Department of Information Science

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Information Science at City University

Teaching, research and scholarship for tomorrow's information professions

Broad Scope | Encompassing all of the information spectrum, around groupings in library/information science and in information systems. [more]

The longest established department of Information Science in the UK - with over three decades of experience of being at the forefront of the rapidly evolving information market. We teach postgraduate courses in information science, in librarianship, in information systems and technology, in geographic information, in electronic publishing and in information for the cultural sector. Research and scholarship also play a key role and enable us to develop highly relevant educational offerings. In addition, we provide tailored CPD (Continuous Professional Development) to information professionals and organisations.

Central Location | A central London base with a worldwide network of alumni, students and collaborators. [more]

Our central London location, as well as being convenient for travel from all over Britain, and beyond, gives access to a wide variety of libraries, cultural centres, media bodies, institutes and associations, as well as many employers. In particular, our physical proximity to, and institutional links with, the City of London is an important strength. Students usually find it easy to arrange relevant work experience, if they wish.

To complement this, we have many global links, with a significant body of international students and alumni. We have active teaching and research collaborations with colleagues in many countries, including Austria, Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Slovenia, Sweden and the United States. Students have the opportunity to study abroad through Socrates/Erasmus exchanges.

Faculty | Academic staff who are leaders in their field and enhanced by industry leaders like Dame Lyne Brindley, Chief Executive of the British Library, and Dr Carol Tullo, Director of OPSI. [more]

The Department's permanent staff are leading researchers, editors of leading journals, authors of textbooks, and experts in innovative teaching methods.

In addition, industry leaders directly feed into the design and delivery of our courses. These include the Chief Executive of the British Library, the Director of the City of London Libraries, Archives and Galleries, the Director of the National Archives, and other leading practitioners, as well as academic from overseas, and many of our own alumni.

Professional Accreditation | CILIP and BCS-accredited postgraduate courses. [more]

All of the department's courses are accredited by the relevant professional body: CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals), or the BCS (British Computer Society). This ensures that graduates can proceed on a "fast track" to chartered professional status.

Our Masters courses fall into two categories: the library/information courses of the Information Studies Scheme, and the system-related courses of the Information Science and Technology Scheme. Emphasis is placed on face to face interaction between staff and students, though students are also supported by a comprehensive e-learning package.

Internationally recognised research centre | Leading the way in information science [more]

All the department's academic staff are research active, and we are known as an international centre of research across the information spectrum. Three of the five leading international information science journals are edited by staff of the department. We have a variety of funded research projects and doctoral research students, as well as the individual scholarship and publication of academic staff.

Research activity has been rated a 5 in the last three Higher Education Funding Council's research assessment exercises.

Research and scholarship feeds directly into all our teaching. Students are made aware, not just of the latest research findings, but of the importance of the research base for the information professions. Students are themselves able to contribute to this, through individual assignments and dissertations, some of which are published as journal articles.

Excellent graduate prospects | Our strong links with industry means that you will benefit from excellent job prospects, with a large body of alumni with career success stories. [more]

Our established links with industry and professional organisations, and with recruitment agencies, ensure that our courses remain professionally relevant, and that graduates are able to find good jobs easily.

City University London ranks fifth amongst the UK's top universities offering graduates the best prospects following their studies (The Times Complete University Guide 2008). Internships in industry, offering several months experience, are available on courses of the Information Systems and Technology Scheme. Students on all courses are able to integrate their studies with the workplace, through assignments and through a dissertation project. Many of our students come to City because of word-of-mouth recommendation from alumni.