The Master of Archives and Records Management (MARM) is accredited by the Archives and Records Association as the recognised qualification for archivists and records managers in the UK and Ireland. The MARM Digital Pathway is designed for those pursuing a career as a digital archivist or records manager.
Introduction
You’ll gain the knowledge you need to pursue an archives and records career in research, business, government, academia – indeed anywhere that qualified professionals are needed.
You can shape your learning of archives and records management at Liverpool with our three pathway options:
Master of Archives and Records Management
Master of Archives and Records Management (international pathway)
Master of Archives and Records Management (digital pathway)
The MARM digital pathway offers the opportunity to take a wider range of modules relevant to digital record-keeping as elective options. This pathway is therefore particularly suited to those aiming for a career as a digital archivist or records manager, or no need for palaeography skills.
We’ll teach you to work in a way that provides the accountability and transparency demanded for good governance, effective operating public in an organisational context or which meets the needs of archive users in the wider cultural and heritage environments.
This pathway is available full-time and part-time, for in-person study on campus.
Who is this course for?
This programme is suitable for graduates looking to pursue an archives and records career. The MARM digital pathway is particularly suited to those aiming for a career as a digital archivist or records manager.
While some professional experience is needed for this course, we are keen to support people from all backgrounds to access this course and would encourage anyone interested to contact us for more information.
What you'll learn
A deep theoretical and practical understanding of effective management of archives and records, including standards and best practice
The accountability and transparency demanded for good governance
The processes and techniques required to implement environment-specific, best practice record keeping
An introduction to some of the post-medieval legal, financial and administrative vernacular documents which are most commonly encountered in the sector
The concepts, tools and resources required for managing an archive or records management service.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
If you're able to study part-time, you'll
study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months PGDipARM Part-time: 18 months. You
can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule
around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you
complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final
dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements
at graduation the following term.
Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any
other life commitments. You will
study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months PGDipARM Part-time: 18 months. You
can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule
around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you
complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final
dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements
at graduation the following term.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
RECORDKEEPING SYSTEMS AND THE ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT (HIST575)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module covers the processes and techniques required to implement environment-specific, best practice recodkeeping. It aims to provide an introduction to the range of processes necessary to meet the operational requirements of an organisations and to emphasise the importance of understanding both the organisational context, and the centrality of the user when designing and implementing systems. In doing so it enables the student to compare theoretical models with their implementation in practice.
RECORD-KEEPING THEORY AND PRACTICE (HIST577)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
This core module introduces students to the key concepts associated with record-keeping and encourages them to consider how they may be applicable in various environments and for different purposes.
ENGLISH POST-MEDIEVAL RECORDS (READING AND INTERPRETATION) (HIST579)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module provides an introduction to some of the post-medieval legal, financial and administrative vernacular documents which are most commonly encountered in encountered in local government, diocesan and specialist repositories. Classes combine discussions of the contexts of the creation of these documents with extensive practice in reading them, in order to enable students to identify, transcribe and interpret a wide range of material. The module also considers the role of palaeography and diplomatic in archival science, and the development of the main types of vernacular scripts (including court, book, secretary and italic hands).
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
MANAGING SERVICES, ACCESS AND PRESERVATION (HIST578)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the concepts, tools and resources required for managing an archive or records management service. It includes generic management concepts and techniques and specifically sector-relevant issues, such as preservation, advocacy and community engagement.
Optional modules
DIGITAL RECORDS: THEIR NATURE, USE AND PRESERVATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (HIST566)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module introduces students to ways in which information and communication technologies have affected, and will continue to affect, the management and exploitation of records and archives, and the consequences of these changes both for professional practice and for users.
MEDIEVAL PALAEOGRAPHY (MARM) (HIST540)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Students enrolling on this module will be expected to already have a good understanding of Latin grammar and syntax. The classes will focus on developing palaeographical skills through extensive practice in reading and transcribing documents, although through this students will have the opportunity to revise points of Latin grammar, to discuss medieval usage, and to familiarize themselves with the use of medieval wordlists and textbooks. The documents will provide an introduction to the forms and formulae of medieval records with particular reference to legal, financial and administrative organisations operating in England between 1100 and 1500.
MEDIEVAL PALAEOGRAPHY (GENERAL) (HIST560)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the history of Western scripts and various forms of writing in the Latin alphabet as they evolved between the Roman period and the end of the Middle Ages. Students will gain a good understanding of the important factors in the development of different script types and the chronology of the main developments. The module also introduces students to the practical study of medieval manuscript sources, in particular codices and charters. Students who have completed this module should be able to read the main types of written medieval sources in the original and interpret correctly their external characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL RECORD KEEPING (HIST561)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides an overview of record keeping developments from an international perspective. It introduces students to record-keeping structures, traditions and practices throughout the world, and to the legislative, cultural and political traditions which affect those practices. In doing so it enables students them to approach record-keeping theory and practice in their home country both critically and comparatively. The module considers the role that records and archives have played over time, particularly, from 1945, in the area of human rights.
FEASIBILITY STUDY (HIST504)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The Feasibility Study is an extended research proposal for the subsequent MA Dissertation. The study should therefore be focused on the topic that the student proposes to address in their dissertation. The Feasibility Study is designed to ensure that students are able to undertake their dissertation project successfully. It will ensure that they are well prepared when they start writing thier dissertation over the summer.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
Optional modules
DISSERTATION (HIST550)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
Sessions on research skills and methodologies will be held as part of the core modules offered by History. MA students will discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic and the implementation of the research with a member of staff with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the proposed topic during the period June to September. MARM students will have tutorial sessions and produce a feasibility study as part of the preparation for the dissertation before formal supervision begins in the period June to September.
WORK BASED DISSERTATION (HIST555)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: semester 2
This module takes the form of research into a record-keeping problem or issue experienced by an organisation, which is written up as a dissertation, including a report to the client organisation. The sorts of issues covered by the research might include:
Creation of a retention schedule with guidelines for staff training in its adoption;
Creation of a file plan and classification scheme, including data security analysis;
Creation of a records management policy;
Archival appraisal policy, including guidance on destruction and potential deposit with an archive service as well as future retention;
Report on use of records to add value to the organisation’s work (e.g. use of historical material for outreach, researching an organisational history);
Curation of digital datasets, including compiling a report on future management;
Devising and curating an exhibition (including online exhibitions).
The research is undertaken both via theoretical and/or literature-based methods and via a placement with a client organisation. Identification of problems and potential solutions is undertaken in partnership with the organisation, to whom the report element of the dissertation is directly addressed.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
Teaching takes place in regular two hour interactive lectures or 50 minute small-group seminars and workshops as we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff.
Practical learning is embedded throughout the course through short placements on some modules, as well as the option to undertake a work-based dissertation, which is designed to help embed professional practice and prepare you for a career in archives and records management. There are also field trips during the programme, which enables you to experience and research relevant best practice in the industry.
This takes place alongside directed and self-directed digital learning with professional digital tools to support the develop of relevant skills for future careers.
How you're assessed
Assessments may include a combination of written and oral assessments, as well as examinations to test specific skills developed through this course.
Written assessments may include essays, professional communication methods such as reports, blogs and flyers, and transcription/translation assessments.
Oral assessments may include face-to-face and video presentations which mirror skills used in professional life.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries, including the University’s own Special Collections and Archives.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why History at University of Liverpool?
we have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
We have active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enabling staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.
Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There is also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.
What students say...
The Liverpool University Centre for Archive Studies (LUCAS) frequently runs events and workshops that students on the course are encouraged to attend. These are great opportunities both to extend knowledge outside of the parameters of the course but also a chance to network with professionals in the region.
MARM is an accredited and recognised qualification which prepares you for professional-level entry into employment in any area of archives or records management, in the UK or overseas. The Digital pathway has been designed to enhance employability in relation to the growing number of digital roles both within the sector and beyond.
This course has a successful record of graduates obtaining professional posts after graduation.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Our graduates have gone on to a range of positions including:
Records Manager
Digital Archivist
Compliance Officer
Cataloguer
Collections Development Officer
Heritage Activities Manager
Graduates have worked in organisations such as:
The National Archives
Hertfordshire Archives
The National Gallery
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
International Slavery Museum
Bristol University.
Students have also gained posts abroad, including at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the UN Food & Agriculture Organisation in Rome.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,900
Part-time place, per year
£4,950
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£20,250
Part-time place, per year
£10,125
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
To apply for MARM you should normally have a first degree in any discipline (UK classification 2.1 or above, or international equivalent).
As MARM is a professional qualification, you’ll also need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the archives and records management profession. Most of our students also have relevant work experience, paid or voluntary. Further details can be found in our FAQs document.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this Master of Archives and Records Management, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
