Archives and Records Management

This postgraduate programme introduces you to the theory and practice of managing archives and records in both public and private settings. You will study the full lifecycle of records, from creation and appraisal through to long-term preservation, including the increasingly complex challenges of digital preservation and born-digital materials. Modules cover Freedom of Information legislation, data protection, cataloguing, and archival description standards. Practical placements in institutions such as the National Archives of Ireland, local authority archives, university libraries, or corporate repositories give you hands-on professional experience. A typical week combines lectures and seminars with supervised practical work, allowing you to apply theoretical frameworks to real collections and emerging digital challenges.

Entry to this NFQ Level 9 programme typically requires an Honours Bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) in a humanities, information science, history, or related discipline, usually at a minimum 2.2 grade. A background in history, library and information studies, or a related field is particularly advantageous. CAO points are not applicable at postgraduate level; instead, you apply directly to UCD via the university's graduate admissions process. Mature applicants with substantial relevant professional experience in records management, libraries, or public administration may be considered on a case-by-case basis. International qualifications are assessed individually, and English-language proficiency evidence is required for applicants whose primary degree was not taught in English.

Demand for qualified archivists and records professionals in Ireland is steady, driven by expanding Freedom of Information obligations, GDPR compliance requirements, and significant investment in digitisation across the public sector. The public sector, including local authorities, government departments, and universities, remains the largest employer, though corporate and legal sectors are recruiting more actively. Graduates who combine archival expertise with digital preservation or information governance skills are particularly competitive in the current job market. The profession is small but specialised, meaning qualified graduates with placement experience tend to find employment relatively quickly.