The Master of Archives and Records Management International Pathway (MARMI) is accredited by the Archives and Records Association. It is available for overseas students who want to meet the practice requirements of their home countries and who need a master's award to do so.
You’ll gain the knowledge you need to pursue an archives and records career in research, business, government, academia – indeed anywhere that qualified professionals are needed.
The International pathway is intended for overseas students who want to meet the practice requirements of their home countries and who need a master’s award to do so. It includes modules specifically designed to develop knowledge of record-keeping internationally, as well as a range of optional modules for students to tailor the programme to their specific needs.
We’ll teach you to work in a way that provides the accountability and transparency demanded for good governance, effective operating public in an organisational context or which meets the needs of archive users in the wider cultural and heritage environments.
There’s a strong practical element and you’ll be attached to the Liverpool University Centre for Archive Studies (LUCAS) which coordinates our research and outreach activities.
This pathway is available full-time for in-person study on campus only.
This pathway is suitable for overseas graduates looking to pursue an archives and records career in research, business, government, academia. Although many applicants do have a first degree in History, this is neither a requirement, nor necessarily desirable. We are delighted to receive applications from students in other disciplines who can all bring new insights to the profession.
While some professional experience is needed for this course, we are keen to support people from all backgrounds to access this course and would encourage anyone interested to review our FAQs document.
This is the right course for you if you are interested in:
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
On the international pathway, all modules in semester one are required.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| COMPARATIVE RECORD KEEPING STUDY (HIST519) | 15 |
| RECORD-KEEPING THEORY AND PRACTICE (HIST577) | 30 |
| RECORDKEEPING SYSTEMS AND THE ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT (HIST575) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
On the international pathway, students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DIGITAL RECORDS: THEIR NATURE, USE AND PRESERVATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (HIST580) | 20 |
| MANAGEMENT SKILLS (HIST565) | 15 |
| PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT (HIST538) | 10 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
For all pathways, students must take either HIST555 or HIST558. HIST555 and HIST558 are taken over the summer vacation period. Students must seek advice from the Programme Director before registering for the work-based Dissertation HIST555.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| WORK BASED DISSERTATION (HIST555) | 60 |
| MARM DISSERTATION (HIST558) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching takes place in regular two hour interactive lectures or 50 minute small-group seminars and workshops as we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff.
Practical learning is embedded throughout the course through short placements on some modules, as well as the option to undertake a work-based dissertation, which is designed to help embed professional practice and prepare you for a career in archives and records management.
There are also field trips during the programme, which enables you to experience and research relevant best practice in the industry.
This takes place alongside directed and self-directed digital learning with professional digital tools to support the develop of relevant skills for future careers.
Assessments may include a combination of written and oral assessments, as well as examinations to test specific skills developed through this course.
Written assessments may include essays, professional communication methods such as reports, blogs and flyers, and transcription/translation assessments.
Oral assessments may include face-to-face and video presentations which mirror skills used in professional life.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries, including the University’s own Special Collections and Archives.
The Liverpool University Centre for Archive Studies (LUCAS) frequently runs events and workshops that students on the course are encouraged to attend. These are great opportunities both to extend knowledge outside of the parameters of the course but also a chance to network with professionals in the region.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
MARM graduates have gone on to a range of positions including Records Manager, Digital Archivist, Compliance Officer, Cataloguer, Collections Development Officer and Heritage Activities Manager, at destinations such as The National Archives, Hertfordshire Archives, The National Gallery, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and International Slavery Museum.
Our graduates have also gained posts abroad, including at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
If you’re joining a master’s degree in history or archives management/research, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of £5,000. Six awards will be available in each academic year.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. As MARM is a professional qualification, you’ll also need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the archives and records management profession. Most of our students also have relevant work experience, paid or voluntary. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this Master of Archives and Records Management, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Programme Lead: Dr Victoria Stobo
Last updated 27 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions