The course is designed to provide specialised training and the required national and international practical and theoretical skills for librarians and information professionals. The degree promotes research in the field by integrating traditional and digital theories and practices. It also aims to enhance librarians and information professionals’ careers and give them a body of knowledge and experience to position themselves in the local and international communities. The degree is structured around the concept of a one-year common compulsory course that covers the main library and information theories and practices. After the first year, you will be asked to choose between: Stream A – Library and Information Management; Stream B – Rare Books and Manuscripts.

The Course is open to applicants in possession of:

(a) a first cycle degree obtained with at least Second Class Honours or Category II in Knowledge and Information Management, awarded by this University or any other higher education institution recognised by Senate or

(b) a first cycle degree obtained with a Third Class Honours or Category III in Knowledge and Information Management, awarded bythis University or any other higher education institution recognised by Senate, provided that such applicants shall be required to submit a portfolio documenting and describing proven professional experience in the library, archive or information management sector, which experience was obtained following their first cycle degree. Applicants in possession of the degree with Third Class Honours or Category III shall be allowed to proceed to the research component subject to the attainment of an average mark of at least 55% in the taught component or

(c) a first cycle degree obtained with at least Second Class Honours or Category II in any other subject, awarded by he University or any other higher education institution recognised by Senate, provided that they satisfy the Board that they are in possession of other qualifications, including relevant experience, obtained following their first cycle degree or

The Admissions Board, on the recommendation of the Faculty Admissions Committee, may admit into the Course applicants in possession of the Diploma in Library and Information Studies with at least a Merit classification, obtained from this University, or an equivalent qualification obtained from any other higher education institution recognised by Senate. Such applicants shall be required to demonstrate the learning achieved through prior experience and certification through the evaluation procedures established by the University Policy for the Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL). The admission of such applicants may be made subject to those conditions that may be imposed to address any lacunae in the applicants’ academic preparation.

Applicants in terms of paragraph (b) and (c) shall be interviewed by a board appointed for the purpose, to assess their suitability to follow the Course with profit. The Board shall announce the assessment criteria for admission into the Course at the time of the call for applications.

The interviewing board appointed by the Board shall be composed of at least three members.

The admission requirements are applicable for courses commencing in October 2021.

For more detailed information pertaining to admission and progression requirements please refer to the bye-laws for the course available here.