Master of Library & Information Studies

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/Master of Library & Information Studies

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 22,600 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Master of Library & Information Studies

About

Please read our FAQ page before clicking the Contact Us button above.

The Master of Library and Information Studies is designed to prepare university graduates for careers in the library and information profession.

You can view our recent webinar for offer holders and prospective students here

The Master of Library and Information Studies prepares graduates for work in a range of professional settings, including academic, public, and special libraries, as well as information-based roles in commercial, civic, health, and legal organisations. Our programmes instil professional ethics and social responsibility, foster lifelong continuing professional education, and provide opportunities for active engagement with diverse communities. The MLIS is an in person programme, structured to develop core professional competencies, as well as specialised knowledge and skills for librarians and information professionals. While the programme offers a generalist approach to suit multiple interests and aspirations, it is also possible to tailor learning to more specialised areas for particular career paths.

The MLIS provides an opportunity for advanced graduate study and an introduction to research in Information and Library Science. The MLIS also gives students the chance to complete a research project. The programmes require a high level of commitment by students to the inter-disciplinary content, which spans theory and practice, drawing on knowledge gained in their primary degree.

The MLIS at UCD's School of Information and Communication Studies is a highly regarded internationally recognised qualification, giving you access to a wide range of careers in libraries and the rest of the Information Industry.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

-A minimum 2.1 award in a bachelor's degree in any subject (NFQ Level 8 or International equivalent )

-Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity, and motivation

-If you do not meet the academic requirements above you must provide additional information to be considered for admission as listed below

A letter of reference from an academic who has taught the applicant.
A statement describing their previous library experience, which must be a minimum of 5 years.
A letter from their work supervisor to confirm the length of experience, the nature of the experience as meeting professional library tasks.

We recommend a minimum of 6 weeks’ experience working in a library or information environment before applying for the MLIS.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

While applications are accepted up to August of the year of entry, offers are made to suitably qualified candidates on a first-come-first-served basis so early application is recommended. Entry to the programmes is very competitive and the number of places is limited.

Please note that requests to progress along the pathway from the Graduate Diploma to the MLIS must take place within 5 years of completion of the Graduate Diploma. All requests should be sent to the School of Information and Communication Studies, and will be approved by Graduate School, College of Social Sciences & Law.

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

The Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) programme is designed to prepare university graduates for professional careers in Library and Information Studies. The MLIS degree is highly regarded internationally; the school's accreditation by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI) is recognised by library associations elsewhere, including Europe/UK, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Recent graduates have dynamic careers as Digital Learning Librarians, Literacy Specialists, Chief Information Officers, and Data Stewards.

Some MLIS students go on to do a PhD degrees in ICS. Some of the research areas that can be supervised by ICS academic staff include: