Comments about International Information Studies (MA-MSc) - At the institution - Newcastle - Tyne and Wear - Tyne and Wear
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Objectives
First established in 2001, the International Information Studies programme has been recently revalidated ensuring its continued quality and contemporary relevance. Designed and taught by staff from both Universities, in English, students also benefit greatly from the different cultural backgrounds and contexts of lecturers and also of fellow students. The aim of the programme is to develop, in an international context, the profile of information professionals, with the specific objectives of: a) providing the necessary theoretical basics and the capacities required for developing digital library services in contexts such as e-learning, e-government, and e-health, the planning and evaluation of information systems, and the application of methodologies for analysing the needs of users; b) teaching how to anticipate and respond to technological and social changes; c) encouraging the sharing of high standards of procedure, management, and service; d) developing critical thought through the analysis of relevant literature on library studies and cognate subjects; e) inculcating information professionals in the continuous evaluation and development of services, and of personal development and performance. The programme is delivered through distance learning. To ensure a supportive learning environment, the programme team encourages the establishment of a network of learners through peer interaction, enabling students to share experiences and to learn from one another. Important elements of the programme aimed at supporting distance learning include: # An initial optional residential school in Parma when students prepare for studying at a distance, develop further their skills relevant to communication and presentation and begin to study the first units # Specially developed paper and web based learning materials # Access to electronic resources through the University libraries # Use of a virtual learning environment to support study and social networking # Individual and group tutorial support using a range of methods including telephone, electronic mail, discussion lists and discussion board # A second optional residential school in Newcastle, to support the Masters dissertation # The central aims of the programme are: To provide the opportunity for information professionals and practitioners in European Community countries to further develop in order to function in the contemporary environment and support service development # To support independent research into an area of personal choice, benefiting from supervision by experienced members of staff # To combine independent study with taught units delivered by distance learning materials # To encourage students to reflect on and gain insight into their own professional practice, potential and possibilities
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Entry requirements
Standard Entry Normally applicants will be expected to have a minimum of a lower second class honours degree from a UK university or its equivalent, and to be engaged in relevant employment. Applicants with other qualifications and relevant professional experience may apply and will be judged individually and on merit. International students are required to satisfy a minimum requirement regarding their proficiency in both written and spoken English. This requirement is currently an IELTS minimum score of 6.5 or a TOEFL paper-based score of 575.
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Academic title
International Information Studies (MA/MSc)
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Course description
COURSE INFORMATION
The focus of Year One Year One is on applied research methods in information management and an exploration of the characteristics of ICTs and the nature of the impact they are having.
During the second year students study issues in the management of change.
MODULE INFORMATION
Year 1 Modules
LI0611 Independent Study Unit for Information Studies 1 (OPTION, 20 Credits)
LI0614 Applied Research in Information Studies (OPTION, 20 Credits)
Year 2 Modules
LI0599 MASTERS DISSERTATION (MAIS, WIM, ILMDL) (OPTION, 60 Credits)
LI0613 Independent Study Unit for Information Studies 2 (OPTION, 20 Credits)
LI0754 Information & Human Resource Management for Learner Sup (OPTION, 20 Credits)
LI0766 Independent Study Unit for Information Studies 2 (OPTION, 20 Credits)
COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
All modules are assessed through a wide range of course work, including for example, essays, reports, portfolios of work, discussions, projects, reviews and a dissertations. There are currently no examinations.
