, 2024

7 August 2023

Applications now closed!

Special Study Period 2, 2024

4 March 2024

Applications now closed!

Special Study Period 3, 2024

6 May 2024

Applications now closed!

Special Study Period 4, 2024

9 September 2024

Applications now closed!

Course outline

Overview

Overview

We also offer a 2 year Master of Information Science for those looking for a research pathway OR to undertake an internship of 25-30 days in an archives, library or records work environment.

In this course you will gain the expertise to work as a librarian, archivist and records manager in a range of organisations.

You will learn how to collect, organise, access, curate and preserve information in ethical and meaningful ways. Overall, you’ll learn to think as an information specialist and apply knowledge in diverse work environments – including public and academic libraries, community and national archives, and government and corporate records offices.

You’ll also complete three-week practicums in a records/archives setting and in a library/information centre, gaining real-world experience and opportunities to develop your professional networks.

Upon graduation you’ll qualify for a career in information-management roles that include community programming, digital collections and curation, metadata and classification, records systems design and digital preservation.

STUDY PERIODS

Instead of being delivered in semesters, this course is delivered across four study periods each year:

  • Special Study Period 1: March–May
  • Special Study Period 2: June–August
  • Special Study Period 3: September–November
  • Special Study Period 4: December–February

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

How this course will make you industry ready

You'll complete two, three-week practicums in a records/archives setting and in a library/information centre, gaining real-world experience and opportunities to develop your professional networks.

What you'll learn

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

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Applicants require a minimum of a three-year bachelor's degree from a recognised tertiary education provider. The course 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 course.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Other requirements and notes for this course

The course consists of ten core units, including two fieldwork-focused units, and two optional units. 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.

Students entering this course are strongly advised that if there is a possibility that they may decide to take out an interim award of a Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies or a Graduate Diploma in Records Management and Archives, they should commence the course by studying the eight units required for these qualifications. Please consult the Course Coordinator for further information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

2024 Fee year:

$19,954*

Domestic

Domestic

2025 Fee year:

$19,954*

Domestic

Domestic

Fees are indicative only.

* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2023

Special Study Period 4
  • Online

2024

Special Study Period 1
  • Online
Special Study Period 2
  • Online
Special Study Period 3
  • Online
Special Study Period 4
  • Online

2025

Special Study Period 1
  • Online
Special Study Period 2
  • Online
Special Study Period 3
  • Online
Special Study Period 4
  • Online

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MC-INFSCI
  • Last updated on: 22 December 2024

Got a question? We’re here to help.

Call 1300 222 888 Send us an email Ask us a question Book an appointment

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

Learn more about Commerce

Apply for Master of Information Science