Archival Studies University of British Columbia

Overview

The Archival Studies programme at the University of British Columbia offers an inspiring environment for students to engage with the complexities of archival science and professional record management. This curriculum is designed to address emerging records issues while providing the practical skills necessary for effective preservation and organisation. Graduates emerge as leaders capable of ensuring that vital societal records are managed with integrity and accessibility.

Why Archival Studies at the University of British Columbia?

Established in 1981, this was the first graduate programme of its kind in North America, establishing a long-standing international reputation for intellectual leadership. The School of Information is home to world-renowned faculty members who specialise in digital preservation, computational archival science, and personal record-keeping. Students benefit from strong local connections with professional communities and have unique opportunities to participate in international research projects, such as InterPARES, which explores digital records and data trust.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 12239 per year
• National fee: CAD 5753 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, covering the lifecycle of records and the legal frameworks surrounding them. Modules may include:

• Nature of Records and Archives
• Managing Records from Creation to Preservation
• Records Systems and Archival Systems
• Selection of Records and Their Acquisition
• Intellectual Control and Provision of Access
• Records, Archives and the Law
• Ethical and Professional Responsibilities
• History of Record-keeping and Archives
• Archives, Recordkeeping and Social Justice

Careers with Archival Studies

Graduates are prepared for a diverse range of professional roles across the public and private sectors. The programme equips students with the expertise required for positions such as digital archivist, archives curator, and manuscripts processing archivist. Other potential career paths include roles as electronic records specialists, audiovisual archivists, and data curators. Additionally, the skills gained are highly applicable to positions in privacy and information officer roles, records analysis, and preservation system design. Many alumni also find success as research officers, security specialists, or e-discovery advisors, reflecting the broad utility of archival expertise in the digital age.