Bachelor of Information Studies

What is this course about?

This course is designed to reflect the critical importance of information and knowledge management across a wide range of fields and institutions. The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the creation, evaluation, collection, organisation, utilisation and dissemination of information in the contemporary.

About the course

The changing nature of society has brought a growing demand for knowledge and information at work, in education and in leisure. Librarians, archivists, knowledge managers and many other information professionals are meeting that demand by providing effective access to information resources and services.

Qualified information professionals play a vital role in facilitating the creation, management and preservation of information and in the development of information literacy. Our graduates provide the necessary link between the information resources, whether physical or digital, and the users of that information.

Students commence the course with a three-day compulsory course orientation.

The Bachelor of Information Studies offers specialisations in:

Librarianship BInfoStud(Lib)

Librarianship at CSU’s School of Information Studies has been the cornerstone of our success. This specialisation sees students being able 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.

Information and Knowledge Management BInfoStud(Info&KM)

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.

Records and Archives Management BInfoStud(Rec&ArchMgt)

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.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Bachelor of Information Studies may be admitted to Associate (professional) Membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) without further examination.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Information Studies (Records and Archives Management) are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA).

Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) has accredited the Bachelor of Information Studies course.

Professionals teaching you

This course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience in the information field.

Practical experience

There is a professional study visit subject, comprising four days of visits to a range of information agencies, and a three-week professional placement. There is also a professional activities subject which requires students to attend, evaluate and report on a minimum of 30 hours of professional activities (such as conference sessions, seminars, workshops) of value to the development of information professionals, and the development of an ongoing e-portfolio.

Residential schools

There is a compulsory three-day course orientation residential school scheduled at the commencement of the course (February and July).

The latest facilities

To support the development of your knowledge and skills in contemporary information practice, our learning support systems include:

• modern IT facilities with the latest information management software
• a focus on providing access to support and resources through the internet, email, leading edge online learning platforms and Web 2.0 technologies
• comprehensive and dedicated online library services
• access to experienced learning skills support staff
• highly qualified and responsive academic staff.

Your course is recognised by industry

This degree (regardless of the specialisation undertaken) is recognised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIM Professionals Australasia) as a professional qualification, enabling graduates to work in the full range of library, records and related information sectors.  If students complete the Records and Archives specialisation, their degree will also be recognised by the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) as a professional qualification.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2