Archives & Records Management

The programme provides education in the management of records and archives in all formats from ancient manuscripts to email. It covers a range of areas including scheduling and retention, accountability, legislation, appraisal and acquisition, preservation, arrangement and description, management, ethics, access and advocacy. It also provides students with the tools to conduct theoretical research in archives and records management.

• Students should be able to demonstrate a thorough grounding in and knowledge of the principles underlying the theory and practice of the care and management of archives and records in all formats.
• Actively embrace the ethical and cultural responsibilities of the professional record keeper.
• Apply the skills of the archivist and records manager in a variety of working environments.
• Engage critically with current research trends and methodologies in archives and records management and appreciate their relevance to the workplace.
• Identify with the national and international community of archivists and records managers.

Teaching, learning and assessment is based on enabling students to complete assignments, both individually and in groups, which practically simulate the work of the professional record-keeper.  An engagement with the theory behind contemporary practice is encouraged through presentations, essays and a minor research dissertation.

More generally, you will learn the skills to enable you:

• to work as a professional archivist and records manager in archives services and in other organisations which require professional expertise in corporate record services;
• to contribute to government and corporate accountability regimes;
• to contribute to the expansion of the profession in Ireland and elsewhere by establishing and managing new archives services and new corporate record services;
• to contribute to a sustainable environment for research and exploration in archivistics;
• to meet the challenges posed by technology, to work with records and archives in a variety of media and to address the demands of their capture, use and retention;
• to recognise gaps in collective memory, to develop inclusive collecting policies and to implement ways of reconstructing or supplementing archival sources;
• to encourage and provide access services to a range of stakeholders in the knowledge economy.

The MA programme is the first step for those seeking to pursue an academic career in archives and records management education. Since programmes were first established in UCD for the education of professional archivists, successful graduates have found work in a wide range of archives, library and corporate positions in Ireland, the UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. A few have embarked on academic careers in the education of archivists and records managers.
In recent years there has been 100% success rate in finding suitable professional careers. However the recent downturn in the economy has had an inevitable effect and its medium term impact is difficult to ascertain.
In Ireland graduates are working in, for example,

•  The National Archives of Ireland
•  The National Library of Ireland
•  Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
•  Chester Beatty Library
•  Irish Architectural Archive
•  Irish Film Archives
•  Guinness Archives
•  UCD Archives and other university archives services
•  Local government archives services
•  Church archives
•  Arthur Cox and Associates
•  The National Treasury Management Agency
•  Records management consultancy services

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

• Accredited by the Archives and Records Association (UK and Ireland) and currently the only fully accredited course of its kind in Ireland

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications:

Ireland and the UK: 2nd class honours, grade I in the primary degree. In exceptional circumstances candidates with a high 2nd class honours, grade II degree will be considered.

Canada and the USA: a primary degree with a grade point average of 3.2

Other: an internationally recognised equivalent of the above

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent. 

Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/

In applying for this course applicants will have a distinct advantage if they have a good academic record, relevant pre-course experience, good interpersonal skills, acceptable IT skills, evident commitment to work as an archivist or records manager. Pre-course experience does not have to be extensive but should allow applicants to have a good understanding of the work of a professional record keeper.

You will be asked to provide two academic references from referees who are in a position to assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.Ideally both academic but they can also be one academic and one professional. You can upload your references to your application itself or if your referees prefer, they can email their letters of reference to gradhistory@ucd.ie. 

As the number of places on the course is limited, the allocation of places is on a competitive basis. Apply early to avoid disappointment. A waiting list will also be created.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

The MA Archives and Records Management class comprises an international cohort of students with a variety of academic backgrounds and life experiences.  The programme is ideal for both recent graduates and those seeking a career change. It is also ideal for individuals with advanced academic degrees seeking a professional qualification. Applications are generally sought from arts and humanities’ graduates although graduates of other faculties and disciplines such as law, life and human sciences will be welcomed