Master of Arts
in Information Studies

The Master of Arts in Information Studies offered by Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Arts is Thailand’s first international program in information studies using English as the language of instruction.  Our Graduate Program in Information Studies (GPIS) aims at producing proficient and independent scholars who are enthusiastic about finding solutions to the challenges facing information studies, and leaders in information and library science profession. Our MA program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

The curriculum focuses on areas such as

  • Nature of information;
  • Storage, retrieval, processing, analysis, and dissemination of information;
  • Human behavioral approaches to the analysis and application of information;
  • Access to information; and
  • Information system design and management

Information studies and research will enable students to creatively and appropriately manage data, information, and information systems which will ultimately lead to finding optimum solutions and policy making in the abovementioned areas.

Archives and Digital Humanities:

This concentration covers various aspects of archives and records management, and access and use of archival materials. Additionally, this concentration also explores new challenges in digital curation and opportunities in applying digital technologies to broaden insights into the humanities.

Organization Management, Policies, and Ethics

This concentration focuses on management issues in information organizations as well as legal and ethical issues surrounding information production, service, and management.

Human Interactions with Information System

This concentration emphasizes interactions between people, information, and system in different contexts, for instance, promotion of information literacy, development and use of digital repositories, and management of personal information.

Course details

Course structure


Credits
M.A.
Core courses
12
Elective courses
12
Thesis
12

Studying in the MA program can take up to 4 years. However, it is expected that students can graduate within 2-3 years.

Core and elective courses


Core courses

  • Foundation of Information and Information Studies
  • Seminar on Information Research
  • Quantitative Research Methods in Information Studies OR Qualitative Research Methods in Information Studies
  • Management of Information Organization OR Organization of Information OR Technologies in Information Studies

Elective courses

  • Concepts and Tools of Digital Humanities
  • Data Curation and Management
  • Digital Repository
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Human-Computer Interactions
  • Human-Information Interactions
  • Independent Study I
  • Independent Study II
  • Information Ethics
  • Information Literacy
  • Leadership for Information Professional
  • Legal Issues in Information Production and Services
  • Management of Information Organizations
  • Organization of Information
  • Principle of Records Management
  • Qualitative Research Methods in Information Studies
  • Quantitative Research Methods in Information Studies
  • Technologies in Information Studies
  • Theory and Practice of Archives Management

Research directions

We welcome a wide variety of research efforts in information studies, the following are some of current research interests of our faculty members.

  • Design thinking and service design for information products and services
  • Change management for information organizations
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Critical analysis of cultural institutions
  • Knowledge organization
  • Digital preservation
  • Research data curation
  • Natural language processing (non-English)
  • Learning technologies and analytics
  • 21st century literacy

Academic calendar

  • First semester: August – December
  • Second semester: January – May

ADMISSION

Admission guide


Applicants are admitted in both Semester 1 (beginning in August) and Semester 2 (beginning in January). The online application is typically around February to May and November to December, respectively, via the Chulalongkorn University Graduate School’s website.

Required qualifications


We are looking for applicants with strong academic records and/or solid professional experience from diverse backgrounds. Since all instructions will be in English, English competency is required to be admitted to this program. While the admission committee considers various aspects of applicants, the followings are the basic requirements for the application.

1. An applicant must meet one of the following academic qualifications

  • Earn a Bachelor’s degree in any related fields which are approved by the Department’s Committee on Graduate Programs in Information Studies
  • Earn a Master’s degree in any related fields which are approved by the Department’s Committee on Graduate Programs in Information Studies
  • Study in the last semester at a Bachelor’s or higher level and be expected to complete an eligible degree in any related fields which are approved by the Department’s Committee on Graduate Programs in Information Studies

2. An applicant must have one of the English language proficiency test scores which must be valid for two years from the date of the exam:

  • TOEFL (Paper-based Test: PBT) with a minimum of 525
  • TOEFL (Internet-based Test: iBT) with a minimum of 71
  • CU-TEP with a minimum of 67
  • IELTS with a minimum of 5.5

If an applicant holds an international degree from a university acknowledged by the Office of the Civil Service Commission, there is no need to submit the English language proficiency test scores.

After all the applications are reviewed, selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Required documents for application

  • A completed online application form at the Chulalongkorn University Graduate School’s website
  • A passport photo
  • A proof of application fee payment (see application form for more information about application fee)
  • A photocopy of identification card or passport with verification
  • A photocopy of transcripts with verification
  • A valid copy of English proficiency test scores with verification
  • Two letters of recommendation from an applicant’s employers and/or university instructors (Please inform the references’ to submit the recommendation letters via email to libsci@chula.ac.th by the deadlines)
  • An 800 – 1,000-word statement of purpose indicating the following elements:
    • Reasons for studying in this program
    • Study plan
    • Goals after graduation

All required and additional documents, including the English language proficiency test scores, must be directly submitted to the Department of Library Science. An application without the above-mentioned documents will not be considered for an interview.

TUITION FEES

The estimated tuition fee per semester for the academic year 2022 is THB 82,500 for Thai students and THB 128,700 for foreign students. These estimates do not include books and supplies, accommodation, health insurance, immigration process, nor other personal expenses.  Please contact the program office for up-to-date information.

Fundings / Scholarships

The program offers financial assistance and scholarships to qualified students. 

Watch this video to learn more about the program’s admission requirements and the application requirements of the ASEAN/NON-ASEAN scholarship.

Testimonials

“This program allows me to expand my point of view regarding information systems. It teaches me from the fundamental theories of information systems to how I can apply the knowledge in special interesting areas like HCI and management of information organization. There are projects for each course so I can learn from doing and finding information by myself. This will help me apply the knowledge to my future career.”
Nattakarn Wichiantanon
Master’s Thesis Student
Software Engineering Supervisor, SS&C Thailand
“This program has been very a valuable experience for me. The courses are well-planned and diverse, with lessons that are thought-provoking and engaging as well as having assignments that are challenging without being overwhelming. Moreover, my time here has taught me not only academically, but also personally, to be a better scholar and a better person. Above all, I appreciate the help and kindness of the faculty members. They are truly dedicated to mentoring students. Looking back, I’m glad that I decided to enroll here.”
Kasidis Tantivatana
Master’s Thesis Student
For more information