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:

JanSep

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

     
     

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 £tba
Overseas and EU £21,430 £tba
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 programmes. 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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