Diploma/Certificate in Professional Studies: Records and Information Management for the Public Sector

Introduction

The programme enables participants to gain or develop knowledge and skills in records and information by registering for a Professional Studies award. The programme, which has contributed to the professionalisation of recordkeeping staff in the public sector for over two decades, was originally developed in consultation with The National Archives.  It is suitable for records and information practitioners at any level who would like to:  

• gain an introduction to one or more records or information management topics
• enhance and deepen existing skills or knowledge in the field
• acquire a university-accredited qualification 

The Liverpool University ‘Records and Information Diploma’ is probably the most useful Records Management course that I have attended in recent years containing the most relevant content for any student embarking on professional records management development.  Many thanks to Liverpool University for the helpful, friendly and professional support. - Tom O’Brien-Barden, DPS:RIM, 2012

Progrmme requirements

It is important that all students on the programme have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience required to be in a position to complete the module workpackages and submit assignments. 

Who is the programme suitable for?

It is suitable for those based in:

• central government
• local government
• public sector organisations

To date, candidates have been based in a wide range of organisations including:

Candidates working primarily with archives might more appropriately apply to the D/CPS: Archives and Records Management.

To be accepted to the programme candidates need to:

• Have a good educational background, although no specific academic qualifications are required
• Have access to work in a suitable records management environment whether paid or voluntary
• Have access to a computer, and the internet. Students may also find it useful to have access to local library facilities, or somewhere quiet to study.
• Be able to commit approximately 12 hours per week to self-study to ensure completion of the module and assessments

Programme aims

THE D/CPS RIM aims to:

• facilitate best practice in records and information management
• develop the professionalism and expertise of public sector records staff
• equip practitioners with the range of skills needed for effective record keeping
• explain the broad national and international context for UK public sector records and information management
• raise awareness of current developments in records management and government information policy
• enable students to manage their own continuing professional development

Programme content and structure

The D/CPS RIM is a flexible credit-based module programme. Each module offered is worth 15 credits and takes 10 weeks to complete by distance learning. The programme operates at Level 6 of the framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), roughly equivalent to the standard you would expect in the final year of an undergraduate degree course.

Certificate in Professional Studies (60 credits)

• Awarded on completion of 4 core modules each worth 15 credits

• Can be completed within one year (or a maximum of two years)

Core modules are designed to cover the broad principles of records and information management in a public sector context. Each core module carries 15 academic credits (CATS credits), and comprises 150 learning hours, including the face to face short course, further independent study, and completing an assignment.  

Modules 

RIMB001 An introduction to records and information management

RIMB002 Principles and tools for managing records and information

RIMB014 Compliance and the regulatory environment

RIMB015 Principles and practice of appraisal

Diploma in Professional Studies (120 credits)

• Awarded on completion of the Certificate + four further modules
• Can be completed within two years (or a maximum of four years) 

Successful completion of the Certificate means that you can progress to Diploma level taking a further four modules (total 60 credits) to achieve that award.

Modules 

RIMB016 Design and management of recordkeeping systems

RIMB017 Student-designed project

RIMB018 User services and user relations

RIMB019 Archives and permanent preservation

Programme delivery

This programme will commence with Online Workshops/Study Skills Days in the week beginning 1 September 2025 (days to be confirmed) with the programme starting officially on Monday 8 September 2025.

The programme is delivered by interactive online learning.

Online materials include access to reference materials through the University Library, and a workpackage delivered through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas), which guides the learning experience required for successful completion of the module. Students are expected to work through the workpackage, completing exercises, research and reading as required. The package includes opportunities for reflection and discussion with fellow students and tutors. Each module is assessed through a written assignment.

Workshops   

Workshops introducing the relevant modules are held online twice a year, and students should aim to attend these unless absolutely impossible. The first workshop takes place at the beginning of the programme, and introduces the content of the first two modules through seminars, group discussion and activities. The second workshop takes place at the mid-point of the programme, and introduces the content of the third and fourth modules, again through a combination of seminars, group discussion and activities.

Study skills

All new registered students are expected to attend a Study Skills Day (online), as part of the programme’s introductory workshops. The aim of the day is to:

• prepare students for studying at a distance
• introduce them to the theory and practice of learning
• provide an opportunity to develop skills to support studying at a distance, e.g. time management, using the learning materials, finding and using information, preparing for assessment
• identify roles and responsibilities of learners, tutors and support staff
• enable students to meet others on the programme.

Workplace mentor

A mentor in the workplace will provide ongoing support and assistance with general concerns, including access to learning resources, professional issues and overall progress within the workplace. The University of Liverpool can provide details of what is required of mentors and can offer assistance in obtaining a mentor if required.

Programme cost

Course fees are as follows:
£750 per module
Certificate in Professional Studies - £3000
Diploma in Professional Studies - £3000 (only available after completion of Certificate Course)

Application process  

Please complete the application form and reference form. The application form and reference form will be available here in early 2025.

These should be submitted via email to Ms. Jane Stockley at stocko@liverpool.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications is Monday 30 June 2025. 

For administrative enquiries, please contact Jane Stockley.

Back to: Centre for Archive Studies