Library and Archive Studies

The MA in Library and Archive Studies is taught in collaboration with The University of Manchester Library. This is major multi-site research library with National Research Library status. It includes the stunning John Rylands Research Institute and Library with its world-leading collections of archives and rare books and cutting-edge digital practices. The Rylands Library has close links to research and teaching through the John Rylands Research Institute and Library and the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.

These relationships give students on the MA in Library and Archive Studies the opportunity to engage with a wealth of academic specialisms closely linked to Library and Archive Studies, in addition to benefitting from broad-ranging core modules centred on the fundamentals of librarianship, archival practice, and records and information management.

This MA focuses on contemporary practices in collection-led librarianship and archival studies. Its curriculum offers students unique access to the world-leading special collections and archives of the Rylands. With its home in the Institute for Cultural Practices, it offers students an extraordinary opportunity to position archives and libraries in the context of the broader cultural heritage sector. Through highly engaging placement opportunities, students are offered unique opportunities to work alongside University of Manchester Library staff as well as professionals in other Manchester-based archives and records management organisations.

Additionally, students are offered a choice of optional courses in a variety of specialist topics linked to rare books curation, information governance and compliance, exhibitions and public engagement, digital practices, and community engagement. Students are also given the option to take modules from and gain experience with a variety of research specialisms within the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures in art gallery and museum studies, arts management and policy, creative and cultural industries, digital media and culture, and heritage studies.