Master of Information Management specialising in Library and Information Management

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MAINM

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$50,800

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

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:

are studying online outside of Australia; or
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 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

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

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?

Libraries are vital hubs at the heart of every community, fostering education, connection, and wellbeing. Librarians play a crucial role in strengthening literacy, supporting research, and managing diverse collections that inspire curiosity and critical thinking. They offer expert guidance, bridge digital divides, and safeguard information security.

If you are organised, enjoy helping people, believe in the right to read and are passionate about the world of information management, pursue your passion at Adelaide University as your path to an impactful career. Unlock diverse roles, from academic librarian to corporate information manager, in an evolving and rewarding field.

Overview

Our Master of Information Management specialising in Library and Information Management is informed by best practice. It leverages unique partnerships and teaches relevant real-world skills.

Learn the most contemporary practical uses of information theory. Engage in hands-on fieldwork. Build communication and leadership skills. Advance your understanding of digital literacy. Explore new technologies for library cataloguing, digital collections and information access. Deepen your understanding of metadata, marketing, social media, readers' advisory and scholarly communications. Develop confidence in processing and recording information for libraries, complex organisations, archives and more.

Your studies will culminate in a research project on a chosen topic. You’ll graduate ready to support access, learning and empowerment in education, community and business.

Key features

Study the only qualification of its kind in South Australia.
Benefit from our real-world relevance and strong industry connections.
Build specialised skills for the field, from digital literacy to social media marketing.
Obtain hands-on experience through a practical fieldwork project.
Network with industry professionals and experts.
Undertake a major research project tailored to your interests and career aspirations.

What you'll learn

This two-year Masters is practical and industry informed.

You’ll take future-focused courses, including:

Technological foundations
Information management foundations
Information management professional practice
Information resources
Information description and discovery
Readers’ advisory and collections OR research services in academic libraries.

You’ll also choose elective courses and undertake a practical industry-based project.

You’ll become familiar with library environments. Build the confidence to supervise staff effectively and provide expert advice. Gain a comprehensive understanding of modern information description and discovery practices. Become skilled in identifying, evaluating and presenting information using a range of information service systems.

You'll learn how to support your communities to discern real and fake information in a world of fast developing AI. You'll also get familiar with the role of library and information professional practice and the code of ethics in the field.

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.

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 code	Units
Course name Masters Research Theory and Practice	Course code ENGI5027	Units 6
Course name Information Management Project	Course code INFO5009	Units 6
Course name Information Management Professional Practice	Course code INFO5011	Units 6
Course name Information Management Foundations	Course code INFO5013	Units 6
Course name Technological Foundations	Course code INFO5014	Units 6
Course name IM Masters Research Project	Course code INFO5015	Units 12

Complete exactly 36 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Digital Literacy	Course code INFO5012	Units 6
Course name Information Advocacy	Course code INFO5016	Units 6
Course name Metadata	Course code INFO5017	Units 6
Course name Scholarly Communications	Course code INFO5018	Units 6
Course name Information Description and Discovery	Course code INFO5021	Units 6
Course name Information Discovery and Evaluation	Course code INFO5022	Units 6
Course name Readers' Advisory and Collections	Course code INFO5023	Units 6

Complete 18 to 30 units comprising:

18 to 30 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Managing Across Cultures	Course code BUSI5078	Units 6
Course name Online Learning Communities: Formal and Informal	Course code EDUC5014	Units 6
Course name Learners in a Digital Age: Innovative Practices	Course code EDUC5019	Units 6
Course name Festival and Event Management	Course code HOSP5002	Units 6
Course name Managing Venues and EventScapes	Course code HOSP5003	Units 6
Course name Information and Records Management	Course code INFO5008	Units 6
Course name Scholarly Communications	Course code INFO5018	Units 6
Course name Advanced Business Intelligence and Analytics	Course code INFO5019	Units 6
Course name Archival Professional Practice	Course code INFO5020	Units 6
Course name Information Description and Discovery	Course code INFO5021	Units 6
Course name Readers' Advisory and Collections	Course code INFO5023	Units 6
Course name Safeguarding Digital Collections	Course code INFO5024	Units 6
Course name Safeguarding Non-Digital Collections	Course code INFO5025	Units 6
Course name Sustainable Destination Management	Course code HOSP6004	Units 6
Course name Enterprise Resource Management	Course code INFO6008	Units 6
Course name Information Governance	Course code INFO6009	Units 6

Career outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to ignite curiosity and fuel discovery – whether in Australia or overseas. You could be a school librarian, organising book fairs and literary events to spark children’s interest in reading. You might be an information management consultant, helping organisations run smoothly and stay competitive. Perhaps you’ll support cutting-edge research as an academic librarian. Or maybe you will help build strong democratic communities through supporting digital literacy and information literacy skills as a public librarian.

You could also transfer your skills to careers as a:

Corporate information manager
Information technology specialist
Data analyst
Digital content manager
Database administrator
Museum curator
Corporate trainer
Project manager
Compliance officer
Archivist
Records manager.

Industry trends

Information is one of the most vital, strategic assets in today’s society. Preserving information and making it accessible is a much sought-after skill. As data becomes more integral across all sectors, expertise in managing, organising and making sense of data – including metadata – is needed.

Libraries, businesses and museums across the globe are adopting more technology, using digital tools to broaden access to their collections and services. More and more, librarians and information management professionals need to be proficient with IT and digital systems.

Studying Library and Information Management at Adelaide University will give you the specialised knowledge, tech literacy and data analysis skills to walk into the field with confidence – and find a secure and fulfilling career.

How to apply

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.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

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

How to apply

Complete and send your application

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

Apply now

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.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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: