Master of Information Studies

Specialisations

Students can choose to study a general qualification or specialisations are available in the following areas:

The Applied Research specialisation enables students to undertake research in an area of Information Studies of their choice, providing close support as they progress through their projects. Students who undertake and complete the specialisation are well equipped to work in a wide range of positions, not only in the Information Science field, but in any organisation that requires independent and original thinkers, who have the ability to create unique solutions to workplace problems. The research specialisation also offers students a pathway to further research training at doctoral level.
Admission to this specialisation requires approval from the Course Coordinator plus achievement of a credit average or better in the Graduate Diploma of Information Studies or the equivalent entry program.

Children’s Librarianship is a new strand in the Master of Information Studies which has been specifically developed for those seeking to work with children in public libraries and other information centres that provide information services to children.

Information and digital connectivity are vital resources for communities in achieving their social, economic and cultural goals in a digital economy. The Community Networking strand of the Master of Information Studies develops information professionals equipped to lead in dynamic social and community information spaces, with skills in social networking and community outreach, project management and the creation of digital content. The aim is to build social capital through online and offline networks, leveraging the potential of technology as a tool for community benefit.

The Information Architecture specialisation equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to practice as an information architect or in allied information professions. The specialisation focuses on the design and development of effective websites and intranets across different organisational contexts. Students choose from a range of subjects that cover all facets of information architecture, providing them with a practical understanding of what makes for an optimal user experience.

The Information and Knowledge Management specialisation has been designed for aspiring information professionals who wish to study beyond traditional areas and gain skills working with real clients and live scenarios on relevant and practical assignments in business, government, and other settings. The objective is to produce graduates who understand people, processes, innovations and trends, and can combine this understanding with technology to create, share and use information and knowledge.

Librarianship at CSU’s School of Information Studies has been the cornerstone of our success. This specialisation enables students to choose from a large number of elective subjects that cater to those students who want to work specifically in libraries, in areas such as reference services, library management, information access, and information delivery. The specialisation benefits from the large number of academic staff whose teaching is informed by extensive experience in libraries.

Many students coming into the Master of Information Studies program are looking to obtain a management or leadership role within their information workplace. This specialisation focuses on leadership and combines learning that is often used in MBA programs. Students study subjects such as Strategic Library Management, Marketing of Information Agencies, Human Resource Management in Information Agencies, and the increasingly popular skill set, Project Management.

The Records and Archives Management specialisation introduces students to the world of government, corporate, community and personal recordkeeping. It explores international and Australian theory and practice including standards, legislation and ethical issues relating to the management of digital and analogue records. The emphasis is on building knowledge and skills that students can apply in a range of organisational contexts and in a climate of rapid change.