Master of Information Studies, Specialization in Internet Communication

Information is all around us – so much that we need professionals who can manage it all. A master’s degree in information studies teaches the necessary IA skills of knowledge management and usability. Those with a master’s degree in this field often find work in social research, records management, information management, and other knowledge management leadership roles. However, when combined with courses on web information architecture, this program also provides the foundation for a career in information architecture.

The Master of Information Studies Degree from the University of Canberra is entirely online. Students complete 8 courses that total of 24 credit points. Most classes are worth 3 credit points. Full-time students who enroll in four courses per semester can complete this information architecture program in just one year.

This IA program includes seven required classes, one of which is a project. In addition to a foundational course on information organization, students will also take courses on Connecting People and Information, Leadership in the Knowledge Society, Recordkeeping Concepts and Practice, Social Research and Knowledge Intensive Organisations. Elective courses include Knowledge Management Systems, Dimensions of the Information Sector, Advanced Marketing Communication Theory, Principles of Strategic Communication G, and Managing Contemporary Information Practices. However, those interested in completing an information architecture program should select Web Information Architecture as their elective course.

Unlike the other courses in this IA program, the Web Information Architecture Course is highly similar to what you might find in traditional information architecture programs and is vital to preparing for a career in IA. In this course, students learn about key IA topics such as navigation, user research, taxonomies, search, and labeling systems for websites. They also learn design fundamentals that help increase the usability of a website. At the end of the course, students create a logical information architecture.

University of Canberra’s IA degree program is online-based and open to international students. Applicants must already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, but academic study in addition to a bachelor’s degree is preferred. International students must also score at least a 6.0 on the IELTS.

The Master of Information Studies Degree from the University of Canberra is part of the Faculty of Art and Design and is considered a creative course. Students are expected to learn strong analytical and inquiry skills, high levels of professionalism and social responsibility and a focus on problem-solving. After completing this information architecture program, students gain an integrated understanding of knowledge and information studies that can be used in a variety of fields, including information architecture.

This IA program is recognized by the Australian Library and Information Association and Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia. Program fees are annual and range from $18830 for Australian students to $26,330 for international students.

The University of Canberra is an Australian university based in Canberra. The university has four faculties (colleges), and four research facilities. The school is relatively young (founded in the last thirty years) and is ranked in the top 100 worldwide among other young universities. Within Australia, the University is top-ranked, with 90% of their students finding jobs upon graduation.