A decade of recordkeeping education at Curtin University of Technology: Flux and flexibility

Abstract

Curtin University has been offering first qualifying courses in the discipline of recordkeeping for over a decade. The undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science (Records Management), began in 1990 and the first intake of students completed their studies in November 1992. The graduate programme began as two separate graduate diplomas in records management and archives in 1994. These were amalgamated into a single qualification, the Graduate Diploma in Records Management and Archives, in 1995.This study reports on the findings of a survey of graduates from both courses, for the years 1992-2000. The findings indicate that the typical graduate across both courses is likely to be female (68%), have little prior experience in the field (56.4%), and be aged between 21-30 years (30.9%). She will prefer full-time (58.2%), on-campus (58.2%) modes of study. The first position after graduation is likely to be permanent (72%) or of a continuing contract nature (24%), be gained through networking contacts (46.9%) or advertisement (26.5%). Starting salary is likely to be in the $30,000-40,000 range (49%) and current salary in the $40,000-50,000 range (34.7%) or $50,000+ range (28.6%). The major difference between graduates is that those from the undergraduate degree are far more likely to have prior experience in the field and are completing the degree in order to upgrade knowledge and skills and enhance career prospects, whereas the graduate diploma students are more usually doing the course in order to facilitate a career change or re-entry to the workforce. With only one graduate unemployed and seeking work (an undergraduate), the employment rate is 98%.