The University of the West Indies, Mona

INTRODUCTION

The Department welcomes candidates to read for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Studies.

• Registration Form
• List of Courses

INFORMATION STUDIES

Information Studies is an interdisciplinary domain concerned with the creation, organization, management, and uses of information in all its forms, formats and expressions.  It includes Archival Studies, Library Studies, Museum Studies and Records Management and applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, information preservation, history and cultural heritage to the creation, collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources. Information Studies brings together a variety of theoretical approaches. Its focus is on representations of information—the documentary and cultural evidence of society—as well as on the technologies and organizations through which information becomes accessible.  Emphasis will be on the peoples of the Caribbean, and its diaspora, and the ways in which they create, engage with, preserve, and disseminate Information.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Information Studies is designed to facilitate the student’s review of the knowledge of the field. The student will evaluate seminal and current theories and models, as well as relevant literature and research findings, while developing an area of study which makes an independent contribution to knowledge or understanding of the subject area. The student will be required to register for and successfully complete two (2) taught courses. The programme lasts for a minimum of two years full-time, beginning in September. Applicants should provide a research proposal outlining the scope of the intending study at time of application.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme is designed to facilitate the pursuit of scholarship of an original, independent and seminal nature in any of the disciplines within the domain of Information Studies.

The programme will facilitate the student to evaluate seminal and current theories and models, as well as demonstrate a rich understanding of the literature and research methodologies in the field. Through the programme, the student will be assisted in honing the research problem, developing the investigation with competence and rigour, and presenting the achievements and findings with intellectual maturity. The student will be required to register for and successfully complete three taught courses. The programme lasts for a minimum of three (3) years full-time, beginning in September. Applicants should provide a research proposal outlining the scope of the intended study at time of application

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION

The following are eligible to apply for registration for this degree:

 Graduates of any University holding the Masters’ degree in Archival Studies, Library Studies, Museum Studies or equivalent degree, or a Bachelor of Arts degree (such as Library and Information Studies), having obtained no lower than an Upper Second Class Honours Degree.

 Students who have obtained other suitable academic and/or professional qualifications and experience.

Acceptance into the MPhil/PhD Information Studies programme shall depend on assessment of the students past education, performance and experience as well as the Department’s capacity to provide adequate supervision.

All registered MPhil/PhD Candidates are expected to participate in departmental seminars, conferences, etc as well as present at least one (1) seminar annually in addition to the regulations-stipulated number of seminars.

University regulations concerning the duration of Part time studies, Upgrading of MPhil registration to PhD and the submission of theses and dissertations will apply.

For further information contact the Department Office at dlisadmin@uwimona.edu.jm