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, with three specialist pathways available for you to choose from.
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:
The main MARM pathway is distinctive for including palaeography as a core component, both English for the period 1500-1800 and optional Latin, as well as a module looking at the stewardship of physical collections.
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.
There’s a strong practical element and you’ll be attached to the Liverpool University Centre for Archive Studies (LUCAS) which coordinates our research and outreach activities.
The MARM programme is delivered in a synchronous hybrid format. Classes are held both in-person and online at the same time, meaning that on-site and distance-learning students attend the same sessions and can interact with each other. Some modules combine pre-recorded lectures with interactive seminars (again, held synchronously for in-person and online students). All classroom sessions which include a lecture-style taught element are recorded. Those students undertaking the programme online are offered additional tutorial opportunities to ensure they have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss progress.
This programme is suitable for graduates looking to pursue an archives and records career. With the different pathways available to meet key practice requirements for countries all over the world, this programme is designed to cater for graduates in the UK to specialise.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
For students taking the MARM (not digital or international pathways) all modules in semester one are compulsory.
Classes directly associated with the MARM programme (excluding some optional modules) are scheduled to take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. This means it’s possible for you to complete the programme part-time whilst working on Thursdays and Fridays.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students taking the MARM (not digital or international pathways) take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Classes directly associated with the MARM programme (excluding some optional modules) are scheduled to take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. This means it’s possible for you to complete the programme part-time whilst working on Thursdays and Fridays.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DIGITAL RECORDS: THEIR NATURE, USE AND PRESERVATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (HIST580) | 20 |
| MANAGEMENT SKILLS (HIST565) | 15 |
| PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT (HIST538) | 10 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
For all pathways, students must take either HIST555 or HIST558. HIST555 and HIST558 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 | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (HIST550) | 60 |
| WORK BASED DISSERTATION (HIST555) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
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.
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.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
MARM and the PG Dip ARM are accredited by the Archives and Records Association (UK and Ireland) as a professional qualification which prepares you for entry-level professional employment in any area of archives and records management in the UK and Ireland and is widely recognised overseas. This course has a successful record of graduates obtaining professional posts after graduation.
Our graduates have gone on to a range of positions including:
Graduates have worked in organisations such as:
Students have also gained posts abroad, including at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the UN Food & Agriculture Organisation in Rome.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re joining a master’s degree in history or archives management/research, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of £5,000. Four awards are available in the academic year 2026/27.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. Please find a full list of FAQs for UK applicants giving more information regarding our admissions process. 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. |
| 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. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Programme Lead: Dr Alex Buchanan
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions