The University of the West Indies, Mona

Programme Overview

The primary objective of this programme is to offer, for the first time, postgraduate-level education in archives administration and records management within the Caribbean. At present, there is no formal training available in the region for aspiring archivists. Individuals seeking such education must pursue studies abroad, primarily in North America and the United Kingdom, where the costs are often prohibitively high. This lack of accessible local training has significantly hindered the development of the profession across the Caribbean. Importantly, this programme will also create a vital academic space for the critical examination of Caribbean memory and recordkeeping practices, shaped by the region’s unique historical and cultural experiences.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the programme will normally require:

• At least a Lower second class honours degree BA /B.Ed. preferably in Humanities or the Social Sciences 
• Previous work experience in an archives or an information unit will be an asset but is not compulsory. 

Duration

Full-time students will take TWO (2) academic years to complete the programme: ONE (1) year to complete all required courses and ONE (1) year part-time to complete the Research Paper.

Part-time students will take THREE (3) academic years to complete the programme: TWO (2) years to complete all required courses, and ONE (1) year part-time to complete the Research Paper.

Programme Layout

• Registration Form

The student will be required to read NINE (9) semester courses, write a research paper of 10,000— 15,000 words, and earn an additional 3 credits from Practicum, making a total of 36 credits as shown below.

Students are required to obtain a minimum of thirty-six (36) credits consisting of:

Nine 3-credit courses 30 credits

Six weeks practicum (fieldwork) 3 credits

Research Paper 10,000—15,000 words 6 credits  

Year One; Semester I

Core Courses: (3 credits each)

ARCM6001 - Foundations of Library and Information Studies
ARCM6010 - Methods of Inquiry for Archives and Record Keeping

LIBS6106 - Management of Libraries &Information Units
LIBS6501 - Information Technology I

Electives 

ARCM6007 - Preserving and Managing Sound and Visual Media

Year One; Semester II

Core Course: (3 credits)

ARCM6002 - Acquisition, Organization and Access of Archival Materials
ARCM6003 - Preservation of Archival Materials in Tropical Environments
ARCM6004 - Records Management in the Digital Age 

Electives: (3 credits each)
LIBS6002 - Information Communication and Society

Year Two; Semester I

ARCM6006 - Memory and Record Keeping in he Caribbean
ARCM6009 - Research Paper (6 credits) 

Year Two; Semester II

ARCM6009 - Research Paper (6 credits)

Year One or Two (Summer) Semester III

ARCM6005 - Practicum in Archives and Records Management – six weeks (3 credits)

Students are expected to begin working on their Research Paper which should be submitted at the end of the 3^rd semester – (Summer Term)