Core modules
Audiences and Users in Archives (ARCHI701)
This examines audiences and needs; and the ways archives and heritage assets are used, experienced and offered. It considers opportunities / challenges from diversity, barriers to access, research room, physical and virtual exhibitions and programme or educational project delivery. The environment for resource-user relationships is explored in terms of collaboration, community engagement, user-participation, volunteering and `citizen archivists'. The roles of new technologies (including those associated with `big data') and social media are explored. Policies, standards and evaluation are studied as critical to access and audience-engagement strategy.
Archival Practice Placement (ARCHI702)
This module provides the student with placement opportunities organised by / or approved by the MA Programme Leader in partnership with Plymouth City Council, staff at The Box, and with local heritage sites. The placements are designed to provide practical experience including in the search room, collections, or 'visitor experience' aspects of the site. Work-based learning will relate this module to aspects of management, business, audience and users which are explored in the other core modules: experientially, practically and through observation.
The Business of Archives (ARCHI703)
This module addresses the dynamic and changing position that many modern day archival professionals find themselves in within their organisations. Being able to think critically and strategically about the management of resources, governance and stakeholder relations, buildings, products, people, technology, financing and budgets, sustainability through the development of commercial revenue, and advocating for higher profile through partnerships, are crucial skills. Key self-management skills such as time management, presentation and report writing, team working and project management are developed through this module.
Archival Practice Dissertation (ARCHI704)
A dissertation between 15,000 and 20,000 words on an archival-focused topic. The assessment incorporates a 10% project proposal phase in semester 2, assessed by the dissertation supervisor assigned to the student. There will be preliminary discussions about the module in the MA induction at the start of semester 1 and informal conversations through semester 1 for Full Time students (and in Year 2 for Part Time students).
The Management of Archives and Records (ARCHI708)
This module concerns core professional activities and principles underpinning collections development. Students will be introduced to: the definition of archives and records, functions of archive services, the purpose and value of archives of records; the professional and legislative landscape for archive keeping and record keeping, and moral and ethical responsibilities. Core elements of professional archival management and record keeping e.g., acquisition, appraisal and description, are supplemented by study of physical defence of archives and record; preservation policies and digital preservation methods; environmental monitoring; and disaster recovery planning.
