Which universities offering CILIP-accredited courses have signed up to the Encompass scheme?
All library & information science departments are supporting the scheme, but each applicant will have to meet the criteria of the university where they wish to study.
Do the candidates need to have secured a placement before they apply to university?
Normally the trainee will be interviewed for the placement and university place at the same time.
What Masters course should the trainee opt for?
Each university offers one or two accredited Masters courses. Trainees can check on CILIP’s website and get the link to the courses they are interested in. CILIP's Qualifications & Development Department can also offer some guidance.
Is the trainee required to choose course modules that reflect the employer’s skills requirements?
Most Masters courses will offer optional modules which may suit the placement provider's requirements, and usually the assignments within most modules can be work-based. However it is important to remember that the Masters course is not training for a specific sector.
Are the universities that will eventually offer the Masters courses involved in the recruitment of Encompass trainees?
Yes. A member of staff from the higher education institution will be a member of the interview board.
Is it possible to ask the universities to reserve one or two places each for Encompass trainees?
CILIP will need to negotiate with each university on this.
If a student finishes their first degree in June and then joins an employer as an Encompass trainee, will they be able to start their Masters the following September?
Yes. Most courses require some prior experience to starting the course so students would begin their traineeship in July or August.
Can the universities waive their requirement of one year's practical experience for Encompass trainees if they choose?
Yes. Because trainees are working as they study many universities will accept a reduced period of prior experience.
Will the trainee expect to be studying on the same day every week?
Yes – it makes it much easier. But study days outside of term time may be more flexible.
Who pays the university course fees?
PATH pays the university; the amount will be included in the total costs for the employer.