The university’s College of Human Sciences continues to strengthen its commitment to engaged scholarship, heritage preservation and innovation through its strategic collaboration with Air Traffic and Navigation Services on the development of a Hybrid Aviation Museum.
This International Women’s Month, the College of Human Sciences celebrates Dr Modiehi Rammutloa, affectionately known as Dr Mo, a senior lecturer in the Department of Information Science.
The Department of Information Science extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr Vanessa Mathope on her appointment to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Archives and Special Collections Advisory Board.
Professor Nampombe Saurombe, Acting Chair of the Department of Information Science, recalls a defining moment early in her journey: realising that her purpose was not simply to study science, but to make knowledge accessible and meaningful to those who need it most.
The Department of Information Science of the University of South Africa (Unisa) has been involved in the education and training of library and information professionals since 1955. It offers a wider variety of qualifications than any other institution in South Africa in different aspec ts and fields of Library and Information Science on diploma, graduate and postgraduate level.
Dr MG Mojapelo
Chair of the Department
of Information Science
Welcome to the Department of Information Science
It is my singular honour and privilege to welcome you to the Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa). As Chair of the Department, I am proud to lead a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in tuition, research, engaged scholarship and academic citizenship.
In a world driven by data and digital systems, the ability to manage, interpret, preserve and ethically use information is no longer something we can consider to be optional as it is foundational to the functioning of a modern society. Our comprehensive range of quality learning programmes are designed to develop graduates who are professionally competent and socially responsive. We remain committed to advancing knowledge and practice in areas such as applied information science, archives and records management, information and knowledge management, and digital information systems.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to our students. Guided by the College of Human Sciences Transformation Plan, we strive to provide a transformative learning experience that equips graduates with critical thinking skills and the ability to solve complex information related problems.
I am sure many of you would agree with me that in a rapidly changing information landscape, relevance is essential. It is against this backdrop that we always commit to continuously review and renew of our programmes to ensure that they remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Our curriculum development initiatives are informed by ongoing engagement with industry, government, and society. Following consultation with all relevant stakeholders, the Department officially launched new Bachelor of Information Science qualification in 2026. This four-year professional qualification, which is already attracting many potential students, replaces our three-year qualification.
The department offers a thoughtfully structured suite of qualifications designed to prepare information professionals to operate at the intersection of access, power, and knowledge with a common understanding that access to information is a fundamental human right. Our Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management provides students with an entry-level qualification in the field of archives and records management. Our Bachelor of Information Science enables students to organise, use, and manage information. Our Bachelor of Arts in Archives and Records Management enables students to manage, preserve, and provide access to records in various forms.
For postgraduate studies, we offer the Honours Degree in Information Science and the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Archives and Records Management. We also have a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Science for students from other disciplines who wish to pursue a career in information science. Our research-based Master’s and Doctoral degrees provide candidates with opportunities to undertake research on topics within the discipline of information science. Our research is guided by Unisa’s catalytic niche areas.
We wish you every success as you begin exploring our website and identifying the programmes available for applications and registration. May this be the first step toward an exciting and fulfilling academic journey. We look forward to welcoming you in the winning department.
Dr M Mojapelo
Chair of the Department of Information Science