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Grad Dip Library & Information Studies FT/PT

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)
Scholarships Available

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Graduate Diploma
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (60 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Graduate Diploma
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

The Graduate Diploma of Library and Information Studies programme is designed to prepare university graduates for careers in the library and information profession.

The Graduate Diploma of Library and Information Studies (Grad Dip) programme prepares graduates for work in a range of professional settings, including academic, public, and special libraries, as well as information-based roles in commercial, civic, health, and legal organisations. Our programmes instil professional ethics and social responsibility, foster lifelong continuing professional education, and provide opportunities for active engagement with diverse communities. The Grad Dip is an in-person programme, structured to develop core professional competencies, as well as specialised knowledge and skills for librarians and information professionals. While the programme offers a generalist approach to suit multiple interests and aspirations, it is also possible to tailor learning to more specialised areas for particular career paths.  

About This Course

  • 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.

The Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies (GradDip) programme is designed to prepare university graduates for professional careers in Library and Information Studies.  The MLIS and GradDip degrees are highly regarded internationally; the school's accreditation by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI) is recognised by library associations elsewhere, covering Australia, Canada, and the United States.  Recent graduates have dynamic careers as Digital Learning Librarians, Literacy Specialists, Chief Information Officers, and Library Directors.

Our Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) and Grad Dip LIS programmes allow students to earn degrees that are accredited by professional organizations and internationally recognised. These degrees qualify students to work as library and information professionals in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe. Recent graduates have dynamic careers as Chief Information Officers, Library Directors and Knowledge Managers.

The School of Information and Communication Studies also has vibrant research programmes and activities. Some MLIS students go on to take PhD or MLitt degrees at the School of Information and Communication Studies. Some of the research areas that can be supervised by ICS academic staff include:

  • The use of new social media by individuals, groups and communities
  • Inter-organizational and inter-disciplinary collaboration
  • Technology to support collaboration in eResearch, medicine and other domains
  • Web 2.0 technologies and Virtual Research Environments
  • Healthcare information needs and behaviour
  • Information behaviour of scientists, healthcare professionals, and other professionals
  • Everyday life information behaviour
  • Evaluation of emerging technology
  • Ethical issues in information work

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40520 Org of Info, Cat&Metadata Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41780 Applied Research Methods Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41800 Managing Information Services Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select at least one Technology module. Students who have already taken IS30020 Web Publishing in a previous degree must choose one or more different technology modules instead.
IS30020 Web Publishing Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select at least one Technology module. Students who have already taken IS30020 Web Publishing in a previous degree must choose one or more different technology modules instead.
IS41720 Language Models and Methods Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select at least one Technology module. Students who have already taken IS30020 Web Publishing in a previous degree must choose one or more different technology modules instead.
POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select at least one Technology module. Students who have already taken IS30020 Web Publishing in a previous degree must choose one or more different technology modules instead.
IS40560 Digital Libraries Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select at least one Technology module. Students who have already taken IS30020 Web Publishing in a previous degree must choose one or more different technology modules instead.
IS40630 Digital Preservation and Digital Curation Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select at least one Technology module. Students who have already taken IS30020 Web Publishing in a previous degree must choose one or more different technology modules instead.
IS40760 Research Data Management Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select at least one Technology module. Students who have already taken IS30020 Web Publishing in a previous degree must choose one or more different technology modules instead.
IS40970 AI & Ethics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 ARCV40040 Archives and their Users - Advocacy and the Archives Gateway Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 ARCV40070 Managing Records & Information in Public & Private Organisations Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 EDUC41520 Children's Rights & Participation Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 ARCV41510 Archives Preservation Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS40390 Research Practice Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS40760 Research Data Management Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS41020 Information Ethics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS41050 Platform Governance Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS41580 Prof topics in LIS Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS41790 Communities Outreach Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS41830 Info Professional as Teacher Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS41840 Health Info Users and Services Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 1: - Please note that students who apply to register to ONE Management module within OPTION MODULE LIST 2 below should select their remaining credits from OPTION MODULE LIST 1. Students may otherwise choose all of their option modules from this Module List 1.Students wishing to select IS40390 Research Practice must confirm a project and supervisor in advance of registering; their supervisor will register them for this module. Students may express their preference in relation to ONE Archive module, offered by the UCD School of History (ARCV40040, ARCV40070, or ARCV41510) by completing the Archive Module Selection Form, available from 14th August 2026​. Archive module places are limited and will be allocated by lottery.
 IS41850 AI & Digital Cultural Heritage Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D)0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 2: - Select ONE Management module. If Students wish to select one of the Management modules offered by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business: BMGT45700, HRM40660 or HRM40900 - they should contact the School of Information & Communication Studies at icsadmin@ucd.ie to arrange registration. Places for Smurfit modules are strictly on a first-come-first-served basis via email to icsadmin@ucd.ie only.
BMGT45700 Global Leadership and Teams Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - D)0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 2: - Select ONE Management module. If Students wish to select one of the Management modules offered by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business: BMGT45700, HRM40660 or HRM40900 - they should contact the School of Information & Communication Studies at icsadmin@ucd.ie to arrange registration. Places for Smurfit modules are strictly on a first-come-first-served basis via email to icsadmin@ucd.ie only.
HRM40660 Human Resource Management Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - D)0 of:
OPTION MODULE LIST 2: - Select ONE Management module. If Students wish to select one of the Management modules offered by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business: BMGT45700, HRM40660 or HRM40900 - they should contact the School of Information & Communication Studies at icsadmin@ucd.ie to arrange registration. Places for Smurfit modules are strictly on a first-come-first-served basis via email to icsadmin@ucd.ie only.
HRM40900 Human Resource Management Spring  7.5

Grad Dip Library & Information Studies FT/PT (W041) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7610
nonEU    fee per year - € 15070

Grad Dip Library & Information Studies PT (W098) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4990
nonEU    fee per year - € 7540

***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.

The entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies (GradDIpLIS) are:

-A minimum 2.2 award in a bachelor's degree (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 GradDip. 

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.

 

 

 

 

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

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

Part Time option suitable for:

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


The GradDip 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.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Grad Dip Library & Information Studies FT/PT:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W041
Grad Dip Library & Information Studies FT/PT
Graduate Diploma

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W098
Grad Dip Library & Information Studies PT
Graduate Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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