Master of Information Management specialising in Archives and Records Management

Postgraduate | 2026

Degree hero banner
Mode icon
Mode
Online
Start date icon
Start date
January, April, June, September
Duration icon
Duration
2 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
MAINM
Study as icon
Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
$53,300
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
None
English Language Requirements icon
English language requirements
IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications
  1. Brochure download icon
  2. Enquire enquire icon
  3. Apply arrow-right-white icon

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

  • A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
  • A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

International non-student visa holders

This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:

  1. are studying online outside of Australia; or
  2. do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia. 

It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

  • IELTS Overall 6.5
  • IELTS Reading 6
  • IELTS Listening 6
  • IELTS Speaking 6
  • IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications
alt
Note:

This program is primarily delivered online, but some in-person study may be required. It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa. 

Why Master of Information Management?

Specialise in a niche field. Become indispensable in your organisation.

Archive management is the preservation and organisation of historical documents and materials. Diaries, letters, photographs or film – anything that offers insight into the past. Record management focuses on the documents created in an organisation's daily operations. Both processes require a meticulous approach to information management – and are extremely important, minimising organisational risk and safeguarding our cultural integrity.  

Ensure future generations have a window to their heritage. Gain a sought after skillset. Pursue a career that’s as fulfilling as it is crucial. 

program overview

Overview

The Master of Information Management specialising in Archives and Records Management is the only qualification of its kind in South Australia. It is industry informed, leveraging unique partnerships to set you up for success in the field.  

Master cutting-edge digital archiving and records management practice, from database management to preservation technologies. Explore information theory – and its practical applications. Gain real-world experience through fieldwork projects.  

Understand the ethical implications and legal frameworks surrounding data privacy and record management. Gain leadership and communication skills. Study metadata, marketing, preservation, information governance and compliance. 

In your second year, you’ll undertake a research project aligned to your interests. You’ll graduate equipped to be a records manager or archivist – and eligible to pursue further research studies. 

What you'll learn

Our Archives and Records Management specialisation is future-focused and aligned to industry needs. You’ll undertake industry approved courses, including: 

  • Preserving digital collections 
  • Information management foundations 
  • Information and records management  
  • Metadata 
  • Archival professional practice 
  • Information management professional practice.  

You’ll also select a range of elective courses and complete a practical fieldwork project.  

Master records management, information governance, legal compliance in record keeping and responsible record disposal. Learn to authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials. Become an expert at maintaining accessible digital archives and databases. 

In your second year, you’ll undertake a research project on a topic aligned to your interests. You will:

  • Select a topic of interest with support from a supervisor
  • Develop a research question(s) and write a proposal for research methodology (qualitative, quantitative or mixed)
  • Source supporting evidence, analyse your findings and write well-argued findings
  • Be supervised by a university course coordinator or supervisor
  • Open a potential pathway to PhD studies.  

Your choice of project will depend on your future career aspirations, preparing you for specialised leadership in the information management field. 

Specialisations

The Master of Information Management is also available with specialisations in:

Design a study path that works for you

This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification. 

You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree. 

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

  • 42 units for all Core courses, and
  • 24 to 36 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations, and
  • 18 to 30 units for Electives

Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Masters Research Theory and Practice
Course code
ENGI5027
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Information Management Professional Practice
Course code
INFO5011
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Information Management Foundations
Course code
INFO5013
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Technological Foundations
Course code
INFO5014
Units
6
course icon
Course name
IM Masters Research Project
Course code
INFO5015
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Information Management Project Placement
Course code
INFO5051
Units
6

Notes

  • Enrolment in Information Management Project Placement - INFO5051 is required at least three weeks prior to the study period beginning so that projects can be allocated to student groups.

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Information and Records Management
Course code
INFO5008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Preserving Digital Collections
Course code
INFO5058
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Archival Professional Practice
Course code
INFO5020
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Metadata
Course code
INFO5054
Units
6

Complete 18 to 30 units comprising:

  • 18 to 30 units from Program electives

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Managing Across Cultures (UniSA)
Course code
BUSI5078
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Managing Venues and EventScapes (UniSA)
Course code
BUSI6064
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Online Learning Communities: Formal and Informal
Course code
EDUC5014
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Learners in a Digital Age: Innovative Practices
Course code
EDUC5119
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Sustainable Destination Management (UniSA)
Course code
HOSP6006
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Information and Records Management
Course code
INFO5008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Advanced Business Intelligence and Analytics
Course code
INFO5019
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Archival Professional Practice
Course code
INFO5020
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Information Description and Discovery
Course code
INFO5021
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Digital Literacy
Course code
INFO5052
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Information Advocacy
Course code
INFO5053
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Research Services in Academic Libraries
Course code
INFO5055
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Readers' Advisory and Collections
Course code
INFO5057
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Preserving Digital Collections
Course code
INFO5058
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Enterprise Resource Management
Course code
INFO6008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Information Governance
Course code
INFO6009
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Preserving Non-Digital Collections
Course code
INFO6022
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Festival and Event Management
Course code
HOSP5002
Units
6

Ready to apply?

icon

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

icon

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

icon

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026. 

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.  

Find an Education Agent 

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents. 

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources. 

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. 

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more. 

Student services 

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including: 

  • Career advice and mentoring services 
  • Personal counselling 
  • LGBTQIA+ support 
  • Academic support 
  • Fees and finance help 
  • Security services 
  • Accommodation services 
  • Common rooms 
  • Prayer rooms. 

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more. 

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
Graduates

Explore Adelaide University

Accommodation options

Considering calling Adelaide home? Explore accommodation options to find a place that's right for you.

Rundle Mall shopping

Life in Adelaide

Discover why Adelaide is one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Ebenezer Place shopping and cafes, bikes, bicycles

Scholarships

Our scholarships can provide the helping hand you need to transition into university life.

Taken during Orientation Week