Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications:

Ireland and the UK: 2nd class honours, grade I in the primary degree. In exceptional circumstances candidates with a high 2nd class honours, grade II degree will be considered.

Canada and the USA: a primary degree with a grade point average of 3.5

Other: an internationally recognised equivalent of the above

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent. Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/

In applying for this course applicants will have a distinct advantage if they have a good academic record, relevant pre-course experience, good interpersonal skills, acceptable IT skills, evident commitment to work as an archivist or records manager. Pre-course experience does not have to be extensive but should allow applicants to have a good understanding of the work of a professional record keeper.

As the number of places on the course is limited, the allocation of places is on a competitive basis. Apply early to avoid disappointment. A waiting list will also be created.

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. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax
Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

The following entry routes are available:

MA Archives & Records Management FT (Z020)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

MA Archives & Records Management PT (Z100)
Duration 2 Years Attend Part Time Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Apply early to avoid disappointment.
This course is currently the only fully accredited course by Archives and Record Association (UK and Ireland) in Ireland.
Places are limited.
A waiting list will be created, if a place become available.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Z020 Archives & Records Management Master of Arts Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught

Z100 Archives & Records Management Master of Arts Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
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.

The MA programme is the first step for those seeking to pursue an academic career in archives and records management education. Since programmes were first established in UCD for the education of professional archivists, successful graduates have found work in a wide range of archives, library and corporate positions in Ireland, the UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. A few have embarked on academic careers in the education of archivists and records managers.

In recent years there has been 100% success rate in finding suitable professional careers. However the recent downturn in the economy has had an inevitable effect and its medium term impact is difficult to ascertain.
In Ireland graduates are working in, for example,

• The National Archives of Ireland
• The National Library of Ireland
• Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
• Chester Beatty Library
• Irish Architectural Archive
• Irish Film Archives
• Guinness Archives
• UCD Archives and other university archives services
• Local government archives services
• Church archives
• Arthur Cox and Associates
• The National Treasury Management Agency
• Records management consultancy services