Data & network

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• through certification with a professional body

University

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

For 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/

College

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

For 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

Apprenticeship

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

For 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

Work

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

Other routes

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).

More information

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).

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With experience, you could:progress into senior management; become self-employed as an information systems consultant; specialise in an area like medical, legal or science

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