Overview

Introduction

The Master of Information Science (MIS) course incorporates blended training in information and knowledge management, digital strategic planning, leadership, governance and management, innovation and entrepreneurship, assets and risk management as well as records and information management. Its purpose is to produce information professionals and leaders from various backgrounds and specializations in humanities and social sciences and natural and applied sciences. The programme is offered through coursework of twelve (12) course units with a Project or eight (8) course units with a Thesis/Dissertation to be taken in a minimum of four (4) semesters. The Project is equivalent to four (4) course units while the Thesis equals eight (8) course units. The duration for the course is two (2) years blended in four (4) specializations:

  1. Information and Knowledge Management
  2. Information Communication Technology Management
  3. Records and Information Management
  4. Digital Humanities and Data Management
  5. Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Philosophy

The information science programe is underpinned on fundamental practices of strategic planning and management of information, knowledge and digital technology applications to support sustainable development and growth for the betterment of humans and society at large. Highly trained information and knowledge professionals are essential in transformation, innovation and development of the knowledge and digital economy. The programme provides fundamental philosophic perspectives for training professionals in information and knowledge management, enterprise resource planning systems, artificial intelligence systems, information governance and e-government, digital technology strategic planning and management, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship and innovation, data management and digital humanities.

Rationale

The world has become increasingly dependent on data, information, knowledge, technology and human resource for development, growth and health of the economy as well as the smooth functioning of institutions and the quality of livelihoods. Trends in rural development and globalization of the economy, politics and societal requirements have, more than ever before, called for the need in the ways information is collated, organized and disseminated. This in turn requires more dynamic training of information science professionals to acquire knowledge and skills to facilitate the use of information within the society at large.

The curriculum covers in-depth theoretical and practical aspects of managing and supporting information and knowledge assets in organizations and the society in general. The discipline stresses the application of digital technology applications and systems in managing information and communication processes in addition to leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation practices. It is designed to broaden leaners’ knowledge, skills and prospects for employment within the immediate environment as well as at national and international job markets. The existing knowledge infrastructure in the region is diverse and relatively expansive and continues to experience the need for information professionals. It is in this context that this curriculum has been designed to fill the gap. In designing the programme, needs assessments of the stakeholders were equally integrated through participation and engagement of information professionals, policy and decision makers in multidimensional industries and government organizations and agencies.

Objectives

The overall aim of the programme is to equip the students with knowledge and skills in information management to enable them to be responsive of the changing information needs of society for accelerated development, and to strengthen the capacity of the universities to provide high-level education and research services in information sciences.

The specific objectives of the programme are to:-

  1. Equip students with skills essential for effective information and knowledge management.
  2. Equip students with information literacy and ICTs related skills in information science.
  3. Empower students with research skills in the field of library and information science.
  4. Produce market driven graduates that meet the emerging trends in the field of information science.

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

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

  • Face-to-Face Mode

This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.

  • Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning

In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus. 

  • Blended Learning

This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.

Course duration

    1.  
  • The programme shall be covered in a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of ten (10) semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each for full-time students and a maximum of fourteen (14) semesters for part-time students from the date of registration.
  • Each student shall be required to successfully complete a minimum of eight (8) course units during the first and second semester of the first year of study.
  • Each course unit shall have a minimum of 45 contact hours, and shall be covered within a semester of 15 weeks.
  • Each student shall be required to take a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four (4) course units in one semester.
  • On successful completion of coursework, the learner shall present a research proposal for approval in a departmental seminar.
  • After approval of the research proposal, the learner should undertake supervised research culminating to a research project or a thesis.
  • The minimum period for the research project after approval of the proposal is one (1) semester.
  • The minimum period for the research thesis after approval of the proposal is four (4) semesters.

Course specialization

The following five specializations shall be offered:

Information and Knowledge Management; Information Communication Technology Management; Records and Information Management; Digital Humanities and Data Management, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

  1. Information and Knowledge Management

The objective of this specialization option is to prepare information professional leaders with novel knowledge and innovative skills that are necessary in solving societal challenges in the modern knowledge economy. The option focuses on skills and competencies that facilitate innovation and practical application of practices in managing and handling information and knowledge in the modern digital and technological environment.

  1. Information Communication Technology Management

The objective of this specialization option is to prepare information professional leaders with knowledge and skills in strategic planning and management of information communication technology systems in organizations. The course focuses on technological applications including emerging and new trends in social computing and informatics, electronic commerce and digital systems.

  1. Records and Information Management

The objective of this specialization option is to prepare information professional leaders with technological knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to manage records, assets and information in organizations. The programme focuses on information governance, innovative technological and practical applications that are fundamental in information resource and assets management.

  1. Digital Humanities and Data Management

The objective of this specialization option is to prepare information professional leaders with knowledge and skills in digital transformation, application and management. The programme focuses on theoretical and innovative practical approaches necessary in transforming and managing digital humanities and electronic information in the modern knowledge environment.

  1. Indigenous Knowledge Systems

This specialization aims to equip students with fundamental knowledge, skills, tools, techniques, practice and theory on Indigenous Knowledge Systems. It further explores the diverse ways of understanding and responding to society’s information needs through Indigenous knowledge best practices and how they may be integrated into the contemporary knowledge-based system.

Admission Requirements  

  • At least an upper class second honors degree or equivalent in any discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other university recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
  • At least a lower-second class honors degree or equivalent in any discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other university recognized by the University of Nairobi senate with three (3) years’ experience.
  • A pass in the first degree or equivalent in any discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other university recognized by the University of Nairobi senate with at least five (5) years’ experience.

 

MASTER OF LIBRARY (PER YEAR) AND INFORMATION SCIENCE - C54
  Semester 1-4 Units Semester 2 - 4 Units Semester 3 -4 Units Semester 4 - Project TOTALS
TUITION @36000 144,000.00 144,000.00 144,000.00 144,000.00 576,000.00
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 16,000.00
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) 2,250.00 2,250.00 2,250.00 2,250.00 9,000.00
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) 1,000.00 - 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) 6,500.00 - 6,500.00 - 13,000.00
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) 5,000.00 - 5,000.00 - 10,000.00
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) 2,000.00 - 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) 7,000.00 - 7,000.00 - 14,000.00
CAUTION - (ONCE) 5,000.00 - - - 5,000.00
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) 1,000.00 - 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
THESIS EXAMINATION - - - 30,000.00 30,000.00
Total 177,750.00 150,250.00 172,750.00 180,250.00 681,000.00
  • Appropriate fieldwork fees shall be charged separately.
  • Foreign students from outside the partner states of the Northern Corridor Integration Project (Republics of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan) to add 25% on all charges.

 

 

 

 

 

Examination regulations

      1. The University of Nairobi policies and regulations on examinations in relation to examination malpractices, disciplinary action and mode of appeal shall apply.
      2. Examination shall include both the written and project or thesis examination.
      3. Candidates shall have their coursework examined at the end of the semester in which the courses have been taken.
      4. The assessment for each course unit shall consist of:
  2. A 3-hour end of semester written examination that shall constitute 60% of the total marks.
  3. Continuous coursework assessment based on assignments, term papers, seminars and field work that shall constitute 40% of the total marks.
      1. The pass mark for each course unit shall be 50% and graded as stipulated in section six (6).
      2. A candidate who fails in up to one-third of the eight (8) course units in an academic year shall be allowed to take supplementary examination(s) in the course unit(s) failed, when such examinations are next scheduled.
      3. A pass obtained in the supplementary examination will be recorded as 50%.
      4. A candidate who fails a supplementary examination shall be allowed to repeat the failed supplementary examination once.
      5. A candidate who, for a good cause, fails to sit for an examination may be allowed to take a special/supplementary examination, when such examinations are next scheduled. The results of a supplementary examination shall be treated like a pass and not as an ordinary first attempt examination.
      6. A candidate who fails in more than one-third of the eight (8) course units in an academic year or fails a supplementary examination at the second attempt or fails to complete the programme within the stipulated period shall, on the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Examiners and approval by Senate, be discontinued.

Attachment Opportunities

Attachment opportunities for Masters of Information Science students may include research assistantships, industry collaborations, and placements in organizations focusing on information management, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and information technology development.


Career Prospects

 A master of Information Science (BIS) program offers a wide range of career prospects in various industries and sectors. Graduates of a BIS program possess a unique blend of technical skills, knowledge in information management, and critical thinking abilities that are highly sought after in today's information-driven world. BIS graduates often find employment as data analysts or data scientists. They can also pursue further education, such as master's or doctoral degrees, to specialize in specific areas.

 

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