Archival Studies PGCert

City Campus , United Kingdom

Master's & Postgraduate

University of Dundee

City Campus , United Kingdom

Archival Studies PGCert

1130 £ / years

Master's & Postgraduate30 months

University of Dundee campus with historic stone buildings and modern facilities, students walking along tree-lined pathways, Scottish cityscape in background with River Tay visible, overcast sky typical of Scotland

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

Postgraduate Certificate in Archival Studies

University of Dundee

Archival Studies

DurationUp to 5 Years (Part-Time)

LanguageEnglish

FormatOnline Distance Learning

Credits60 Credits

Program Overview: Archival Studies PGCert

The Archival Studies PGCert at the University of Dundee is delivered by the Centre for Archive and Information Studies (CAIS), an internationally recognised provider of professional education in recordkeeping and related disciplines. This online distance learning program covers the fundamental principles, theory, and practice of archives, equipping you with the knowledge to manage archival collections in public, commercial, or specialist environments.

You must be working or volunteering in an appropriate professional archival environment both prior to and throughout your studies, enabling you to apply what you learn directly in a practical setting. The flexible teaching model allows you to take semesters off and learn at your own pace, with content delivered online and supported by subject expert tutors.

All CAIS programmes are accredited by the Archives and Records Association (ARA) UK and Ireland. The PGCert serves as an excellent entry point into the archival profession and can also be a stepping stone toward the Postgraduate Diploma or Masters qualification for full professional recognition.

Key Program Highlights

Accredited by the Archives and Records Association (ARA) UK and Ireland, ensuring professional recognition across the sector.
Fully online distance learning format offering maximum flexibility for working professionals and volunteers in the archival field.
Taught by international expert practitioners and archival educators with extensive real-world experience.
Practical, work-integrated learning approach that allows you to apply archival theory directly in your professional environment.

Curriculum and Modules

The Archival Studies PGCert requires you to complete 60 credits, comprising core modules and 20 credits from the optional module list. You can tailor your qualification to your own interests by selecting from a range of elective options. Content is delivered online with assessed coursework, self-study tasks, group activities, and discussion board participation.

Context of Recordkeeping

20 Credits

This foundational core module introduces the theoretical and historical context of recordkeeping. You will explore how archives and records have been created, managed, and used across different societies and time periods.

Archive Services, Access and Preservation

20 Credits

Examine issues surrounding access to and use of archives, how archivists can facilitate increased use, and the physical defence of collections against threats to preservation. Covers resource management including time, staff, and operational responsibilities.

Arrangement and Description of Archives

20 Credits

Learn the principles and standards for organising and describing archival collections. This module covers cataloguing practices, finding aids, and how to make collections intellectually accessible to researchers and users.

Promoting Archive Collections

20 Credits

Explore strategies for promoting archival collections through websites, digitisation, outreach activities, publicity campaigns, and educational programming to engage diverse audiences.

Palaeography and Historical Sources

20 Credits

Develop skills in reading and interpreting historical handwriting and documents. This module provides essential competencies for archivists working with older manuscript collections and primary sources.

Management and Preservation of Digital Records

20 Credits

Explore the challenges of managing and preserving born-digital and digitised records. This module addresses digital preservation strategies, metadata standards, and long-term access to electronic archives.

Optional Modules

Oral History and Sound Archives Collecting, Preserving and Managing Film and Sound Information Rights and Data Protection Family and Local History Sources

Admission Requirements

The Archival Studies PGCert is designed for individuals who are currently working or volunteering in an appropriate professional archival environment. Applicants are expected to maintain this practical engagement throughout the duration of their studies. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on your eligibility and to begin your application.

Academic Requirements

Academic QualificationA good honours degree (typically 2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
Professional ExperienceMust be currently working or volunteering in an appropriate professional archival or heritage environment.
Non-Standard EntryCandidates without a degree may be considered through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
International QualificationsInternational qualifications equivalent to a UK honours degree are accepted. Contact Uni4Edu for equivalency guidance.
ReferencesTypically two references are required, including at least one academic or professional reference.

English Language Requirements

IELTSOverall score of 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (or equivalent). Contact Uni4Edu for current requirements.
TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for the current minimum score requirement.
Other TestsPTE Academic, Cambridge English, and other approved tests are accepted. Contact Uni4Edu for details.

Required Documents

Completed application form via Uni4Edu Academic transcripts and degree certificates Evidence of current archival work or volunteering placement Personal statement outlining motivation and career goals Two references (academic and/or professional)

Application Deadlines

September Intake

January Intake

May Intake

For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu

Scholarships and Funding

The University of Dundee offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support postgraduate students. International and UK students enrolled in the Archival Studies PGCert may be eligible for various funding opportunities. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on available financial support.

University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship

A merit-based scholarship available to international postgraduate students demonstrating strong academic achievement. Eligibility criteria and award amounts may vary by academic year.

School of Humanities Postgraduate Bursary

A bursary offered to postgraduate students within the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law to support their studies. Availability is subject to annual confirmation.

Alumni Discount Scheme

University of Dundee graduates may be eligible for a tuition discount when enrolling in a postgraduate program. Contact Uni4Edu to confirm eligibility and current terms.

For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.

Career Prospects

The Archival Studies PGCert equips you with foundational skills to work in the archival sector, for example as an archival assistant. While the PGCert is not the full professionally-recognised qualification (the ARA stipulates the PGDip or Masters for that), it provides a strong foundation and can serve as a pathway to further study and career advancement in the heritage and information sectors.

96% University Graduate Employment Rate

60+ Credits of Professional Training

35+ Years of CAIS Teaching Excellence

Potential Career Roles

Archival Assistant Heritage Officer Library and Information Assistant Records Management Assistant Digital Preservation Assistant Museum Collections Assistant

Typical Employers

The National Archives (UK) National Records of Scotland Local Authority Archive Services University Libraries and Special Collections Heritage Lottery Fund Projects Corporate Records Management Departments

Rankings and Recognition

The University of Dundee is a respected Scottish institution established in 1881, consistently featured in major international and national university rankings. The university is particularly noted for student satisfaction and employability, and was named Scottish University of the Year in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025.

QS World University Rankings

#428

2026

THE World University Rankings

#301

2026

US News Best Global Universities

#399

2026

The Guardian University Guide

#26

2026

Subject	Ranking Body	Rank
Social Sciences	THE World University Rankings	Top 400
Arts and Humanities	QS World University Rankings	Top 300
Social Work	The Guardian University Guide	Top in Dundee
Education	The Guardian University Guide	Top in Dundee

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.