Bachelor of Information Studies (with specialisations)

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The Bachelor of Information Studies (with specialisations) from Charles Sturt University delivers expert education for the information and library professions. The degree is accredited by peak industry bodies, backed by more than 50 years of expertise in the information and library studies field, and taught by experts.

Available online from anywhere in the world, the Bachelor of Information Studies (with specialisations) allows you to study anytime using the latest online technologies.

The School of Information and Communication Studies is proudly an active member of iSchools. The iSchools represent a leading organisation of over 120 universities globally across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa who are united by a common interest in all aspects of research and teaching about information. Their vision is to strengthen all aspects of research in information and information science for members across the globe. Visit iSchool at Charles Sturt for more information. 

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

Make a difference

At Charles Sturt you can create a world worth living in. Let's do it together.

Key information

Study mode and sessions

Online
Next session start: July 14, 2025
Session 1 : March 3, 2025
Online
Session 2 : July 14, 2025
Online

Duration

Minimum time - 3 year(s)
Maximum time - 6 year(s)

Entry score

60

Indicative fees

Domestic online
Commonwealth grant scheme (CGS):

Full-time - $16,992.00 pa
Part-time - $8,496.00 pa

Course points and codes

Credit Points: 192
AQF: Level 7
Cricos:

Additional information

  • Professionally accredited course
  • Integrated Industry connections
  • Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program

Charles Sturt University's Information Studies degree

Applications close February 12

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Find out more

Why study with us?

Our academics are experts with strong links to the information and library professions nationally and internationally.

Tailor your degree

The Bachelor of Information Studies (with specialisations) offers a general information and library studies qualification, or you can choose from several specialisations: Librarianship, Children's Librarianship, Information Management or Records and Archive Management.

Professional study visits

Explore institutions through an industry-focused study visit. Study visits are held in a variety of national and international locations throughout the year and offer you unique insight into some of our leading information and cultural organisations.

Learn with industry leaders

With Charles Sturt University, you'll study with one of the world's leading providers of education for the information and library professions. Our experience means we are uniquely placed to design and deliver highly effective and engaging online education to meet the needs of the workplace.

Flexible study

You'll study your information studies course online, to you can learn anywhere, anytime. Access study resources, tools and support services - all at your fingertips. Connect to our network of support and interact with other students in our student-friendly online learning environment.

Professional Accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by -

  • Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
  • Records and Information Management Practitioners Alliance (RIMPA Global)
  • Australian Society of Archivists

Please refer to the Charles Sturt Professional Accreditation resource for specific information and a link to the accreditation body.

We’re #1 in Australia for grads who get jobs.

85% of our undergrads get full-time employment within 4 months of graduating.

*Good Universities Guide 2022/23

Career opportunities

When you graduate, you'll be ready to make your mark in a wide range of careers, including:

  • Archivist
  • Children’s librarian
  • Librarian
  • Records manager

What you will study

For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

Intensive school

You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

Domestic students
The course consists of fourteen (14) core subjects (96 points) plus ten (10) restricted elective subjects (80 points) OR a Major (eight (8) subjects - 64 points) plus two (2) restricted electives (16 points), and an additional two (2)unrestricted electives (16 points).

Hong Kong University (SPACE) students
The course consists of fourteen (14) core subjects (96 points) and twelve (12) restricted electives (96 points).

NOTE: Students can only complete a maximum of two (2) 400-level subjects across the course.
Students are advised to refer to course credit arrangements to determine subjects to complete the Bachelor of Information Studies.

Students with prior learning may receive 0 - 64 points credit for core subjects and 16 - 64 points credit for restricted elective subjects.

Core subjects96 Credit Points

Legend:
  • Intensive school
  • Workplace learning
INF109BIS Online Intensive Introductory Learning0 credit pts
INF111Introduction to the Information Professions16 credit pts
INF200Supervision and Management8 credit pts
INF209Metadata for Resource Discovery8 credit pts
INF210Collections8 credit pts
INF211Information Sources and Services8 credit pts
INF218Providing Access to Information8 credit pts
INF219Web Publishing for Information Agencies8 credit pts
INF220Professional Study Visit (4 points)4 credit pts
INF221Planning for Professional Placement2 credit pts
INF222Professional Placement2 credit pts
INF303The Information Society8 credit pts
INF305Professional Learning and Networking8 credit pts
INF321Introduction to Research8 credit pts

With Major 80 Credit Points

Domestic students only

Major 64 Credit Points

Legend:
  • Intensive school
  • Workplace learning
Select one (1) major from the following:
CL0001Children's Librarianship64 credit pts
IM0001Information Management64 credit pts
LB0001Librarianship64 credit pts
AM0001Records and Archives Management64 credit pts

Restricted electives16 Credit Points

Legend:
  • Intensive school
  • Workplace learning
Select two (2) restricted electives from the restricted elective list below:
XRT008Restricted elective8 credit pts
XRT008Restricted elective8 credit pts

Without Major80 Credit Points

Restricted electives80 Credit Points

Legend:
  • Intensive school
  • Workplace learning
Select ten (10) subjects from the following:
IKC101First Nations Foundations: Knowing, Relating and Understanding Country8 credit pts
INF203Information Literacy8 credit pts
INF205Literature and Other Resources for Children and Young Adults8 credit pts
INF310Marketing of Libraries and Information Agencies8 credit pts
INF317Organisational and Personal Records8 credit pts
INF318Community Histories8 credit pts
INF327Project and Event Management8 credit pts
INF329Leadership in Library Services to Children and Young Adults8 credit pts
INF330Library Services for Children and Young Adults8 credit pts
INF332Community Outreach8 credit pts
INF333Human Resource Management in Information Agencies8 credit pts
INF335Records, Archives and Society8 credit pts
INF338Records and Archives Practice8 credit pts
INF430Audiovisual Archiving8 credit pts
INF431Preservation of Audiovisual Materials8 credit pts
INF432Audiovisual Archiving 28 credit pts
INF441Knowledge Management in Practice8 credit pts
INF443Digital Curation and Preservation8 credit pts
INF449Research Data Management8 credit pts
INF451Issues in Bibliographic Access8 credit pts
INF459Designing and Creating Usable Websites8 credit pts
INF461An Introduction to Data Management: Governance, Standards and Ethics8 credit pts
INF463Introduction to Data Tools and Analytics8 credit pts
INF464Designing and Delivering Programs for User Engagement8 credit pts
INF465Working with Special and Cultural Collections8 credit pts

Unrestricted electives16 Credit Points

Legend:
  • Intensive school
  • Workplace learning
Domestic students select two unrestricted electives. Students enrolled via the HKUSpace campus complete a further two subjects from the restricted elective list.
XUN008Unrestricted elective8 credit pts
XUN008Unrestricted elective8 credit pts
Children's Librarianship

You'll be introduced to the knowledge and skills needed to support the needs of children and young adults in public libraries. Explore their literature and develop strategies to plan, develop and implement tailored collections, services and library programs.

Information Management

Study beyond traditional information management areas as you work with real clients and live scenarios on relevant and practical assignments in business, government and other settings. Get set to develop a comprehensive understanding of people, processes, innovations and trends, and become an expert at combining this understanding with technology to create, share and use information.

Librarianship

Choose from a variety of elective subjects that will give you specialised skills to work in libraries in areas such as reference services, library management, information access and information delivery.

Records and Archive Management

Be introduced to the world of government, corporate, community and personal record keeping. You'll explore international and Australian theory and practice including standards, legislation and ethical issues relating to the management of digital and analogue records. Our emphasis is on building knowledge and skills, which you can apply in a range of organisational contexts and in a climate of rapid change. This Specialisation is accredited by Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) only. 

For enrolment pattern please refer to the handbook.

Graduation requirements

As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

Costs

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The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.

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How is this calculated?

This is an estimate

  • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
  • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
  • Subject to annual increase each year.

Scholarships

We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

Explore scholarships

Entry requirements

Selection rank:

60

Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

View the course profile for this course.

  • Minimum ATAR requirements (including adjustment factors)
    OR
  • Successful completion of two university level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.
    OR
  • A completed AQF Certificate III or higher level qualification
    OR
  • 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification
    OR
  • Successful completion of a Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies
    OR
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR
    OR
  • Demonstrated work experience of a minimum of 2 years full-time equivalence in an information or cultural organisation such as an academic, public, school or corporate library, data or archival centre, government information agency, museum, gallery or other information or cultural organisation will be considered

Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.  Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

Credit and pathways

If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

Check your eligibility for credit

We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

How to apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

Apply via UAC

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Apply directly to Charles Sturt

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My boss at the time recommended this university and this course and it 's been brilliant. This course and the online systems are really good. The subject coordinators are generally very supportive and helpful.

Gavin Glenn - Bachelor of Information Studies (with specialisations)
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