Information scientist

You could do a degree or postgraduate course to become an information scientist.

You can see approved courses and qualifications on the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Courses include:

• information studies
• information management
• informatics
• data asset management
• library studies

Entry to postgraduate courses is very competitive. Before you apply for a course, you should try to get up to a year's work experience in a library or information services setting.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a T Level in Management and Administration to get some of the skills and knowledge you'll need as an assistant information officer or information manager apprentice.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could do an apprenticeship relevant to this role such as:

• Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Level 3 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Information Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Archivist and Records Manager Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

There might be opportunities to do an apprenticeship in different sectors like education, construction, engineering, health, transport or local government.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as an assistant information officer or library assistant and work your way up by training on the job.

If you're already working in information science or management, you could get your skills and knowledge certified with professional registration from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to help with your career development.

Further Information

You can find out more about working in information science from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

As an information scientist you could:

• catalogue and store information in line with data protection law
• research and buy new resources from a budget
• make sure that information is accurate, up to date and secure
• deal with research enquiries from colleagues, managers or clients
• write reports, briefings and website content
• manage a team of information assistants and train colleagues on how to use information systems

You could work in an office.