Master of Information Studies programme postgraduate SME meeting on 23/05/2016
Gillian Oliver – Programmes Director
Chris King – Senior Administrator
Paul, Jane and Nick
Nick's notes
What the programme covers
Confusion between Master of Information Management (for IT managers) and Master of Information Studies (for librarians and archivists), especially since librarians often call themselves “information managers”.
Key messages
Distance learning
Distance learning - Can do whole programme by distance
[Seems to appeal to audience – most Wellington students choose to study by distance]
Online communities: Blackboard, online conferencing system
[Sounded like it was hard going getting students involved though]
Have established market in librarian side of things [Gillian as an archivist would like to expand that]
Only PG programme for librarians [combine with current pitch – PG needed these days]
Have strong links with professional bodies
Entry and stair-casing
You need honours
So lots of students come in via the Dip
Some also use to test/trial/try-out if they want to complete the full programme
Don’t promote the exit option
Bachelor degrees often Arts, Comms, teaching
Some are working (e.g. as library assistants) [How many? If lots then info for people returning to study is more important.]
Terminology
They use ‘staircasing’
They like the term ‘professional’
Not post-experience – no experience requirement
FAQs
Can I apply?
Can I cross-credit?
How do I apply/what are steps?
What are the fees?
Can I study part time?
- This is quite common.
- Matters for StudyLink student loans.
- Students don’t realise they can tee up a student loan in case they study without committing to borrowing any money.
Specialisations/structure/what you study
Library Science (LIBS) or Archives and Records Management (ARCR) specialisations
Students like these
Some do both (takes a bit longer)
They increase employability
Current numbers
50-70 per year
c. 200 all up
[Biggest PG programme]
Consider:
- Writing a clarification note that can go on either page, explaining the difference between Master of Information Management and Master of Information Studies
- Thinking about whether we need standard content block or note about Studylink
- Checking how many students have been/are now working