Archives and Records Management MA
UCL London's Global University, United Kingdom
Archives and Records Management MA
UCL (University College London)
Archives and Records Management
Program Overview: Archives and Records Management MA at UCL
The Archives and Records Management MA at UCL provides a core education in managing records and archives for current use and future preservation. The program focuses on the management of records and archives in a variety of digital and hard copy formats, equipping you with the professional skills needed to enter this rewarding field.
You will learn to manage, organise, interpret, and provide access to a wide range of records and archives, covering both the management of records for ongoing purposes and their selection, preservation, and accessibility for future uses including historical research. UCL boasts one of the longest-established archive education courses in the UK, taught by leading experts who draw on innovative research and extensive practical experience.
You will benefit from UCL's central London location, close to many records management services and the broadest grouping of historical archives in any English-speaking city. The program hosts visiting speakers, frequent field visits, and a two-week professional placement, providing excellent opportunities to network with key players in the sector.
Key Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Archives and Records Association (ARA) as a professional-level qualification, with accreditation extended to 2029
- Includes a two-week professional work placement individually matched to your interests and experience
- Located in central London with access to the broadest grouping of historical archives in any English-speaking city
- Taught by leading experts in the field who combine innovative research with extensive practical experience in archives and records work
Curriculum and Modules
The MA program comprises 180 credits in total, consisting of five core modules worth 90 credits, two optional modules worth 30 credits, and a research dissertation worth 60 credits. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, computer laboratory sessions, and class-based practical exercises, with a strong emphasis on group and peer learning.
Concepts and Contexts
30 creditsA foundational module taught across two terms that introduces the key theoretical frameworks, principles, and professional contexts underpinning archives and records management practice.
Curation and Stewardship
15 creditsCovers the principles and practices of archival curation, preservation, and stewardship, including the two-week professional work placement undertaken in the third term.
Information Governance and Records Management
15 creditsExplores the management of records for ongoing organisational purposes, including digital records management, compliance frameworks, and information governance strategies.
Providing Access
15 creditsExamines the methods and practices for organising, describing, and providing access to archival collections, including cataloguing standards and digital access strategies.
Understanding Archives
15 creditsDevelops skills in interpreting and understanding archival materials across different formats and historical periods, including palaeography and diplomatic.
Research Dissertation
60 creditsAn independent research project culminating in a dissertation of 10,000 to 12,000 words on a topic of your choice within the field of archives and records management.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Archives and Records Management MA is competitive. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible through Uni4Edu. All applications and inquiries should be directed to Uni4Edu, your dedicated partner for the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum DegreeUpper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (2:1) or an equivalent international qualification
- Work ExperienceA period of paid or voluntary experience (usually 4-12 months) in archive, records, or information governance work
- IT SkillsBasic familiarity with computers and IT skills, which are essential for archivists and records managers
- Non-Standard ApplicantsApplicants who do not meet standard requirements but demonstrate a strong understanding of the programme and the recordkeeping field will be given due consideration
- Latin KnowledgeA basic understanding of medieval Latin is recommended; required for the Medieval Palaeography and Diplomatic elective module
English Language Requirements (UCL Level 2)
- IELTS AcademicOverall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current score requirements following the January 2026 test update
- PTE AcademicOverall score of 76 with a minimum of 75 in each communicative skill
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
UCL offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students pursuing postgraduate taught degrees. Uni4Edu can guide you through the available funding options and help you identify the best opportunities for your circumstances.
UCL Global Master's Scholarship
GBP 15,000Available to international (overseas fee status) students from lower-income backgrounds pursuing a full-time Master's degree at UCL. Up to 85 scholarships are offered annually, awarded on the basis of financial need.
UCL Master's Bursary
GBP 10,000Available to Home (UK and Ireland domicile) students with an annual household income of GBP 42,875 or less. Up to 200 bursaries are available annually for students on postgraduate taught programmes.
UCL Master's Funding Awards
Varies by schemeA consolidated application process that allows you to be considered for multiple departmental and faculty funding schemes with a single application. Contact Uni4Edu for details on eligible awards for this program.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the UCL Archives and Records Management MA have gone on to work for a range of prestigious employers including the British Library, the UK Government, and the NHS. The program's ARA accreditation and professional placement provide a strong foundation for career entry and professional registration in the archives and records sector.
Typical Graduate Roles
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
UCL is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and is recognised for its strength across the arts and humanities, the faculty in which the Archives and Records Management MA sits. The Department of Information Studies is the only UK department uniting courses in library and information studies, information science, archives and records management, publishing, and digital humanities.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | THE World University Rankings by Subject | #7 |
| Education | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #1 |
| Library and Information Management | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 50 — Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Sustainability | QS Sustainability Rankings | #1 in the UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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