C10216v1 Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Information Management)

Overview

Information management education at UTS is founded on a strong commitment to information equality and the importance of user-centred design of information products and services. This multidisciplinary degree allows students to develop a portfolio of skills and knowledge suitable for professional information positions in a wide range of contexts. It also allows students to combine information management with studies in communication and information technology.

This program has a strong reputation for producing graduates with professional information skills who also have a critical understanding of the environments in which information and communication professionals operate. Students gain experience in designing and producing information in print and electronic formats, researching, organising, and retrieving information; managing information services and new information technologies.

Course aims

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Information Management):

• are able to work as information professionals engaged in the generation, design, structuring, access, communication, use and management of information and knowledge
• have a broad and integrated body of theoretical knowledge in the multidisciplinary field of information studies, and an appreciation of the foundations and significance of this field within the wider context of the humanities and social sciences
• understand how ideas, knowledge and information are created, represented, communicated and used by individuals and groups in culturally diverse societies
• understand the plurality of professional information roles in a diverse range of contexts and in the increasingly globalised and networked environment of information work
• have an understanding of the contemporary issues, trends and innovations in the field and in practice and are able to respond to these in appropriate and professional ways
• possess the critical and reflective capabilities that underpin career-long learning
• articulate the values reflected in ethical information practice, and
• demonstrate commitment to justice and equity in information provision in society.

Career options

Career options include corporate information manager, information designer, web coordinator, librarian, records manager, business analyst, business systems coordinator, network manager, information content developer, project manager, media researcher, database designer or information architect.

Additional assumed knowledge

HSC English and computer literacy.

Additional recognition of prior learning

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has established recognition of prior learning packages with the following institutions for the courses listed:

• Insearch UTS: Diploma of Communication
• NSW TAFE: Diploma in Library and Information Services; Associate Diploma in Library Practice
• Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore: Diploma in Information Studies; Diploma in Library Studies
• School of Professional and Continuing Education, Hong Kong University: Higher Diploma in Library and Information Science.

Course duration and attendance

This course is offered on a three-year, full-time basis.

Course structure

A total of 144 credit points is allocated to the course: 68 credit points for Disciplinary Strand subjects, 44 credit points for Professional Strand subjects and 32 credit points for Elective Studies subjects.

The Faculty of Information Technology offers a sequence of subjects in Information Technology (36 credit points) which enables students to apply for Associate Membership of the Australian Computer Society. Students who complete this elective sequence graduate with 148 credit points.

Industrial training/professional practice

Students work on real projects for a client, have opportunities for industry placements, and contribute to the development of their professional portfolio throughout the course.

Course completion requirements

Course program

The example program below is for a student commencing in Autumn semester.

Honours

Professional recognition

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)

Graduates of this course are eligible for professional membership of ALIA. Graduates who have completed the Information Technology sequence of electives may be eligible for associate membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Other information

Further information is available from the Faculty Student Centre on: