Department of Information Science

MA (Socio-Informatics)

Background

The MA programme focuses on the development of research capacity in the field of Socio-Informatics by means of an independent execution (at NQF level 9) of a research project under supervision which leads to a thesis of 110 to 140 pages. The thesis counts towards 100% of the final mark for the programme.

Entry Requirements

For entry into the programme a relevant Honour’s degree with a result of 65% is normally required.

Programme Structure

The programme does not involve any formal lectures or class work or assessments (other than that of the thesis itself). The student performs an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisor culminating in a 110-140 page thesis. Two examiners (internal and external to the University) each assess the thesis individually in accordance to the standards prescribed by the University and the National Qualifications Framework (level 9). These standards are available in the University’s general yearbook (see http://www.sun.ac.za/university/jaarboek/). The outcomes of these assessments are considered by a Departmental committee which aggregates them and awards the final mark.

How to Apply

Step 1

The first step in applying for the MA (Socio-Informatics) is to request, through e-mail, supervision from one of the academic staff members (supervisors) in the Department of Information Science. Applicants can find information about the supervisors and their research areas on the Staff page. It is important to identify a supervisor that is knowledgeable in the area the applicant plans to conduct research. Applicants are advised, accordingly, to familiarise themselves with supervisors’ research backgrounds and publications before requesting supervision (links are available on the Staff page).

Supervisers will ask applicants to furnish them with information and/or a research proposal to inform their decision about accepting/rejecting supervision requests.

Step 2

Once a staff member has agreed to supervise an applicant for the MA (Socio-Informatics) programme, the applicant can formally apply to the university. Information about this procedure is available at the post-graduate programmes website.

Programme Enquiries

Daniel le Roux (Programme Coordinator)
[email protected]