Archives and Records Management (Digital Pathway) MARM

Program Overview

The Master of Archives and Records Management (Digital Pathway) at the University of Liverpool provides an accredited qualification to pursue a career in digital archiving or records management. The program covers the theory and practice of archival and records management, including the management of digital records, the implementation of recordkeeping systems, and the development of management skills. Graduates will be well-prepared for entry into the profession, with a strong understanding of the latest trends and technologies in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Archives and Records Management (MARM) is accredited by the Archives and Records Association as the recognized qualification for archivists and records managers in the UK and Ireland. The MARM Digital Pathway is designed for those pursuing a career as a digital archivist or records manager.

Objectives:

• Gain the knowledge needed to pursue an archives and records career in research, business, government, academia, and other areas where qualified professionals are needed.
• Learn to work in a way that provides the accountability and transparency demanded for good governance, effective operating public in an organizational context, or which meets the needs of archive users in the wider cultural and heritage environments.
• Develop a deep theoretical and practical understanding of effective management of archives and records, including standards and best practice.
• Understand the processes and techniques required to implement environment-specific, best practice record keeping.
• Gain an introduction to some of the post-medieval legal, financial, and administrative vernacular documents which are most commonly encountered in the sector.
• Learn the concepts, tools, and resources required for managing an archive or records management service.

Outline:

Structure:

• The MARM Digital Pathway is available full-time and part-time, for in-person study on campus.
• The program is structured into three semesters: Semester One, Semester Two, and Summer Period.

Course Schedule:

• Semester One:
• Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules.
This allows students to complete the program part-time while working on Thursdays and Fridays.
• Semester Two:
• Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules.
This allows students to complete the program part-time while working on Thursdays and Fridays.
• Summer Period:
• Students must take either HIST550 or HIST555.
• HIST550 and HIST555 are taken over the summer vacation period.
• Students must seek advice from the Programme Director before registering for the work-based Dissertation HIST555.

Modules:

Semester One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• RECORD-KEEPING THEORY AND PRACTICE (HIST577): This core module introduces students to the key concepts associated with record-keeping and encourages them to consider how they may be applicable in various environments and for different purposes.
• Optional Modules:
• Applied Geographic Information Science (ENVS609)
• Big Data Analytics (COMP529)
• Big data and society B: foundations, politics, and policy (COMM752)
• Geographic Data Science (ENVS563)
• Introduction to Data Science B (COMM767)

Semester Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
It includes generic management concepts and techniques and specifically sector-relevant issues, such as preservation, advocacy, and community engagement.
• Optional Modules:
• Big data and society D: algorithms and platforms (COMM754)
• Data Mining and Visualisation (COMP527)
• Heritage Documentation, Digitisation and Presentation (ARCH739)
• Web Programming (COMP519)

Summer Period:

• Optional Modules:
• DISSERTATION (HIST550): This module takes the form of research into a record-keeping problem or issue experienced by an organization, which is written up as a dissertation, including a report to the client organization.
• WORK BASED DISSERTATION (HIST555): This module takes the form of research into a record-keeping problem or issue experienced by an organization, which is written up as a dissertation, including a report to the client organization.

Assessment:

• Assessments may include a combination of written and oral assessments, as well as examinations to test specific skills developed through this course.
• Written assessments may include essays, professional communication methods such as reports, blogs, and flyers, and transcription/translation assessments.
• Oral assessments may include face-to-face and video presentations which mirror skills used in professional life.

Teaching:

• Teaching takes place in regular two-hour interactive lectures or 50-minute small-group seminars and workshops.
• Practical learning is embedded throughout the course through short placements on some modules, as well as the option to undertake a work-based dissertation, which is designed to help embed professional practice and prepare you for a career in archives and records management.
• There are also field trips during the program, which enables you to experience and research relevant best practice in the industry.
• This takes place alongside directed and self-directed digital learning with professional digital tools to support the development of relevant skills for future careers.

Careers:

• MARM is an accredited and recognized qualification which prepares you for professional-level entry into employment in any area of archives or records management, in the UK or overseas.
• The Digital pathway has been designed to enhance employability in relation to the growing number of digital roles both within the sector and beyond.
• This course has a successful record of graduates obtaining professional posts after graduation.
• Graduates have gone on to a range of positions including:
• Records Manager
• Digital Archivist
• Compliance Officer
• Cataloguer
• Collections Development Officer
• Heritage Activities Manager
• Graduates have worked in organizations such as:
• The National Archives
• Hertfordshire Archives
• The National Gallery
• International Slavery Museum
• Bristol University.
• Students have also gained posts abroad, including at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the UN Food & Agriculture Organisation in Rome.

Other:

• The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square.
• The Liverpool University Centre for Archive Studies (LUCAS) frequently runs events and workshops that students on the course are encouraged to attend.
These are great opportunities both to extend knowledge outside of the parameters of the course but also a chance to network with professionals in the region.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year £10,800 Part-time place, per year £5,400

International fees

Full-time place, per year £22,400 Part-time place, per year £11,200 Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. You can pay your tuition fees in instalments. All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship. International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.