Master's Degree in Public Libraries
Barcelona, Spain
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English, Spanish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 19 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* 19.37 euros per credit (82 euros for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain). Fees for the academic year 2025-2026
Key Summary
About: This Master's programme at The University of Barcelona (founded 1450) trains graduates in librarianship for public library work. It offers training for graduates who work or want to work in public libraries. The curriculum includes mandatory internships that connect you to the labor market and a final master's thesis that explores opportunities and challenges in public libraries, including cataloging, digital services, community engagement, library management and information services.
Career Outcomes: Graduates qualify to hold librarian positions in Catalan public libraries. They can also move into roles such as library manager, community outreach coordinator, digital services librarian, and information specialist.
It was created to specialize people with degrees related to librarianship and also to offer complementary training to all higher education graduates who work or want to work in a public library. The curriculum includes mandatory internships that facilitate knowledge of the labor market, and a final master's thesis aimed at delving deeper into the opportunities and challenges of public libraries.
To access official university master's degrees, you must have one of the following qualifications:
Official Spanish university qualification.
Qualification issued by a higher education institution in the EHEA that entitles, in the issuing country, to access official master's degree studies.
Non-EHEA qualification. In this case, either the homologation to an official Spanish university qualification is required or the University of Barcelona must verify (without homologation) that these studies correspond to training equivalent to official Spanish university qualifications and that entitle, in the issuing country, to access official master's degree studies. Acceptance to an official master's degree does not imply in any case the homologation of the previous qualification or recognition for purposes other than that of taking a master's degree.
The Master's Degree in Public Libraries aims to offer specialized training of a multidisciplinary nature, which allows students to be trained to offer services and activities in accordance with the mission of the public library. The Master's Degree will offer spaces and activities that stimulate reflection and critical analysis for the improvement of these services and projects, taking into account the characteristics and needs of the users of these institutions, characterized by social, cultural, political and economic diversity. This reflection will be carried out in accordance with professional ethics, the national and international legal framework and the commitment to equality and equity of people and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The University of Barcelona consistently ranks among the top institutions nationally, in Europe, and worldwide. Its performance in the most prestigious international rankings reflects excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and global engagement.
- Ranked 1st nationally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
- Ranked 1st nationally in the THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 68th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 27th in Europe in the Best Global Universities Rankings
Studying at the University of Barcelona means joining a world-class academic community recognized for its innovation and impact.
The master's degree prepares you to hold librarian positions in Catalan public libraries.