The Master of Archives and Records Management International Pathway (MARMI) is accredited by the Archives and Records Association. It is available for overseas students who want to meet the practice requirements of their home countries and who need a master's award to do so.
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.
The International pathway is intended for overseas students who want to meet the practice requirements of their home countries and who need a master’s award to do so. It includes modules specifically designed to develop knowledge of record-keeping internationally, as well as a range of optional modules for students to tailor the programme to their specific needs.
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 for in-person study on campus only.
Who is this course for?
This pathway is suitable for overseas graduates looking to pursue an archives and records career in research, business, government, academia. Although many applicants do have a first degree in History, this is neither a requirement, nor necessarily desirable. We are delighted to receive applications from students in other disciplines who can all bring new insights to the profession.
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 review our FAQs document.
What you'll learn
This is the right course for you if you are interested in:
gaining a deep theoretical and practical understanding of effective management of archives and records, including standards and best practice for practice outside of the UK
working 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
formalising your experience in archives and records management with a pathway designed for graduates outside the UK
joining an academic department with an international reputation for research and innovative and student-centred teaching.
working with academic staff with extensive professional experience, strong international links as well as academic expertise.
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. 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. 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
On the international pathway, all modules in semester one are required.
Compulsory modules
COMPARATIVE RECORD KEEPING STUDY (HIST519)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module introduces students to UK academic practice at Master’s level. It does so by guiding students through the processes necessary to undertake a comparative study of a record-keeping, archival or information-related process common to their own home country and the UK.
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.
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.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
On the international pathway, students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Compulsory modules
DIGITAL RECORDS: THEIR NATURE, USE AND PRESERVATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (HIST580)
Credits: 20 /
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.
MANAGEMENT SKILLS (HIST565)
Credits: 15 /
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.
PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT (HIST538)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to students an overview of the range and complexity of the issues that underpin preservation decision-making. In this module we will look at a number of basic issues surrounding the management of records in order to ensure that their content remains accessible over time. This module concentrates on traditional media, as a complement to the Digital Preservation content of HIST580. This includes the standards, models, tools and software which can be utilised to support collections care, recommended storage and environmental conditions, disaster planning and preventative conservation.
Optional modules
Data Mining and Visualisation (COMP527)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
To provide an in-depth, systematic and critical understanding of some of the current research issues at the forefront of the academic research domain of data mining. As part of the module students program with Python selected data mining algorithms and experiment using real-world datasets. Google search framework and IBM Watson QA system and various other industrial level data mining applications are discussed.
Skills: Communication skills (listening andquestioning, respecting others, contributing to discussions, communicating in a foreign language, presenting own work in form of a talk) This skill is not evaluated in the module. However, students are encouraged to verbally participate in the numerous in-class quizzes about data mining concepts.
Problem solving
Two Python programming assignments (accounting for 25% of the total mark for the module) arecirculated. The students are expected to implement a selected group of data mining algorithms from the scratch by themselves and experiment using real-world datasets.
Business and customer awareness (basic understanding of the key drivers for business success – including the importance of innovationand taking calculated risks – and the need to provide customer satisfaction and build customer loyalty) Google search framework, IBM Watson QA system and various other industrial level data mining applications are discussed in the class as specific implementations of the algorithms introduced in the module.
Information Technology (IT) skills (IT skills, including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, file management, use of internet search engines, use of specific software and/or IT and programming paradigms) Students are required to use industry-level data processing libraries such as numeric python library, scientific python library and scikit-learn machine learning library during the lab sessions.
Computer science principles
Examples: Formal tools for building and verifying complex electronic-commerce systems (name some concrete software). Formal methods for deriving classification algorithms that focus on different loss functions such as the cross-entropy loss (logistic regression), hinge loss (support vector machines) are taught in the module.
Heritage Documentation, Digitization and Presentation (ARCH739)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides students with knowledge of conventional and innovative ways of recording, digitizing, visually presenting and virtually experiencing different heritage assets. These come in different forms and shapes from architectural to archaeological sites and artefacts, and from movable heritage to oral history. Students will produce a fieldwork report, including images and text, or portfolio of digital heritage records, including images and metadata. Therefore, along with digitisation and IT skills specific to heritage contexts, students will acquire heritage drawing, communication and teamwork skills. Hands-on workshops with heritage experts will enhance students’ experience and employability skills. Assessment is based on a coursework assignment consisting of fieldwork report, or portfolio of digital heritage records, and an oral presentation of the findings.
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.
This module aims to introduce students to historical and contemporary media practices and approaches within visual culture, including museum exhibitions, cultural interpretations, institutional policies and artistic interventions in the city. The module will examine a broad range of modes and methods to investigate the promotion and representation of culture and national heritage, the transformations of these activities over the years, and their analysis within media studies and cultural theory. Students will read and discuss past and present activities of cultural institutions and artistic activists, as well as theorisations of art and anthropology museums, World’s Fair exhibitions, cultural programmes and other visual and cultural media. Students will examine different conceptions of museums, sites of memory, and cultural events as potential arenas of public transformation, de-colonisation, community activity and public fora. The module will more broadly address social and ethical questions; concepts and practices of cultural appropriation and representation; ideas of power relations and self-reflexivity; and definitions and conversations around ‘otherness’ within and beyond contemporary cultural institutions.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Summer period
For all pathways, students must take either HIST550 or HIST555. HIST550 and HIST555 are taken over the summer vacation period. Students must seek advice from the Programme Director before registering for the work-based Dissertation HIST555.
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.
Your experience
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.
History students Emma and Amy talk about studying History at Liverpool
Careers and employability
MARM graduates have gone on to a range of positions including Records Manager, Digital Archivist, Compliance Officer, Cataloguer, Collections Development Officer and Heritage Activities Manager, at destinations such as The National Archives, Hertfordshire Archives, The National Gallery, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and International Slavery Museum.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Our graduates have also gained posts abroad, including at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the UN Food and 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
£10,400
Part-time place, per year
£5,200
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£21,300
Part-time place, per year
£10,650
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.
