Course Curriculum

The MA in Archive Administration at Aberystwyth University provides a professionally accredited pathway into the fields of archives and records management. Designed for individuals seeking to work in local, national, or specialist archive services, the course delivers both theoretical and practical training, developing the core competencies required for the responsible management and preservation of historical and informational resources. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the Archives and Records Association (ARA), this course equips students with the qualifications and knowledge necessary to enter professional roles within the archival sector.Core modules focus on essential principles and practices. Recordkeeping Theories and Contexts and Recordkeeping Process and Practice introduce students to the foundational concepts, legal frameworks, and operational techniques of the profession. Archives and Records – Practical Project and Collections Care offer hands-on experience in handling, preserving, and managing records and archival materials. Access, Outreach and Advocacy develops communication and public engagement skills, vital for connecting archives with wider audiences. The Dissertation allows students to explore a specialised topic in depth, producing a substantial independent research project.Optional modules allow for individual specialisation. Students may choose to study areas such as Digital and Audio-visual Collections, Rare Books and Special Collections, Knowledge and Information Architecture, or Latin and Palaeography for historical documents. These options provide the opportunity to tailor the course to specific interests or future career paths, including work with digital preservation, historical manuscripts, or rare and unique materials.The course also includes fieldwork and study visits, enabling students to observe professional practice in a variety of archive and recordkeeping environments. Combined with practical experience and academic learning, the program ensures graduates are well prepared for roles in archives, libraries, museums, heritage organisations, and records management across both public and private sectors.