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+234 9119815270
Download Prospectus

Master of Philosophy in Data and Information Science

Ibadan eCampus Prospectus

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Advance Research. Generate Knowledge. Shape the Future of Data and Information Science.

Develop advanced research expertise in data, information systems, knowledge management, digital governance, and emerging technologies through a rigorous research degree from the University of Ibadan.

Information has become one of the world’s most valuable strategic resources. Governments, businesses, research institutions, and international organisations increasingly depend on high-quality information to drive innovation, shape policy, improve services, and support sustainable development. As digital transformation accelerates, there is growing demand for researchers capable of generating new knowledge, developing innovative information solutions, and addressing complex challenges within the information ecosystem.

The Master of Philosophy in Data and Information Science at the University of Ibadan is designed for graduates who wish to strengthen their research capability while specialising in an area of Information Science that aligns with their academic interests and professional aspirations.

Delivered through UI eCampus, the programme combines advanced coursework with supervised independent research, preparing graduates for doctoral studies, academic careers, research institutions, government agencies, and leadership positions in the knowledge economy.

Candidates pursue research within one of ten specialised areas, allowing them to develop deep expertise while contributing original insights to the discipline.

Why Study Data and Information Science?

Advance Research and Innovation

Develop advanced research capabilities that enable you to investigate complex information challenges, generate new knowledge, and contribute meaningful solutions to academia, industry, and society.

Lead Digital Transformation

Explore how information systems, data, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies are transforming organisations, industries, and public services worldwide.

Turn Data into Strategic Knowledge

Learn how information can be organised, analysed, secured, and applied to improve decision-making, policy development, innovation, and organisational performance.

Strengthen Research and Analytical Capabilities

Build expertise in research design, critical analysis, information management, and evidence-based problem-solving through rigorous academic training.

Prepare for Doctoral Study and Research Leadership

Establish a strong foundation for Ph.D. studies while developing the expertise required for research, academic, consulting, and leadership roles.

Earn a Research Degree from Nigeria's Premier University

Join the University of Ibadan's distinguished tradition of scholarship and become part of a community of researchers shaping knowledge across Africa and beyond.

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for:

  • Information Science graduates
  • ICT Professionals
  • Data Analysts
  • Information Specialists
  • Librarians
  • Knowledge Managers
  • Policy Analysts
  • Researchers
  • Academics preparing for doctoral study
  • Digital Transformation Professionals
  • Business Intelligence Specialists
  • Government Officers
  • Development Practitioners
  • Information Systems Professionals

Choose Your Specialisation

The M.Phil. Data and Information Science enables candidates to undertake advanced research within a specialist area that reflects their academic interests and career aspirations. Each specialisation combines advanced theory with independent research, preparing graduates to contribute new knowledge and practical solutions within the rapidly evolving information landscape.

Economics of Information

Research the Value of Information in Modern Economies

Information has become a critical economic resource that influences productivity, competitiveness, innovation, and national development. This specialisation explores the economic value of information, digital markets, knowledge economies, innovation systems, and evidence-based policymaking.

Researchers investigate how information supports organisational performance, economic growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Ideal For

  • Economists
  • Policy Analysts
  • Development Practitioners
  • Government Officials
  • Research Professionals
  • Strategy Consultants

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Information Economist
  • Policy Research Analyst
  • Economic Development Adviser
  • Research Consultant
  • Digital Economy Specialist
  • Strategy Analyst

Information Systems

Research the Technologies That Drive Modern Organisations

Information systems are at the heart of digital transformation. This specialisation examines how organisations design, implement, manage, and evaluate information systems that improve efficiency, innovation, and decision-making.

Candidates investigate emerging technologies, enterprise systems, digital transformation strategies, and organisational information management.

Ideal For

  • ICT Professionals
  • Systems Analysts
  • Business Analysts
  • Technology Managers
  • Digital Transformation Specialists
  • Information Systems Professionals

Potential Career Outcomes

    • Information Systems Manager
    • Business Systems Analyst
    • Enterprise Solutions Consultant
    • Technology Consultant
    • Digital Transformation Lead
    • IT Project Manager

Information Policy

Research the Policies Shaping the Information Society

As information becomes increasingly valuable, effective governance has never been more important. This specialisation explores information policy, digital governance, privacy, cybersecurity regulation, intellectual property, information ethics, and access to information.

Research focuses on creating frameworks that support secure, ethical, and equitable information environments.

Ideal For

  • Government Officials
  • Policy Professionals
  • Regulatory Authorities
  • Information Managers
  • Legal Professionals
  • Digital Governance Specialists

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Information Policy Analyst
  • Digital Governance Adviser
  • Information Compliance Manager
  • Regulatory Specialist
  • Privacy Officer
  • Public Policy Consultant

Infometrics

Measure Knowledge, Research, and Information Impact

Infometrics focuses on the quantitative study of information, scholarly communication, research productivity, scientific collaboration, and knowledge dissemination.

Candidates develop expertise in bibliometrics, scientometrics, research evaluation, and information analytics.

Ideal For

  • Researchers
  • Librarians
  • Research Managers
  • Academic Administrators
  • Information Analysts
  • Knowledge Professionals

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Research Analyst
  • Bibliometric Specialist
  • Information Scientist
  • Research Evaluation Consultant
  • Academic Data Analyst
  • Knowledge Metrics Specialist

Internet Technology

Explore the Technologies Powering the Digital World

This specialisation investigates internet infrastructure, cloud computing, web technologies, digital platforms, online services, cybersecurity, and emerging internet innovations.

Research examines how internet technologies continue to reshape communication, commerce, education, governance, and global connectivity.

Ideal For

  • ICT Professionals
  • Network Specialists
  • Software Developers
  • Technology Entrepreneurs
  • Digital Innovation Professionals
  • Systems Engineers

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Internet Technology Specialist
  • Digital Solutions Architect
  • Web Technology Consultant
  • Technology Manager
  • Digital Innovation Specialist
  • Cloud Solutions Consultant

Knowledge Management

Transform Organisational Knowledge into Strategic Advantage

Knowledge has become one of the most valuable organisational assets. This specialisation explores how organisations capture, organise, share, preserve, and utilise knowledge to improve innovation, collaboration, productivity, and long-term performance.

Research focuses on organisational learning, intellectual capital, and knowledge-driven decision-making.

Ideal For

  • Knowledge Managers
  • HR Professionals
  • Organisational Development Specialists
  • Corporate Leaders
  • Consultants
  • Innovation Managers

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Knowledge Management Specialist
  • Organisational Learning Manager
  • Innovation Consultant
  • Information Governance Manager
  • Corporate Strategy Adviser
  • Knowledge Systems Manager

Organisation and Retrieval of Information

Make Information Accessible, Discoverable, and Meaningful

Effective information management depends on how information is organised and retrieved. This specialisation explores metadata, classification systems, indexing, digital repositories, information architecture, and intelligent retrieval systems.

Research supports improved access to information across libraries, archives, digital platforms, and organisations.

Ideal For

  • Librarians
  • Archivists
  • Information Managers
  • Records Managers
  • Digital Content Specialists
  • Metadata Professionals

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Information Architect
  • Digital Librarian
  • Records Manager
  • Metadata Specialist
  • Information Retrieval Consultant
  • Repository Manager

Science and Technology Studies

Understand How Innovation Shapes Society

Science and Technology Studies explores the relationship between technological advancement, public policy, innovation, culture, and society.

Candidates investigate how scientific knowledge and emerging technologies influence governance, development, industry, education, and everyday life.

Ideal For

  • Researchers
  • Innovation Managers
  • Policymakers
  • Development Specialists
  • Academic Professionals
  • Government Officers

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Science Policy Analyst
  • Innovation Consultant
  • Technology Policy Specialist
  • Research Manager
  • Development Adviser
  • Public Policy Researcher

Speech and Language Technology

Research the Future of Human–Computer Communication

Speech and Language Technology focuses on technologies that enable computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language.

Research includes natural language processing, speech recognition, conversational AI, multilingual technologies, machine translation, and intelligent communication systems.

Ideal For

  • ICT Professionals
  • AI Researchers
  • Linguists
  • Software Developers
  • Language Researchers
  • Technology Innovators

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Natural Language Processing Specialist
  • AI Language Analyst
  • Speech Technology Consultant
  • Research Scientist
  • Language Technology Specialist
  • Conversational AI Developer

Social Informatics

Explore the Relationship Between Technology and Society

Social Informatics examines how digital technologies influence individuals, organisations, communities, and society. Researchers investigate digital inclusion, online behaviour, social media, digital governance, technology adoption, and the social impact of innovation.

The specialisation prepares graduates to address complex challenges arising from technology-enabled societies.

Ideal For

  • Researchers
  • ICT Professionals
  • Social Scientists
  • Development Practitioners
  • Digital Policy Specialists
  • Community Development Professionals

Potential Career Outcomes

  • Digital Society Researcher
  • Social Innovation Consultant
  • Technology Policy Adviser
  • Community Technology Specialist
  • Digital Transformation Analyst
  • Research Consultant

What You Will Study

Core areas may include:

  •     Advanced Theory of Data and Information Science
  •     Research Methods in Information Science
  •     Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis
  •     Information Systems and Technologies
  •     Information Policy and Governance
  •     Knowledge Organisation and Retrieval
  •     Academic Writing and Research Communication
  •     Graduate Research Seminar
  •     Specialisation Courses
  •     Supervised M.Phil. Thesis and Oral Examination
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Skills You Will Develop

Graduates will strengthen their ability to:

  • Design and conduct original research
  • Analyse quantitative and qualitative data with rigour
  • Evaluate information systems, services, and policies against evidence
  • Develop information policies and governance strategies
  • Organise information so institutions can find and use what they hold
  • Write for academic journals, policy audiences, and decision-makers
  • Supervise and manage long-form research projects
  • Apply emerging technologies to research problems
  • Contribute to scholarship in data and information science
  • Progress confidently to doctoral study

Why Professionals Choose UI eCampus

Earn a Prestigious University of Ibadan Qualification

Study While Continuing Your Career

Research With Experienced Faculty Supervision

Access a Digital Library With 170,000+ Resources

Join a Community of Researchers and Information Professionals

Where This Programme Can Take You

Graduates may pursue careers in:

Doctoral Study (PhD)

Research and Academia

Information Systems Management

Data Governance and Protection

Knowledge Management

Government and Public Policy

Digital Transformation

Technology Consulting

Language Technology and AI Research

Information Governance

Admissions Requirements

  • Documentation: National ID (both sides)/Passport for Nigerian students, Refugee card (provided the students give the card verification certificate) and Driver’s License are also acceptable; Passport for International students.
  • Identification: Full name – Surname, First Name and Middle Name (no change of name is allowed except for marital reasons).
  • O’Level Credentials: 5 credits at one sitting OR 6 credits at two sittings (English mandatory + other relevant subjects).
  • Status & Tests: NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate (Nigerian students); TPE ≥ 40% for all programmes except Mphil, PhD and DBA (Nigerian and International students) 
  • Application Essentials: 3 Letters of Recommendation or Referee’s Reports and a CV.
  • Academic Prerequisites: Degree should be from UI or recognised universities by the Senate.
  • Bachelors degree in relevant field  NOT BELOW SECOND CLASS LOWER 
  • 5 ‘O’ level credits at ONE sitting or 6 ‘O’ level credits at TWO sittings to include English Language and any other four/ five subjects.
  • 1000 words Concept note/research proposal
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Duration
2 years

Build Your Future with UI eCampus

The future belongs to professionals who can turn questions about information into answers that institutions act on.

The M.Phil. Data and Information Science equips you with the research capability, analytical depth, and scholarly credibility needed to lead in an increasingly digital world — and opens the most direct route to a PhD.

Whether your ambition is to publish research, influence policy, lead knowledge and information services, or join the academy, this programme provides the foundation for long-term success.

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Speak to an Admissions Counselor

Ready to take your expertise in data and information science to research level?

Speak to an Admissions Counselor to learn how the M.Phil. Data and Information Science can support your research ambitions, academic progression, and career goals.

Speak to an Admissions Counselor

Ready to take your expertise in data and information science to research level?

Speak to an Admissions Counselor to learn how the M.Phil. Data and Information Science can support your research ambitions, academic progression, and career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this programme?

You will develop advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional expertise relevant to your chosen field of study.

Who is this programme designed for?

The programme is designed for professionals, graduates, managers, researchers, and individuals seeking career growth and specialised expertise.

Is this programme suitable for working professionals?

Yes. The programme is structured to support flexible learning while maintaining professional and personal commitments.

What career opportunities can this programme lead to?

Career outcomes vary by programme but may include leadership, specialist, consulting, research, academic, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Will this qualification help me advance my career?

Many students pursue postgraduate education to strengthen their expertise, increase their professional credibility, and prepare for leadership roles.

What skills will I develop?

Students gain discipline-specific expertise, analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, leadership capabilities, and practical knowledge.

Is the qualification awarded by the University of Ibadan?

Yes. Successful graduates receive a qualification awarded by the University of Ibadan.

Can international students enrol in this programme?

Yes. The programme is available to eligible students from around the world.

How are classes delivered?

Learning takes place through the UI eCampus platform using lectures, digital resources, assignments, discussions, and assessments.

What are the admission requirements?

See the full admission requirements here ecampus.ui.edu.ng/admissions-requirements .

How long will it take to complete the programme?

Programme duration varies depending on the qualification and area of study.

What support will I receive as a student?

Students receive academic guidance, technical support, access to learning resources, and digital library services.

How do I apply?

Register at my.ecampus.ui.edu.ng/start-now, select your programme, pay, and upload your receipt. Finance verifies your payment in approximately 3 minutes, then your application number is emailed to you. Use it to complete your application.

What are the tuition fees?

View fees and payment options on ecampus.ui.edu.ng/tuition-and-fees . Monthly payment plans are available, or receive 7.5% off when you pay in full.

Still have questions?

Speak to an Admissions Counselor for personalised guidance on programme suitability, admissions, career outcomes, and the student experience.