Master of Information Management
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent -
Location
Melbourne City, Online -
Fees
AU$31,680 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated Location
Melbourne City, Online
Overview
Create new opportunities
Update your practical and managerial skills through a comprehensive Masters program grounded in the latest developments within the information management sector.
Your career in information management
In this course, you’ll gain the practical skills and knowledge required to work as a librarian, archivist or records manager, learning on-campus or online through a globally-celebrated program. In 2019, we ranked 1st in Australia and 25th globally for Library and Information Management.
Learn here, succeed anywhere
At RMIT, we understand the importance of providing students with real-world experiences and the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
Students undertaking a Master of Information Management at RMIT can participate in exchange programs and global intensives, designed to combine overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework.
Details
Throughout this professionally accredited program, you'll learn practical and managerial skills to prepare you for work as an information professional such as librarian, archivist or records manager.
Information management addresses key issues faced by information professionals: managing new information opportunities, using IT solutions and managing the impact of new information-based products and services.
RMIT has offered postgraduate studies in information management for over 50 years. This program is valued by industry and students for the blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application at the core of the program's design. Our graduates emerge confident in their ability to tackle IT, information management and organisational challenges.
Together with long-term and extensive links with industry, the program exposes students to an enviable range of professional networks and career opportunities.
You may choose to complete this program face-to-face at the Melbourne City campus, or entirely online, or blend the different modes of study to suit your personal or professional needs. For International students, some restrictions apply on the amount of online study you can undertake as part of this program. Please refer to general student visa conditions for details.
Each face-to-face course usually involves three hours of class contact per week and approximately six hours of out-of-class preparation and assignment work. Classes are usually offered in the afternoon or early evening.
Online study requires a similar time commitment - approximately 9 hours of study per course, per week and is conducted through the myRMIT student portal. You will be expected to work independently and in groups using technologies available through the online delivery.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Educational software, the Learning Hub, other online and digital resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals and practical assignments.
Global study and work is a unique feature of the program. You can combine an overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework completed in intensive mode and have this credited towards your degree. They depart during the Australian summer or winter vacations and are usually undertaken in the final semester of the master degree.
If you are planning to include a study tour as part of your program, you are advised to check that you have the required number of student electives or credit points available.
Other global mobility options available for this program include:
- Study abroad
- Student exchange
- Global Entrepreneurship and Internship Program (GEIP).
- 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing)
- 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without advanced standing)
For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.
Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your program. Credit granted may reduce the amount of study you need to complete.
For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.
- 1.5 years (with advanced standing)
- 2 years (without advanced standing)
For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
The Master degree comprises core and elective courses.
- Professional placement equivalent to three weeks of full-time work. This can be taken at midyear, at the end of the year or flexibly during the year. Exemption may be granted if you possess appropriate industry experience.
- Study core courses that meet the accreditation requirements of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) as a professional entry-level program.
- Explore a complex problem, and test and evaluate potential solutions in the course Business Research Design.
You may choose to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Information Management (GDIM) after the completion of seven core information management discipline courses and one elective. The GDIM is recognised for eligibility for professional membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). If you also wish to seek professional recognition by the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) then the course LIBR1028 Records Management and Archives Administration should be completed as the elective.
The specified courses cover the core knowledge, skills and attributes required for effective professional practice in the Library and Information sector and satisfy the levels of competence described in the National Records and Archives Competency Standards respectively.
For more details about this option, please contact Dr Paul Mercieca.
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses our students are currently studying.
MC196EXE15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses our students are currently studying.
MC196EXE15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 1.5 years CRICOS 077511G
MC196P15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 2 years CRICOS 077511G
Career
You will be able to work in a range of information environments, including public and academic libraries; records and archives centres; government and business information services. You may also work as an independent information broker, consultant or for commercial companies supporting the information industry. Graduates are also employed as document managers in health, welfare, public administration and other public sectors, in private industry, government and semi-government bodies, universities, schools and professional associations.
RMIT students and graduates have been actively sought for internships at the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, the State Library of Victoria, National Library of Australia and the Parliamentary Library, Canberra.
Graduates work as:
- information, document and records managers
- librarians
- archivists
- teacher librarians
- community information officers
- database specialists
- research and information analysts
- data managers.
Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.
Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.
Statutory accreditation
This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.
Membership
Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.
Master of Information Management
Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
Course quality and content satisfies current and emerging library information management practice for information professionals.
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Associate
- Graduates eligible to enrol in ALIA PD Scheme
Visit the Australian Library and Information Association website
Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA)
Course is recognised as satisfying the levels of competence described in the National Records and Archives Competency Standards.
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student (must work less than 25 hours per week)
- New graduates eligible for membership category: Graduate (limited to 1 year only)
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Certified
Visit the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia website
VALA - Libraries, Technology and the Future Inc (VALA)
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Personal
Visit the VALA - Libraries, Technology and the Future Inc website
Institute for Information Management (IIM)
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student (Must be full-time)
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Individual
Visit the Institute for Information Management website
School Library Association of Victoria (SLAV)
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Personal
Visit the School Library Association of Victoria website
Australian Society of Archivists (ASA)
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Individual
Visit the Australian Society of Archivists website
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
Course recognised through ALIA accreditation.
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Newly Qualified
Visit the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals website
American Library Association (ALA)
Course recognised through ALIA accreditation.
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: First Year
Visit the American Library Association website
Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA)
Course recognised through ALIA accreditation.
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: New Information Professional
Visit the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa website
Admissions
Applicants need to meet one of the following entry requirements:
- Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline;
OR
- Successful completion of the RMIT Graduate Certificate in Information Management; The Graduate Certificate in Information Management consists of the first four discipline course of the Master program and acts as a pathway for the students who do not meet the first admission criteria. On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Information Management, you will transition to the master program and complete the remaining courses, so that your total duration of study is 1.5 yr full time;
OR
- Australian Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree or equivalent in the same discipline.
Applicants need to meet one of the following entry requirements:
- Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline;
OR
- Successful completion of the RMIT Graduate Certificate in Information Management; The Graduate Certificate in Information Management consists of the first four discipline course of the Master program and acts as a pathway for the students who do not meet the first admission criteria. On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Information Management, you will transition to the master program and complete the remaining courses, so that your total duration of study is 1.5 yr full time;
OR
- Australian Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree or equivalent in the same discipline.
Entry requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Advanced standing
If you have completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution, you will receive exemptions from the four business enabling courses.
Masters exemptions
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as detailed in the table below.
The masters exemptions listed indicate the maximum exemptions offered, including advanced standing and courses where content matches previous study.
| Qualification level | Masters exemptions offered | Remaining program duration* |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Master degree (AQF level 9) - business-related discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full time study) |
* Duration indicated is the normal study duration; for some programs spring and summer semesters may be offered, reducing the study time.
If you have a major in a non-business discipline and do meet meet the management experience requirement, you will begin your studies at graduate certificate level. The graduate certificate provides an entry pathway that considers non-managerial work experience and tertiary studies other than in a business-related discipline.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Information Management you will be admitted to the Master program, which requires the successful completion of further courses.
Credit
You may also be eligible for further credit. Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
You can gain entry to the Master of Information Management from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs. Learn more about RMIT undergraduate programs.
Masters exemptions
You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case by case basis.
Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Fees
2020 indicative annual fees
Full-fee places: AU$31,680*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308* maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
*Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
This program is approved for income support.
You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.
If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or the Department of Human Services for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$76,800 (full 2 year program plan MC196P15).
For students who meet the entry requirements for the 1.5 years program (program plan MC196EXE15), the total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$57,120.
If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be offered a place in the full two year program.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.