The entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies (GradDIpLIS) are:

-A minimum 2.2 award in a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8 or International equivalent)

-Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity, and motivation

-If you do not meet the academic requirements above you must provide additional information to be considered for admission as listed below

- A letter of reference from an academic who has taught the applicant.
- A statement describing their previous library experience, which must be a minimum of 5 years.
- A letter from their work supervisor to confirm the length of experience, the nature of the experience as meeting professional library tasks.

?We recommend a minimum of 6 weeks’ experience working in a library or information environment before applying for the GradDip.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online

Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: No

Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

W041 Grad Dip Library & Information Studies FT/PT Grad Dip Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

W098 Grad Dip Library & Information Studies PT Grad DipPG Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

The Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies (GradDip) programme is designed to prepare university graduates for professional careers in Library and Information Studies. The MLIS and GradDip degrees are highly regarded internationally; the school's accreditation by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI) is recognised by library associations elsewhere, covering Australia, Canada, and the United States. Recent graduates have dynamic careers as Digital Learning Librarians, Literacy Specialists, Chief Information Officers, and Library Directors.

Our Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) and Grad Dip LIS programmes allow students to earn degrees that are accredited by professional organizations and internationally recognised. These degrees qualify students to work as library and information professionals in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe. Recent graduates have dynamic careers as Chief Information Officers, Library Directors and Knowledge Managers.

The School of Information and Communication Studies also has vibrant research programmes and activities. Some MLIS students go on to take PhD or MLitt degrees at the School of Information and Communication Studies.