Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

The MLIS programme comprises students of a variety of academic and cultural backgrounds. 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.

UCD’s School of Information and Communication Studies strives to educate students to become leaders, policymakers, and designers of information services in the evolving information society. Our MLIS and GDLIS programmes are structured for attaining a professional degree in the field of Library and Information Studies, and as accredited professional programmes, must adhere to the requirements set out by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI). The programmes aim to

a) equip students with professional competencies;

b) instil professional ethics and social responsibility;

c) foster a lifelong commitment to continuing professional education;

d) promote equality, diversity and inclusion (EDIA), creating accessibility; and

e) provide opportunities for active engagement with diverse communities.

Modules cover a broad range of topics which include theoretical and foundational knowledge, research skills, and specialised professional skills and knowledge in areas, such as digital libraries, information services for children and youth, scholarly communication, teaching librarianship, digital curation, web design, collection development and management, communication and information behaviour, and organisational and project management. Transferable, generic skills, and competencies supported by the programmes include, for example, critical thinking, teamwork, professional writing, and presentation skills. Our teaching draws on international best practice to facilitate a high-quality learning experience for students, in a variety of in-person and blended modes. Reflective practices and collaborative work constitute the core of our learning activities.

• Articulate knowledge of the key concepts, theories, issues, and trends in Library and Information Studies.
• Assess users’ diverse needs inclusively in information environments, and meet diverse community and societal needs, using skills formed around information behaviour, user studies, needs analysis, and other forms of active engagement.
• Demonstrate management competencies, including organisational and project management and leadership.
• Develop and evaluate the information lifecycle, including information seeking, acquisition, evaluation, use, organisation, and management.
• Understand, support, develop, manage, and apply research competencies in a professional context.
• Discuss the evolving role of the information professional in cultural, corporate, governmental, and non-governmental institutions.
• Engage in discussion on ethical, technical, and technological issues associated with information acquisition, management, presentation, and use.
• Develop generic competences, including teamwork and communication skills, for effective workplace participation.
• Use traditional and digital media effectively, including oral presentations, poster presentations, and social media.

View All Modules Here

MLIS Library & Information Studies (W006) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9100
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MLIS Library & Information Studies (W099) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5870
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change
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.

-A minimum 2.1 award in a bachelor's degree in any subject (NFQ Level 8 or International equivalent )

-Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity, and motivation

-If you do not meet the academic requirements above you must provide additional information to be considered for admission as listed below

• A letter of reference from an academic who has taught the applicant.
• A statement describing their previous library experience, which must be a minimum of 5 years.
• A letter from their work supervisor to confirm the length of experience, the nature of the experience as meeting professional library tasks.

​We recommend a minimum of 6 weeks’ experience working in a library or information environment before applying for the MLIS. 

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

While applications are accepted up to August of the year of entry, offers are made to suitably qualified candidates on a first-come-first-served basis so early application is recommended. Entry to the programmes is very competitive and the number of places is limited.

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

Laura Ryan,
MLIS Part-Time

The MLIS at UCD gave me the opportunity to build on my experience with theory and practice. It allowed me to explore different areas of librarianship to help decide what kind of librarian I wanted to be. Most importantly, it connected me to peers and colleagues from whom I have learned so much!

Niamh Murphy,
MLIS Full-Time

Truly, my experience on the Master of Library and Information Studies programme was life changing. With all that I learned, I was able to secure a position with a notable cultural heritage institution in Ireland. I am now in a job that I love, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m so grateful for all of the knowledge and the opportunities that this programme provided. To anyone considering it, I wholeheartedly recommend this programme of study.

• Grad Dip Library & Information Studies FT

The following entry routes are available:

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised