Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Science (MSc LIS) Programme

Objectives

The major objectives of the Master of Science in Library and Information Science programme are to train information personnel in libraries, archives, record departments and information centres in order for them to acquire a mastery of information management skills and to produce graduate personnel capable of teaching information science at various tertiary institutions. 

In addition to the major objectives mentioned above, the programme is designed: 

• To prepare students to develop an in-depth level of scholarship through the provision of opportunities for staff development at graduate level.
• To produce high quality graduates who can competently facilitate the satisfaction of the information needs of various clientele in all of the segments of the information services industry
• To enable students to understand, articulate and master the information phenomenon and apply it to national information needs.

 Entry requirements

• At least a Lower Second Class Degree in any other subject field plus a post graduate qualification or the equivalent in Library and Information Science.
• At least a Lower Second Class Honours Degree in Library and Information Science or in any other related subject field
• Applicants who have obtained a Third Class degree at undergraduate level and have at least five (5) years relevant experience in information-related field, for instance, Information and Communication Technology, Records and Archives Management and Information Systems Management may be considered for admission on a special entry basis.

The programme consisting of eight (8) taught courses and examinations plus a dissertation, shall last a minimum of 15 months and a maximum of 24 months on a full-time basis. 

On a part-time basis, the programme will be studied over a minimum period of 24 months and a maximum period of 36 months.

There may be bridging courses between registration and commencement of the academic year.

Structure of the programme

Full-time programme

In Semester I five (5) core courses and one (1) elective will be taught and examined. In Semester II candidates will take two (2) elective courses. After examination of the electives, they will concentrate on the writing of the dissertation. 

Part-time programme

On a part-time basis the delivery of taught courses will be by block release. A total of five (5) core courses and one elective will be offered during Semesters I and II of the first year. In Semester I of the second year, students must select two (2) electives from a complement of six (6). 

In Semester II of the second year candidates will concentrate on the writing of the dissertation. The research project leading to the dissertation may commence anytime after Semester II of the first year. But the writing of the dissertation will be after examination of the taught courses.

Registration

Registration of students shall be at the beginning of the academic year.

Examinations

• Formal examinations shall take place at the end of each semester.
• Examinations will be subject to external assessment.
• The students shall make an oral presentation of their proposed research at the end of Semester I of year submit a written dissertation and attend a viva voce at the end of Semester II.
• In order to proceed to the writing of the dissertation the student must have passed all taught courses.
• The pass mark is 50%.
• A student who fails any of the taught courses and is allowed to repeat the course may be exempted by Senate, on the recommendation of the Departmental Panel of Examiners, from those courses which he/she has passed.
• Candidates must pass all examinations before proceeding to the next academic year.
• If a candidate fails a course, he/she may with the approval of Senate, write a supplementary examination.
• A supplementable mark should be at least 40%.
• No student shall be allowed to repeat a module more than once.

Dissertation

• Full-time students must normally submit their dissertation during the academic year for which they are registered.
• Students may submit their dissertation only after successful completion of taught courses.
• Part-time students must submit their dissertation at the end of the second academic year for which they are registered