Overview

Introduction

The Bachelor of Information Science (BIS) program are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to pursue successful careers in various information-related roles. A BIS program aims to develop students' technical skills to effectively navigate and utilize information technologies. Students should acquire hands-on experience with relevant tools, software, and systems used in the field. BIS programs aim to instill a strong sense of ethical awareness and social responsibility in students. The field is a rapidly evolving field driven by technological advancements and changing societal needs.

Philosophy

The Bachelor of Information Science (BIS) programme is a multidisciplinary professional degree, anchored on the University of Nairobi Philosophy that focusses on “the need to connect and Inspire the Kenyan community to provide leadership and stewardship and to give hope and faith to the Kenyan Society that it can excel in whatever it chooses to do with passion, moral responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism.” The programme provides education, training, research and consultancy opportunities to those interested in careers in knowledge management, records and information management and information communication technologies (ICTs). The current dynamics and technological changes in the society have brought a growing demand for knowledge and information at the work place, in education and in leisure. Information scientists, librarians, archivists, knowledge managers and many other information professionals meet that demand by providing effective access to information resources and services. Access to specialized and up-to-date information through computers and online retrieval systems enhances productivity in the hands of business corporations, governments, decision makers and researchers. The world has become increasingly dependent on information for growth and health of its economy.

Rationale

In the knowledge-based economy, multi-skilled graduates with highly technological competencies are required in the competitive job market. Bachelor of Information Science is a multidisciplinary professional degree programme that produces graduates with technological

Knowledge and skills that are required in the modern information and media environment. In addition, the need for information professionals in various sectors of the economy due to the promulgation of the Kenya Constitution of 2010 has tremendously increased employment opportunities in the information industry. With increased need and demand in the job market, the programme makes information science professionals to be competitive in the knowledge based economy, both nationally and internationally.

The programme should train students to be well grounded in modern aspects of information and knowledge management, information governance strategies and sustainable development practices, digital and multimedia systems, and information communication technology. This will help to produce competent graduates with the requisite innovative knowledge, skills and attitudes required in the modern information environment. The stakeholders were involved and their inputs incorporated into the programme.

Objectives

  1. Build capacity to effectively manage and support information and knowledge in organizations and the society.
  2. Enhance knowledge-based skills for provision and utilization of information at all levels of development.
  3. Develop awareness, skills and competencies in the application and use of modern ICTs required in information and knowledge management.
  4. Develop graduates with ability to innovatively respond to emerging needs in the information and knowledge industry.

Schedule of Intakes

The Department admits new students at the beginning of every academic calendar year (which is usually September)

Application Information

You will be required to enter some basic information, including your email address and to choose a password. We will then send you an email to the address you entered, so that we can validate your account. When you have clicked on the validation link (sent to you in the email), you will be able to log in to the application system using the "Login" box below

For instructions on how to apply click here

To apply online here

Contact of Support Persons

Contact of Support Persons

Ms. Winfred Mathu, Registrar Assistant

Phone: +254 20 4918223/+254 20 4913038

Email: dept-lis@uonbi.ac.ke

 

Notable Alumni

Lilian Taabu Lilian Taabu  
Alice Ndakalu Okongo Alice Ndakalu Okongo  
Elizabeth Njoki Nyaga Elizabeth Njoki Nyaga  
Julius Nyabuti Mugoya Julius Nyabuti Mugoya  
67 Johnson Benard Abuki  
VN Veronica Nabwire Namenya  
SM Stephen Maina

 

Mode of Delivery

The programme shall be offered full-time, part-time and through open, distance and electronic learning (ODeL) mode of study.

  1. The programme shall be covered in a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 22 semesters from the date of registration and each semester will be 15 weeks.
  2. Each course unit shall have a minimum of 45 contact hours, and shall be covered within a semester.
  3. Each student shall be required to take a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 7 course units in one semester.
  1. The course structure and requirements for the degree programme through open, distance and electronic learning remain the same as under the full-time and part-time mode of study.
  2. The open, distance and electronic learning mode of study will run for a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 semesters of 24 weeks each, from the date of registration.
  3. The open, distance and electronic learning mode of study will be offered off-campus using multi-media approach, including a variety of self-instructional print and electronic study materials.
  4. In addition, there will be limited face-to-face instruction during residential training. The face-to-face instruction shall not exceed one-third of the instruction time.

Course duration

  1. The programme shall be covered in a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 22 semesters from the date of registration and each semester will be 15 weeks.
  1. Each course unit shall have a minimum of 45 contact hours, and shall be covered within a semester.
  2. Each student shall be required to take a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 7 course units in one semester.

Course specialization

The following three specializations shall be offered:

Information and Knowledge Management; Information and Communication Technology; and Records and Information Management.

  • Information and Knowledge Management

For students interested in library and information work, information architecture and technology, information needs and services. Students will gain the theoretical basis needed to build the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to function effectively in professional positions, and develop the ability to adapt to changing demands and opportunities for information provision within society, including the application of emerging techniques and technologies.

  • Information and Communication Technology Management

For students interested in the digital content and information technology applications in the arts, humanities, sciences and society at large. Students will also be expected to independently manage digital information systems, institutional repositories and electronic resources at the end of their course as well as address ethical, legal and social implications.

  • Records and Information Management

For students interested in records and archives management, and information governance strategy practices in organizations. Students will also be expected to be grounded on contemporary information and records management issues. Emphasis will be based on practical, ethical and social issues regarding the creation, retention and disposal of records and archives.

 

 

Admission Requirements

A student must satisfy the prescribed University of Nairobi requirements.

A student for admission to the Department of Library and Information Science must have any of the following qualifications:

  1. K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C+ or equivalent
  2. K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C plain or equivalent Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution
  3. K.C.S.E. with a mean grade C- or equivalent Plus a Certificate and a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution
  4. K.C.E./E.A.C.E. Div. III/Ordinary GCE or equivalent Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post- secondary institution
  5. K.A.C.E. or E.A.A.C.E/Advanced GCE Certificate with one principal pass Plus a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution
  6. K.A.C.E. or E.A.A.C.E. certificate with two principal passes or equivalent
  7. International Baccalaureate Diploma.
  8. A degree from a recognized University or equivalent
  9. Diploma course holders shall be required to have covered at least three (3) course units of 45 contact hours each over a minimum period of two (2) semesters of 15 weeks or 270 contact hours.

Course duration

  1. The programe shall be covered in a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 22 semesters from the date of registration and each semester will be 15 weeks.
  1. Each course unit shall have a minimum of 45 contact hours, and shall be covered within a semester.
  2. Each student shall be required to take a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 7 course units in one semester.
BACHELOR OF INFORMATION SCIENCE - C38 
TUITION 1 15,000.00
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) 1 1,000.00
TOTALS   16,000.00
CAUTION - (ONCE)   5,000.00
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)   7,000.00
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)   6,500.00
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)   2,000.00
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)   1,000.00
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)   2,250.00
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)   4,000.00
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)   1,000.00
     
Sem 1 2 units 60,750.00
  3 units 76,750.00
  4 units 92,750.00
  5 units 108,750.00
  6 units 124,750.00
  7 units 140,750.00
     
Sem 2,4,6,8,10,12 2 units 34,250.00
  3 units 50,250.00
  4 units 66,250.00
  5 units 82,250.00
  6 units 98,250.00
  7 units 114,250.00
     
Sem 3,5,7,9,11,13 2 units 55,750.00
  3 units 71,750.00
  4 units 87,750.00
  5 units 103,750.00
  6 units 119,750.00
  7 units 135,750.00
     
Sem 1 7 units 140,750.00
Sem 2 7 units 114,250.00
Sem 3 7 units 135,750.00
Sem 4 7 units 114,250.00
Sem 5 7 units 135,750.00
Sem 6 7 units 114,250.00
Sem 7 6 units 119,750.00
Sem 8 2 units 34,250.00
Grand Total 50 Units 909,000.00
     

MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES


These comprise the charges levied for various services that students, alumni and other individual or corporate stakeholders may seek from time to time during the studentship and afterwards. They cover items such as convocation, extension of studentship, hire of academic dress, Issuance of Transcripts, Certification of documents, Replacement of lost ID card; Amendment of Academic Records; Retention of Registration; Thesis/Dissertation Processing among others. These charges may vary from time to time.

 

DLIS Undergraduate

 

Exam Regulations

    1. Each course unit shall be examined by a written examination at the end of the semester during which the course is offered.
    2. A student shall not be allowed to sit for any end of semester examination unless he/she has attended at least two thirds of the total lecture hours.
    3. Unless otherwise specified, end of semester examination shall consist of a 2-hour paper for each course unit taken in the semester.
    4. The end of semester examination shall constitute 70% of the total marks in each course unit, while continuous assessment (herein referred to as ‘coursework’) shall constitute 30%.
    5. Continuous assessment shall comprise assignments, tests, term papers and practical sessions as may be determined by the department.
    6. The research project shall be marked out of 100%.
    7. The pass mark for each course unit shall be 40%.
    8. A student who fails in any course unit at the first attempt shall be allowed two more attempts to sit and pass the course unit when supplementary examinations are next offered.
    9. The maximum score for a supplementary examination shall be 40% with no consideration to coursework marks.
    10. No student with failed grade(s) shall be allowed to proceed to the next level unless he/she has successfully taken and passed the supplementary examination(s). If the failed course unit(s) happens to be prerequisites for another advanced course units in the same level, the student must first pass them before he/she can be allowed to register in the advanced course unit(s) that require the prerequisite.
    11. A student who fails a course unit may, in consultation with the department and with approval by the Faculty, substitute that course unit as long as it is not a core course unit, with another of the same level from the same department. This regulation shall only apply in Levels/Years III & IV.
    12. A student who fails in two consecutive supplementary examinations shall either be discontinued or, with the approval of the Faculty, allowed an option of substituting the department with another one.
    13. A student who fails in seven (7) or more course units he/she has registered for in an academic year shall be discontinued.

Internship/Practicum Examination

    1. During the practicum 3 client contact hours will be equivalent to 1 taught lecture hour. Since the practicum is two units of 45 hours each (90 hours in total) the student shall be required to cover 270 client-hours.
    2. The student is expected to work under the supervision from the department and the institution where the practical attachment is done.
    3. The student is expected to maintain and keep daily journal activities in relation to information work and experiences.
    4. A student is also expected to write and submit a report for the purpose of continuous assessment to the department; and an examinable field report shall be submitted by each student at the end of the attachment.
    5. The department supervisor will assess the student twice at the practical attachment institution.
    6. Practicum practice involves real information work environment and experience and also enables students to apply knowledge and skills acquired during the course. Each candidate shall make own arrangements for the attachment.
    7. Practicum marks will be recorded in regard to the following criteria.

 

  CRITERIA MARKS
1 Student supervision attendance 5
2 Practical journal completeness submission 5
3 Pre-practicum self-assessments submission 5
4 Post-practicum self-assessments submission 5
5 Practicum journal quality 25
6 Quality of post-practicum site assessment 5
7 Site supervisor’s assessment – student evaluation form 50
  Total 100
     
     
     
     
     
  1. A final assessment of less than 40 marks will result in a supplementary requirement as assigned by consensus of the department.

Attachment Opportunities

Attachment Opportunities available for the program :

  • Information systems
  • International organizations, e.g. World bank, UNESCO
  • Academic institutions
  • Libraries
  • Archival institutions
  • Museums
  • Heritage institutions
  • State departments
  • County Governments
  • Research organizations

 

Career Prospects

Information science students develop both general and technical skills applicable to a wide variety of careers in government, healthcare, research, business, and non-profit organizations where they can work or can create employment opportunities:

  1. Knowledge Management Specialist
  2. Information Managers
  3. Information Resource Managers
  4. Information Technologists
  5. Information Analysts
  6. Digital Records and Information Managers
  7. Information Systems Managers
  8. Content Developers
  9. Researchers
  10. Scholars
  11. Tutors and Trainers
  12. Consultants
  13. User Experience Designer
  14. User Experience Researcher
  15. Senior Library Assistant
  16. Web Architect
  17. Website Consultant
  18. Business Technology Analyst
  19. Data Analyst
  20. Analytics Specialist
  21. Search Engine Optimization Analyst
  22. IT Consultant
  23. Database Designer
  24. Digital Marketing Associate
  25. Social Media Strategist
  26. Product Manager
  27. Online Community Manager
  28. Technology Product Manager
  29. Web Analyst
  30. Sales and Training Analyst
  31. Quality Assurance/Business Analyst
  32. Marketing Research Analyst
  33. Data Analysis Consultant
  • Graduates are able to become employment creators through the skills learned in an information science degree as online entrepreneurs, content creators, video editors etc

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