Librarianship Master of Arts - MArt (Hons)

This course prepares a diverse, global student community for professional roles in library and information services, engaging you with the latest research and practice at the number one university in the world for Library and Information Management (QS World University Rankings by subject 2026).

Course description

This course is aimed at graduates from any discipline who are curious about libraries and information, and desire a professionally oriented course that builds practical knowledge and skills to work in academic, public, school, health, prison, and workplace libraries.

You will develop the core competencies of librarianship defined in the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Professional Knowledge and Skills Base, including leadership, management and strategic service design.

You will learn how information is managed, organised, governed and made available to users, how to be a reflective practitioner and the ethical principles and values that underpin the library and information profession.

Research-active academic staff will involve you in conversations about cutting-edge developments in library research, including scholarly communication, information behaviour, the role of artificial intelligence in library services, archival practices and the provision of library services to diverse communities. You will learn how to apply current practices in librarianship, for example how to apply the principles of cataloguing, classification, metadata and controlled vocabularies, how to teach information literacy and how to design library spaces. 

Our modules are developed in partnership with professionals from all library sectors, and most feature opportunities to hear from and interact with library experts. A core aspect of the programme is the opportunity to visit library and information services, meet with practitioners, and learn about the very latest practice - often from our alumni.

We work with organisations such as Sheffield Central Library, Sheffield Hallam University, National Fairground Archives, Weston Park Museum, York University, Nottingham Libraries, Tapton School, and CILIP Prison Libraries Group to provide in-person and virtual experiences. There is a strong emphasis on building the skills that employers tell us they want from graduates, such as independent inquiry, problem-solving and working collaboratively.

When you graduate you will be digitally literate, imaginative and a critical thinker - ready to advance in the library and information profession.

Accreditation

This MA programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), the UK's professional association for library, information, and knowledge management professionals. CILIP has reciprocal agreements with other national professional bodies including American Library Association (ALA), the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Library Association of Ireland (LAI).