About the course.

About the course

Skills relevant to your career

The course is designed to prepare you for a career as an information professional, or for organisational and consultancy roles which demand information management expertise. We’ll help you develop a blend of knowledge, skills and awareness, enabling you to mediate effectively between users, resources and information systems in specific organisational contexts. You’ll also pick up practical experience with new technologies and develop other skills of practical use in the workplace, such as information literacy, communication, group work and research. A world-class place to study

Our department has an international reputation for teaching and research. In every Research Assessment Exercise we’ve been awarded the highest possible rating. We’re the only Information Studies department in the country to achieve this.

That means what we teach you is based on the very latest ideas in the field. The way that we teach it is innovative and effective. It also means there are good opportunities to extend your study to PhD level if you wish.

Why take the MSc now?

Specialist expertise in information management is in demand more than ever before.

Effective use of information is at the heart of economic development in the information society. The rapid pace of technological change and factors such as the globalisation of markets mean that organisations in all sectors are placing an increasing emphasis on the value of information systems.

The world needs employees who are information literate. An MSc in Information Management from Sheffield makes you a valuable asset.

For details on how to apply, see page 11.

www.sheffield.ac.uk/is

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Course structure:

two ways to take

the MSc

The MSc in Information Management is available as a First Professional Programme or a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

Whichever you choose, your course is made up of core (compulsory) and optional modules.

First Professional Programme

This is aimed at candidates with little (up to one year) or no relevant work experience who wish to pursue a career in the field. You’ll take modules worth a total of 180 credits. The core and dissertation modules are compulsory. You then choose modules from the list of options to make up the rest of your credits.

Core modules (135 credits):

Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

Information Retrieval: Search Engines and Digital Libraries

(15 credits)

Information Systems Modelling (15 credits)

Information Systems in Organisations (15 credits)

Information Resources and Information Literacy (15 credits)

Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation (15 credits)

Dissertation (45 credits)

Optional modules (45 credits):

Business Intelligence (15 credits)

Content Management Systems (15 credits)

Database Design (15 credits)

Digital Multimedia Libraries (15 credits)

E-Business and E-Commerce (15 credits) Educational Informatics (15 credits) E-Government Information (15 credits) Electronic Publishing (15 credits) Healthcare Information (15 credits)

Human Computer Interaction and User Interface Design

(15 credits)

Information Literacy Research (15 credits)

Information Storage and Retrieval Research (15 credits)

Information Systems Project Management (15 credits)

Libraries, Information and Society II: Academic and Research Libraries (15 credits)

Libraries, Information and Society II:

Library Services for Children and Young People (15 credits)

Libraries, Information and Society II: Public Libraries

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme

If you are a graduate with at least two years relevant work experience, and either your degree is in Library and Information Management or you hold a relevant professional qualification, the CPD programme is for you.

You can enrol on the MSc, PG Diploma or PG

Certificate level of study. For the MSc, you must take 180 credits. For the PG Diploma, you need 120 credits. For the PG Certificate, you’ll take 60 credits. All core modules are compulsory. You choose the rest of your credits from the list of options. The number of core and optional modules you take depends on the level of study.

Core modules: 75 credits

Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

MSc students only:

Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation (15 credits)

Dissertation (45 credits)

Optional modules (105 credits):

Business Intelligence (15 credits)

Content Management Systems (15 credits)

Database Design (15 credits)

Digital Multimedia Libraries (15 credits)

E-Business and E-Commerce (15 credits) Educational Informatics (15 credits) E-Government Information (15 credits) Electronic Publishing (15 credits) Healthcare Information (15 credits)

Human Computer Interaction and User Interface Design

(15 credits)

Independent Study (15 credits)

Information Literacy Research (15 credits)

Information Resources and Information Literacy (15 credits)

Information Searching and Retrieval (15 credits)

Information Storage and Retrieval Research (15 credits)

Information Systems Modelling (15 credits)

Information Systems in Organisations (15 credits)

Information Systems Project Management (15 credits)

Libraries, Information and Society II: Academic and Research Libraries (15 credits)

Libraries, Information and Society II:

Library Services for Children and Young People (15 credits)

Libraries, Information and Society II: Public Libraries

(15 credits)

Management for Library and Information Services (30 credits)

Find out more about each module on pages 4 - 9.

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Modules

Business Intelligence

Understand how businesses use information and why. You’ll study the sources and channels of business information as well as key issues concerning the value of information and library services within business.

Content Management Systems

Introduces you to the requirements for web-based content management systems, and gives you the practical skills to design and implement such systems yourself.

Database Design

Introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of relational database design. Provides an overview of emerging database concepts such as object-oriented and distributed databases.

Designing Usable Websites

Understand the key elements in the process of planning, implementing and testing a website to meet users' needs. You will gain practical experience of creating effective web pages.

Digital Multimedia Libraries

Explores the technical and practical aspects of creating and organising digital libraries, with particular attention to multimedia collections. You will study digitization of multimedia material, management of ‘born digital’ content, as well as classification and cataloguing.

E-Business and E-Commerce

Addresses theoretical and practical aspects of

e-business and e-commerce through an exploration of the digital economy. Equips you with knowledge and skills to understand and manage new ways of doing business.

Electronic Publishing

Introduction to electronic publishing including: text encoding and markup languages; the production, retrieval and analysis of electronic multimedia and the commercial impact of the electronic mode of delivery.

Healthcare Information

Understanding healthcare information and its importance to different groups including: the public; patients, and healthcare professionals and managers. The module also introduces students to the climate in which health information services are delivered.

Educational Informatics

Introduction to current practice and research in educational informatics. Addresses theoretical and practical issues associated with the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support learning in the information society. Aims to enable you to engage critically with issues and debates in the field.

E-Government Information

Introduction to the policy context of e-government, for example in relation to questions of social inclusion and freedom of information. Also examines current issues and practice in the management of government information.

Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Interface Design

Introduction to usability principles and the design process for user interfaces in interactive systems. The focus is on the underlying principles of HCI and user-centered design approach with practical sessions to demonstrate these principles.

Independent Study modules

For students with experience in information work at a managerial or professional level. The modules enable you to pursue a topic or topics relevant to your work background or career development needs. CPD students can take up to three such modules.

Information Literacy Research

Designed to increase your capability in information literacy and relevant research approaches. You’ll deepen your understanding of the key research problems in information literacy and appropriate methods for investigating those problems.

Information and Knowledge Management

Addresses theoretical and practical aspects of information and knowledge management in

organisations. You will use case studies of well known organisations to develop your skills in analysis and strategy formation.

Information Resources and Information Literacy

Theoretical and practical introduction to information needs and their satisfaction.

Looks at the different types of sources and resources available and provides practical experience of basic information searching and evaluation skills using printed, online and internet-based sources.

Information Searching and Retrieval

Introduction to a range of mainly computerised techniques for the organisation, searching and

processing of textual information. Focuses on: keyword searching; subject analysis; networked retrieval; record description and user interface issues.

Information Storage and Retrieval Research

Introduction to current research into computational methods for the storage and retrieval of textual and multimedia information. Looks at semantically and statistically-based approaches to retrieval.

Information Systems and the Information Society

Looks at the role and impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and systems in society. Covers key issues within the context of technological change in the information society.

Information Systems in Organisations

Introduction to organisations, management and information systems. Aims to provide an integrated set of concepts and tools for understanding information systems in organisations.

8

Information Systems Modelling

Considers the role of information modelling within the organisation. Provides an appreciation of the rigorous methods needed to analyse, develop and maintain computer-based information systems.

Information Systems Project Management

Provides a broad understanding of the fundamentals of information systems (IS) project management. Looks at the various IS development methodologies in use. Also covers project control activities and techniques including: estimation of development resources, risk management, systems quality assurance and human resource management.

Libraries, Information and Society I

An overview of the role of library and information services (LIS) in contemporary society. Introduces you to public policy issues and their implications for the provision of LIS. Considers the social, economic, political and cultural environments in which LIS operate and examines the importance of users in the design and management of LIS.

Libraries, Information and Society II: Academic and Research Libraries

Introduction to the purposes, functions and practices of specialist library and information/knowledge services in the public and private sectors. Considers the challenges of delivering and developing services in a demanding, fast-moving and complex environment.

Libraries, Information and Society II:

Library Services for Children and Young People

Introduction to the principles, functions and practice of library services for children and young people. You’ll develop a general understanding of the roles of these services and consider their value and impact.

Libraries, Information and Society II: Public Libraries

Introduction to the principles, functions and practice of public and voluntary sector library and information services. Considers the challenge of delivering a service to which everyone has the right of access. Examines key issues and best practice in the field.

Management for Library and Information Services

Prepares you for management responsibilities in library and information services and organisations. Relates current issues and central concepts in management and organisational theory to the library and information field. Involves a number of practical exercises designed to develop key management skills and support

professional development.

Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation

Helps you to identify and prepare a dissertation proposal and the initial literature review. You will also take lectures in social research methods and statistics for information management.

Dissertation

Everyone registered for the MSc has to complete a research-based dissertation from the middle of June to September (full-time attendance), after finishing the taught part of the course. The topic is chosen in consultation with members of teaching staff. There are opportunities to carry out dissertation studies with external organisations. CPD students may wish to undertake a dissertation project directly relevant to their own work situation. Students who have carried out such dissertations have welcomed the opportunity to tackle real-life problems.

The dissertation is a major part of your degree, and you are allocated an academic supervisor to provide advice and guidance throughout the period of study.

Professional accreditation

The MSc in Information Management is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) so graduates may apply for the professional membership grades of the institute.

Meet the team Ana Vasconcelos

Programme Coordinator

Ana has previously lectured at Sheffield Hallam University and Leeds Metropolitan University. Prior to that, she was a researcher at the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Portugal. She has carried out research evaluation for the European Commission since 1992. Her research interests are in information and knowledge management and information systems adaptation, with a focus on community interaction, discourse and identity.

Kendra Albright

Kendra was previously Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee. Kendra conducts research in the area of HIV/AIDS information in Uganda and the role of libraries and information professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa. She brings 17 years of professional practice in science and technology and business information, working for US government

subcontractors and for a private publishing firm. She has also served as a consultant for both the public and private sectors.

Andrew Cox

Andrew is a lecturer in Information Management. His areas of interest are CMC, Web 2.0 and Information Society questions, particularly in the area of communities and networks. He was previously researcher and manager of a digital library research centre at London South Bank University.

10

What suits you best?

Full-time study

The full-time course lasts 12 months, starting in late September each year.

Part-time study

Part-time students also start in September each year. The MSc may take up to three years to complete. The taught part of the degree is studied over the first two years. You’ll undertake dissertation study in the third year.

The PG Diploma and PG Certificate normally take a maximum of two years to complete.

Students who are able to complete the taught part of the MSc programme and the dissertation in two years are permitted to do so, although the fee remains the same as for a three year programme.

Funding

A small number of studentships are available from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under their Professional Preparation Masters Scheme. If you intend to apply for this funding, we recommend you apply for a place on the MSc as early as possible, ideally by 31 December the year before the course starts. Competition for this funding is strong. Demand far outweighs the number of studentships available. This funding is not available to overseas students. www.ahrc.ac.uk

What qualifications

do I need?

Our students have first degrees in a variety of subjects from science and technology through to social sciences and humanities.

For the First Professional programme

You’ll need at least a second class honours degree (or its equivalent) in any subject. Relevant work experience is an advantage. However, students without work experience are considered on their own merits.

For the Continuing Professional Development programme

You need at least two years' relevant information work experience and a first degree in information studies. If your first degree is in another subject, you’ll also need a relevant professional qualification or at least five years' relevant work experience. However, we will consider students who do not meet these exact criteria, so if in doubt, please contact us.

What if I haven’t got a degree?

If you have other qualifications and substantial relevant work experience you may be considered for the PG Diploma or PG Certificate in Information Management. Please contact the department for further information and to discuss your particular circumstances.

What if English is not my first language?

You need IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in the writing and speaking components and at least 5.5 in the reading and listening components. Or TOEFL minimum score 575 (paper-based) 232 (computer-based) with at least 5.0 in the written English Test. If your application is successful but you don’t have the necessary scores, you may be asked to attend an English Language course at the University before or during the MSc programme.

How to apply

Online

This is the quickest and easiest way to apply. For details:

www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/apply

By mail

If you didn’t get a form with this brochure, you can download one from the website (above). Return your completed form and all supporting documents to the address shown.

Supporting documents

Your supporting documents may be sent by mail, or by email to [email protected]. This includes documents such as references and transcripts.

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Your future career

The MSc gives you an edge in a competitive careers market. Recent graduates have taken up posts across a range of employment sectors in roles such as

Information Officer, Information Scientist, Information Researcher, Knowledge Assistant, Records System Assistant, Medical Information Officer, Business Information Manager, IT Consultant, Web Designer, Internet Programmer and Service Analyst. Graduates may go on to specialist information management positions such as Chief Information Officer, Information Systems Manager, Knowledge Manager or Corporate Planner.

What our graduates say

“My MSc got me a foot in the interview door for this job. The course was a valuable introduction to the everyday tools of the information profession: online sources, new media and business information. In my current position I am responsible for training VPs on the web. Sheffield was hard work, but it was an enjoyable stepping stone to my current career.”

Tracey Vickers

Junior Researcher Boston Consulting Group

“My work on the Case Project is a much less

traditional library job, promoting and coordinating the sharing of resources with other law librarians across Yorkshire. What I learnt at Sheffield has been invaluable – both in terms of the technical skills and awareness of issues.”

Laura Haddon

Faculty Team Librarian for Law/Case Project Information Officer

University of Leeds

“I did the MSc part time over two years while working in the University’s Medical School as an IT

Coordinator. I am currently engaged as a software developer on a project to build a web-based

application to deliver further education based courses online via the web. The dissertation project I

undertook for my MSc was directly relevant to the work I am doing now.”

Rob Graveley

Software Developer