SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Library Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22397  Master of Library Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Information Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The content of this programme will be structured by selected electives in the field of Library and Information Science. The purpose is to broaden the student's knowledge of Library and Information Science and enable them to acquire adequate research skills. This requires attention to the following aspects:
  • A broadening and deepening of a student's knowledge in 6 selected electives. This is achieved through course work leading to detailed literature surveys
  • The development of basic research skills. This is achieved through, amongst others, a course in research methodology, leading to the development of a formal research proposal
  • The writing of a mini-thesis on the basis of an accepted research proposal or a researched topic 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Students with a B Bibl, B Bibl Ed, Higher Diploma in Library and Information Science, alternate B Bibl, BA plus a Diploma in School Librarianship, will be admitted to this programme. Prior learning and/or relevant experience will be recognised for entry into this programme where applicable and subject to Senate's decision 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the selected modules as well as the ability to do research on a topic within that subject. Furthermore, graduates should be able to:
  • Interpret, analyse and contextualise research finding
  • Understand and apply theoretical foundations of Library and Information Science
  • Develop and present a research proposal independently
  • Employ critical thinking skills 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Research findings are interpreted, analysed and contextualised
  • The theoretical foundations of Library and Information Science are understood and applied in projects and processes
  • A research proposal is developed and presented independently
  • Critical thinking skills are demonstrated and clearly visible

    Integrated assessment:

    The following forms of assessment are used:
  • Research papers
  • Examinations
  • Presentation evaluation
  • Research proposal
  • Mini-thesis 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The structured master's degree with a mini-thesis or the M Bibl by thesis only leads to doctoral research in Library and Information Science. After completing the first M Bibl structured year, the student can opt to exit. In so doing, the B Bibl Hons will be conferred upon such a student 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All forms of assessment are moderated by external examiners, appointed by Senate in recommendation of the Department of Library and Information Science 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All forms of assessment are moderated by external examiners appointed by Senate in recommendation of the Department of Library and Information Science. An assessor will have at least a Master's degree or a doctorate in the appropriate subject. Experience as a supervisor and lecturer will play a role 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of the Western Cape 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.