MA Archives & Records Management

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: For admission to postgraduate programs at UCD, the general entry requirement is a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in the student's previous academic qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual band lower than 6.0.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no section below Listening 19, Speaking 19, Writing 21, and Reading 19.
• PTE: Overall score of 63 with a minimum of 59 in each section.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120 with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

UCD offers various scholarships and financial aid options specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education at the university. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and alleviate the financial burden for deserving students. 

UCD Global Excellence Graduate Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students applying for eligible full-time master's programs. It covers a percentage of the tuition fees for the duration of the program.

UCD Global Undergraduate Scholarship: Intended for non-EU students, this scholarship is based on academic performance and offers financial assistance towards tuition fees for the duration of undergraduate studies.

Regional Graduate Scholarships: UCD provides scholarships targeted at students from specific regions or countries, encouraging diversity and supporting talented individuals from those areas.

UCD Ad Astra Academic Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements and offers financial support along with enrichment opportunities.

Sports Scholarships: For students who excel in sports, UCD offers scholarships to support their academic pursuits while actively participating in sports at a competitive level.

UCD Research Scholarships: These scholarships are available to support international students pursuing research-based postgraduate programs, providing funding and opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research initiatives.

Government and External Scholarships: UCD collaborates with various governments, organizations, and foundations worldwide to offer additional scholarship opportunities for international students based on specific criteria and partnerships.

Completing the MA Archives & Records Management program at University College Dublin (UCD) equips graduates with a diverse skill set and opens various rewarding career pathways in the field of archival science, records management, and cultural heritage preservation.

1. Archivist: Graduates can pursue roles as archivists in libraries, museums, government agencies, or private organizations. They manage and curate collections of historical records, manuscripts, and documents, ensuring their preservation and accessibility.

2. Records Manager: As records managers, individuals oversee the lifecycle of records within organizations. They design systems for efficient record-keeping, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while implementing retention and disposal policies.

3. Digital Archivist: In the digital era, there's a growing need for professionals adept at managing digital records. Digital archivists handle electronic records, ensuring their organization, preservation, and accessibility over time.

4. Information Manager: Information managers develop strategies and systems for effective information governance. They ensure that information is managed and utilized optimally across various departments or organizations.

5. Cultural Heritage Manager: Graduates can work in cultural institutions, preserving and promoting cultural heritage through managing and curating archival collections that showcase a region's history, art, and cultural identity.

6. Researcher: With a strong foundation in archival and records management principles, individuals can pursue research roles in academic institutions or heritage organizations. They conduct historical research, using archival materials to uncover insights.

7. Records Consultant: Professionals provide consultancy services to organizations, advising on the development and implementation of efficient records management systems and best practices.

8. Digital Preservation Specialist: With the increasing digitization of records, specialists in digital preservation ensure the long-term accessibility and integrity of digital assets, preventing data loss or degradation.

9. Information Governance Officer: Working in various sectors, these professionals ensure that organizations adhere to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in managing their information assets.

10. Historical Document Editor or Translator: Proficiency in archives and records management can lead to roles involving the editing, transcription, or translation of historical documents for publication or research purposes.

11. Museum Curator: Some graduates may venture into curatorial roles in museums, overseeing exhibitions and collections, especially if the program includes aspects of museum studies.

12. Freelance/Independent Archival Consultant: Offering freelance services to institutions or individuals, providing advice, cataloging services, or specialized knowledge in archival or records management practices.