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Frequently Asked Questions

MA in Archives and Records Management FAQs

A: We start taking applications from the beginning of October for the next academic year. Our programme runs from the calendar year September-August. September is the only entry date.

A: Due to the popularity of this programme, we advise candidates to get their applications submitted by March 31. We can accept applications up to August 31 depending on whether the programme is full.

A: We require a 2H1 degree in your primary degree if you are from a UK or Irish University. This is the equivalent of above a 3.08 GPA, or in terms of the US and Canada 3.50.

A: In exceptional circumstances candidates with a high 2nd class honours, grade II degree will be considered, but applicants need to demonstrate significant previous professional experience working in archives to be considered in this context and decisions are made on a case by case basis and not very often.

A: Yes.

A: Yes, applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent. Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/

A: Yes, we welcome people from all disciplines.

A: Work experience is not mandatory for acceptance to this programme, although it will strengthen your application. We require that candidates' applications demonstrate a coherent understanding of the work of the archivist / records manager.

A: We generally require at least one academic reference. Your second reference can be either from a professional or academic context.

A: If your referees are based in UCD the email addresses will suffice. If they are not in UCD a manual upload is advised as well as providing the email address.

A: The MA Archives and Records Management full time programme takes place over one calendar year beginning in September and ending at the end of August. Students complete 90 credits over the course of this year. There are 6 core taught modules, making up 45 credits and 15 credits of options which are taken during the Autumn and Spring trimester and a 30-credit dissertation largely completed in the Summer trimester. The part time programme takes place over two years. Students spread their taught modules both core and optional over the taught trimesters in both years and complete the 30 credit dissertation in the second year. We generally recommend that part time students take as many core modules as possible in the first year to provide a good basis in the discipline. A full prospectus for the programme is available here: MA Prospectus 2024-2025.

A: The course is completed over three trimesters for full time students. For part time students this is six trimesters.

A: Core modules generally are held on campus on Wednesday and Thursdays during the Autumn and Spring semesters. Each of these modules involves two hour seminars so there is generally no more than four hours per day. Seminars are sometimes replaced by visits to archive services or lectures by guest speakers. In addition to the core taught modules, the programme requires students to complete onsite practical work for c 8 weeks in the first semester.This can fit around core module times but may also require attendance on campus for an additional day each week. For students who are commuting a long distance or working in an archive, we can facilitate practical work nearer to home or in your workplace when this is possible.