Information Science MSc



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Overview

The MSc Information Science builds on the considerable research and professional expertise of our teaching staff. Many of our lecturers are experienced library and information science professionals who bring their hands-on knowledge directly into the classroom.

We place strong emphasis on workplace preparation, with practical learning and placement opportunities embedded into the programme. Employers, including members of the SCEBE Industry Advisory Board, have directly shaped the course to align with current and future work expectations — giving students opportunities to undertake projects with real-world organisations.

The course prepares students for work in information departments, research institutions, publishing and in archives, libraries and museums. Some students go on to records management and business analysis. The programme has been developed with current industry needs in mind and in alignment with professional library and information science bodies. This is the only iSchool in Edinburgh offering a postgraduate Information Science programme.
 
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Mode of Study:

Full-time

 

Duration:

1 years

Start date:

Sep

Course details

This course is designed to prepare you for careers in information departments, research institutions, publishing, libraries, archives, and museums. Some graduates progress into records management, business analysis, or knowledge management.

You’ll develop:

  • Critical thinking skills in digital and media literacy
  • Expertise in information management within an organisational context
  • A strong understanding of knowledge communication and organisational learning
  • The ability to apply theoretical foundations of information science in practice-based environments
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    How you’ll be taught

     The MSc Information Science though 6 taught modules, a research module, and a dissertation project, supported by a dedicated supervisor.

    You will be taught through lectures to cover theoretical frameworks; tutorials with practical, hands-on activities and real-world applications; guest lectures and seminars from industry professionals; access to a wide range of learning resources via Moodle

    Students are encouraged to prepare through independent reading, critical reflection on workplace applications, and engagement with study support sessions.
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    Assessments

    Assessment methods are varied to reflect different learning outcomes and ensure fairness, they include: individual reports and written assignments, group projects and teamwork, presentations, class tests, and design and construction of ontologies, classification systems, and frameworks

    Most modules include more than one assignment, so performance is not reliant on a single task.

     
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    Facilities

    Students on this course will benefit from: an advanced computer network for AI and Natural Language Processing projects, well-equipped interactive technology labs with robots, VR headsets, and specialist equipment, designated research spaces for interactive and applied informatics projects

     
     

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Advanced Information Interactions ( CSI11103 )

Advanced Information Interactions has a focus on online Information Interactions between user, system, and content. From content perspective, students will explore the design and development of web space content design, the placement and use of information to convey messages and how Online Search Engines utilise and present this information. From a systems perspective the module will explore how developers of online systems can gain an understanding of search engine optimisation, web analytics and an introduction to information models to identify and evaluate best practices to this presentation of information and explore user's information seeking behaviours to enhance user engagement, interaction, and experience.

Further information

Digital Literacies ( INF11118 )

Digital literacies covers digital and information literacies, including media literacy, learning environments and community learning. The module includes understanding and engaging in digital practices, finding information, critically evaluating information, managing and communicating information, and sharing digital content.

Further information

Information and Knowledge Organization ( INF11117 )

This module covers the principles and concepts used to organize and describe information and knowledge. During this module students will study the creation, management and use of metadata, the development of taxonomies, techniques for terminology control and the creation of ontologies. The role of mark-up languages and metadata standards will be investigated along with examples of knowledge organizing Systems (KOS) and knowledge graphs on the semantic web. This module integrates approaches from information science, web design and information retrieval.

Further information

Knowledge Management ( CSI11104 )

This module covers the principles and concepts related to the capture, management, and storage of knowledge. During this module students will learn different approaches to knowledge management and both technical and social knowledge management infrastructures. A range of techniques will be covered for the creation, capture, classification, exchange, dissemination and use of knowledge for competitive advantage and corporate growth. Throughout the module, students will develop understandings of knowledge strategies and knowledge continuity management that can be used in the creation of knowledge management plans.

Further information

Masters Dissertation ( SOC11101 )

The work for this module comprises the completion of an individual research project. Each student is assigned a personal Supervisor, and an Internal Examiner who monitors progress and feedback, inputs advice, examines the dissertation and takes the lead at the viva. There are two preliminary deliverables prior to the submission of the final dissertation: (1) Project proposal (2) Initial Report including time plan and dissertation outline

Further information

Research Through Design ( CSI11101 )

In this module you will be introduced to research through design approaches that can offer rich insights that impact the process of innovation and design. You will be encouraged to empathise and understand user needs requirements in relation to day to day activities/tasks/experiences. You will be responsible for your learning through discovery and delivery of a project based on evidence and rigour to research and a target user group understanding. Research through design approaches encourage exploring uncertainty and developing curiosity to trust your expertise and professional competence.

Further information

Security Audit & Compliance ( INF11109 )

The aim of the module is to let you develop a deep understanding of the framework that information security operates in, and to give you an opportunity to express this in the form of professional written reports. Topics covered include: • The relation between governance models and frameworks including: ISACA’s COBIT and ISO Standards (ISO27000 in particular) • Overview of relevant laws and regulations: national and international, covering privacy, computer misuse and other legal issues. • The role of organisation and human factors in ensuring a secure environment• The role of the professions; difference between audit, forensics and security management. Professional ethics and codes of practice• Information security risk management and controls including, contingency and continuity planning

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Information Science?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:1 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

Can I get admission into Information Science based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2025/26 2026/27
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,650 £8,030
Overseas and EU £21,430 £22,285
Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online degrees. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

What do Information Scientists do?

Information scientists manage the knowledge and information at an organizational level to ensure that it can be easily accessed, stored and disseminated. They also manage repositories and knowledge bases. Typical workplaces include libraries, archives, museums and in records management, where their activities include: managing and curating collections; organizing knowledge and information; and customer-facing roles such as those found in the health sector and libraries. They may also work within government, in scientific research, professional services firms, and the cultural sector.

What can you do with a degree in MSc Information Science?

  • Graduates of this programme can pursue a wide range of roles, including:
  • Information Taxonomist
  • Metadata and Linked Data Specialist
  • Subject Librarian
  • AI Systems Developer
  • Records Manager
  • Data Protection Officer
  • Knowledge Manager (law, accountancy, architecture, consulting)
  • Digital Literacy Specialist
  • Data Repository Manager
  • Publisher
  • Cataloguer and Indexer
 
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