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We are the only department in the UK with programmes in library and information studies, information science, archives and records management, publishing, and digital humanities. As well as topics within these specific areas, we can offer unparalleled opportunities for cross-domain research, for example in user studies and usability, metadata, the management of electronic resources, information governance, data science and semantic technologies for the humanities.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper-second class UK Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject, or a recognised taught Master’s degree. Overseas qualifications of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institution are also accepted.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
Overview
UCL Information Studies is an international centre for knowledge creation and transfer in the fields of librarianship, archives and record management, publishing, information science and digital humanities and the department brings together academics and practitioners in these fields. Our research aims to develop the understanding and insight needed to shape the emerging information environment, while elucidating and building on the historical developments that have created it. We are the country's largest department of Information Studies located within one of the world's top ten universities and our teaching is built upon an international research reputation.
Research areas
At the heart of our research activities lie the following centres and groups hosted by the department:
- Centre for Digital Humanities
- Centre for Publishing
- Centre for Archives and Records Research
- Forum for information literacy Research
- Knowledge, Information and Data Science group
About this degree
Additional costs
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship
- Value:
- UK rate fees, a maintenance stipend, conference costs and professional development package (3 years)
- Eligibility:
- UK
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Most of our research students have already worked as information professionals in the public and private sectors or in academia in the UK and worldwide. The successful completion of a research degree enables them to achieve the highest positions in their chosen field.
Employability
Our doctoral students go on to do a wide variety of interesting jobs after they graduate from UCL. Many go into senior posts in the information professions, both in the UK and abroad. Doctoral graduates have gone on to be Head, Curation and Preservation Services, MIT Libraries, USA; Chief of Archives at the United Nations; and Head of Research, The National Archives. Others continue their academic career in universities around the world, in departments of library science, information management, archive studies, digital humanities and publishing.
Networking
The department has a strong culture of collaborative research and brings together researchers (whether staff or students) from across UCL as well as other institutions and organisations. Crucial to this are our research groups and centres, which provide a focus for our research activity, including doctoral students, post-docs and staff with specific research interests. Most doctoral students are attached to one (or more) of these groups and will be encouraged to get involved in the research seminars, visiting speakers, annual lectures, visits and other activities which these centres organise regularly. The centres also facilitate online interaction through blogs and twitter feeds.
Why study this degree at UCL?
The school has strong links with organisations such as the National Archives and the British Museum, and is close to the British Library and other major research libraries. Our location in central London makes it easy for collaborative work with other institutions and groups.
UCL Department of Information Studies is a leading centre for research in librarianship, archives and records management, digital humanities, publishing, knowledge organization and knowledge representation, especially in the areas of research evaluation, scholarly communication, user groups especially early years, and learning and professional development. DIS research is organised around four research centres and groups. These facilitate interaction between established researchers, and offer research training and career development opportunities for early stage researchers and research students. Importantly, they provide coherence and a critical mass of researchers in key areas.
Department: Information Studies
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 23 July 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
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Page last modified on 9 November 2021