At a glance
36 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
de
Language
Master's
Level
- Master of Arts (MA)Degree Awarded
- Part-timeStudy Mode
- 6 SemestersStandard Duration
- 120 ECTSCredits
- Qualifies for higher archival serviceCareer Focus
- Integrated Information Science ApproachUnique Feature
The Master of Arts (MA) in Archival Science is a part-time continuing education program designed to qualify you for higher archival service positions. It offers a unique blend of archival theory and practice, with a strong emphasis on scientific, information technology, and interdisciplinary skills. The program aims to equip you with competencies in archive management, project management, preservation, digital long-term archiving, and marketing, enabling you to systematically manage archival tasks under evolving professional and social demands. The curriculum is structured around a 'Potsdam model' that integrates information science with a high proportion of technical and scientific skills, complementing traditional archival training. You will engage in intensive learning through two three-day lecture blocks per semester, supported by an e-learning platform. The program is designed for professionals already working in archives, offering a pathway to advanced roles.
Curriculum
The part-time MA Archival Science program spans six semesters. It begins with foundational compulsory modules, progresses to specialized compulsory and elective modules allowing for specialization, and concludes with a Master's thesis and its defense. Lectures are delivered in intensive three-day blocks (Thursday-Saturday) twice per semester, supplemented by e-learning and self-study. The program starts every two years in odd-numbered calendar years.
- Semesters 1-3: Basic Studies & Compulsory Modules
- Fundamentals of archival science
- Archive typology and archive history
- Records management
- Appraisal and records management
- Norms and standards of indexing in archives
- Conservation
- Archive management
- Marketing strategies and public relations
- Archival legal issues
- Digital provision of archive records
- Paleography and file studies
- Administrative history
- Concepts of digital archiving
- Archiving of genuinely digital documents
- Research data
- Project management
- Semester 4: Compulsory Elective Modules & Specialization
- Interdisciplinary project work
- Database archiving
- Meta description languages
- Small historical auxiliary sciences
- Semesters 5-6: Compulsory Modules, Master's Thesis & Defense
Careers
Upon successful completion of the Master's programme in Archival Science, graduates are qualified for academic archivist roles and archival management positions within various institutions.
- Academic Archivist
- Archival Management Positions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Archival Science MA program?
- Applicants need a completed university degree (Bachelor's, Diplom, or Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits, a minimum of 12 months of professional experience in an archival institution, and current employment in an archive for at least 15 hours per week.
- What is the application deadline for the MA Archival Science program?
- The application period is from May 15 to June 10 in odd-numbered calendar years. The program starts in the winter semester of those same odd-numbered years.
- How long does the Archival Science MA program take to complete?
- The program has a standard duration of 6 semesters and is offered on a part-time basis.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are qualified for academic archivist roles and archival management positions. The program specifically prepares individuals for higher archival service roles within public archives and other institutions.
- Are there tuition fees for the Archival Science MA program?
- Tuition fees are not specified for this program. It is recommended to contact Fachhochschule Potsdam directly for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information, especially for international students.
Entry requirements
University degreeCompleted university studies in a non-archival bachelor's program (at least 6 semesters) or a Diplom/Magister program (at least 8 semesters) with at least 180 ECTS credits.
Admission requires a successfully completed university degree in a non-archival field, at least 12 months of professional experience in an archival institution, and proof of current employment in an archival institution covering relevant tasks. Additionally, you must have a study-related job in an archival institution of at least 15 hours per week at the time of admission. The workload should be considered due to the combination of professional activity and studies.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition fees are not specified for this program. As it is a German public university program, tuition may be covered by the state, especially for domestic/EU students. However, specific fee structures for international students or part-time programs can vary. It's recommended to contact the university directly for the most accurate fee information.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic qualifications (completed university degree, minimum ECTS), professional experience (12 months in archives), and current employment requirements (study-related job in an archive, min. 15 hours/week).
2. Gather Required DocumentsPrepare all necessary documents, which typically include proof of previous academic qualifications, work experience certificates, proof of current employment, and potentially other personal or identification documents. Specific requirements will be detailed in the application guidelines.
3. Submit ApplicationSubmit your application online or via post (check university guidelines) within the application deadline: May 15 to June 10 in odd-numbered calendar years.
4. Selection ProcessAdmission is restricted, implying a selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Details on the selection procedure can be found in the study and examination regulations.
5. EnrollmentIf admitted, follow the university's instructions for enrollment, which may include further steps and deadlines.
Accreditation
The degree programme is currently in the re-accreditation process.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Archival Science MA program?
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Applicants need a completed university degree (Bachelor's, Diplom, or Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits, a minimum of 12 months of professional experience in an archival institution, and current employment in an archive for at least 15 hours per week.
What is the application deadline for the MA Archival Science program?
+
The application period is from May 15 to June 10 in odd-numbered calendar years. The program starts in the winter semester of those same odd-numbered years.
How long does the Archival Science MA program take to complete?
+
The program has a standard duration of 6 semesters and is offered on a part-time basis.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are qualified for academic archivist roles and archival management positions. The program specifically prepares individuals for higher archival service roles within public archives and other institutions.
Are there tuition fees for the Archival Science MA program?
+
Tuition fees are not specified for this program. It is recommended to contact Fachhochschule Potsdam directly for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information, especially for international students.