MASTER'S PROGRAM IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND LIBRARY SCIENCE (RESEARCH ORIENTATION)

Issued pursuant to Decision No. 2133/QD-XHNV dated April 21, 2026, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

PART I: GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Some information about the training program

- Name of the major

+ Vietnamese name: Information Science - Library Science

+ English name: Library and Information Science

- Name of the training program

+ Vietnamese name: Information Science

+ English name: Information Science

- Training program code:8320202

- Language of instruction:Vietnamese

- Standard training duration:2 years

- Name of diploma after graduation

+ Vietnamese: Master's degree in Information Science

+ English: The Degree of Master in Information Science

2. Objectives of the training program

2.1. General Objectives

The Master's degree program in Information and Library Science aims to provide students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary knowledge base in social sciences and humanities linked to information science. It also updates students on modern theories, models, and research methods in the field of information and library science, particularly new methods and technologies based on digital technology and artificial intelligence. This enhances their research capabilities, critical thinking, innovation, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems in information and library science within the context of digital transformation and international integration. Students will be able to apply interdisciplinary and specialized knowledge to analyze and evaluate practical issues in information and library operations from an information science perspective, adapt to their chosen profession, develop themselves after graduation, and possess the capacity to pursue doctoral studies and engage in lifelong learning.

2.2. Specific Objectives

- Specific Objective 1(O01): This training program provides learners with a comprehensive and in-depth foundation of knowledge in information and library science; mastering modern theories, models, and research methods in the field, especially in the areas of digital resource and data management, digital libraries, knowledge management, information policies and strategies, information users in the digital environment, intellectual property rights, open educational resources, and the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in information and library science.

- Specific Objective 2(O02): The training program helps learners to proficiently apply scientific research methods in the field of information science - library science and related social sciences; develop skills in analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating scientific information; design, implement and evaluate information and library activities, products and services; effectively apply digital technology and artificial intelligence; and communicate research results and organize and manage professional activities in a digital environment.

- Specific Objective 3(O03): The training program helps learners develop the capacity to work independently and in teams, proactively propose and implement professional initiatives; adhere to professional ethics and research ethics; self-direct professional development and lifelong learning; and be responsible for the quality of research results, services, and professional activities in information and library organizations.

3. Admission Information

3.1. Admission methods

Admission is based on the regulations of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi).

3.2. Eligibility Criteria:

3.2.1. Regarding qualifications

- Applicants must possess a university degree (or equivalent qualification or higher) in a relevant field with a GPA of "good" or higher, or have published scientific papers related to their field of study or research. If applicants require supplementary education, this must be completed before applying.

- Diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions must undergo recognition procedures in accordance with the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.2.2. Regarding foreign language proficiency

- Possess foreign language proficiency (in one of the following languages: English, Russian, Chinese, French, or German) meeting the requirements of the training program at level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam. Foreign language proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following diplomas or certificates:

+ A university degree or higher in a foreign language; or a university degree or higher where the program is primarily conducted in a foreign language;

+ A university degree or higher awarded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, within the last two years, where the program's output meets the requirements of level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;

+ A foreign language proficiency certificate equivalent to level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, or equivalent, valid for 2 years from the date of the foreign language exam to the date of signing the master's entrance exam, issued by institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The head of the training unit or the Rector of the University of Foreign Languages ​​will assess and be responsible for the authenticity of foreign language certificates issued by foreign organizations before recognizing their equivalence;

- Applicants who are foreign citizens must have a Vietnamese language proficiency level of 4/6 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners, or have graduated from a university (or equivalent qualification or higher) where the training program was taught in Vietnamese; and meet the requirements for a second foreign language as stipulated by the training program (if any).

3.2.3. Other conditions

- A clean personal record, not currently serving a sentence or higher in any legal penalty, and not currently serving a criminal sentence, as confirmed by the human resources department of the workplace or the local government where the individual resides.

- I am healthy enough to study.

- Meet other conditions (if any) as required by VNU, for each admission year.

- Commitment to fulfilling financial obligations during the training process as stipulated by the training institution.

3.3. List of suitable industries

- This field is in the same group as Information Science.

- The field of study is defined in the training program standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

- For cases where there are no established training program standards for the corresponding field or group of disciplines, the specialized unit must have a scientific and practical basis, determined by the Scientific and Training Council of the specialized unit and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to identify the discipline with the closest professional foundation to the training program and determine the corresponding supplementary courses (if needed); report to VNU before enrollment and be responsible for this professional evaluation.

3.4. Projected enrollment size

- According to the quotas granted annually by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (expected 10-12 students/year).

- The detailed admission plan is implemented according to the Admission Regulations, the annual postgraduate admission guidelines of VNU, and the admission scheme of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities approved by VNU (if any).

PART II: LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Knowledge Output Standards

PLO 01.This study analyzes the theories, models, and principles of library and information science in relation to interdisciplinary knowledge in the social sciences and humanities, explaining the issues of the information and library field in the digital environment based on a scientific worldview and philosophical methodology.

PLO 02.Evaluating information policies and strategies, and models for managing digital resources, quality management, and digital libraries in the context of digital transformation, based on scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and theoretical and practical analysis.

2. Skill Output Standards

PLO 03.Data and information analysis aims to develop solutions for information management and library service development, based on the application of appropriate scientific research processes and methods, combined with suitable approaches.

PLO 04.Designing information and library products and services based on professional standards, digital technology, multimedia, open educational resources, and artificial intelligence, serving information science research, data analysis, and decision support on a clear theoretical and methodological basis.

PLO5.Achieving a foreign language proficiency level equivalent to level 4 of the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam (B2 CEFR) is essential for applying language skills in researching professional documents, writing scientific reports, and presenting and discussing specialized issues.

3. Output standards regarding autonomy and responsibility.

PLO 06.Demonstrate a sense of responsibility and expertise in leading, guiding research, and coordinating and mentoring teams to implement, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness of information and library activities within professional and academic environments.

PLO 07.We are committed to adhering to personal, professional, and research ethical standards in the process of making expert opinions, conclusions, and recommendations in the field of information and library science.

4. Job positions that students can take on after graduation.

After graduation, students can take on positions such as: information and digital resource management specialist; information and library service development and evaluation specialist; information policy and strategy specialist; research officer in institutes and universities; or manager of libraries, information centers, and digital transformation projects. These positions require the ability to analyze and synthesize information; design and implement services; apply digital technology and AI; communicate research results; evaluate and improve professional activities; and possess leadership, guidance, and ethical conduct. They can also participate in teaching and supervising undergraduate programs in information and library science at educational institutions both domestically and internationally.

5. Opportunities for further learning and professional development after graduation.

Graduates have the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in fields such as information and library science, data science, applied information technology, communication, educational management, or social sciences and humanities. In addition, students can participate in advanced training programs in data management, digital libraries, AI, OER, service design, knowledge management, and quality management. The foundation of knowledge and research skills enables graduates to sustain lifelong learning, stay up-to-date with new technological trends, and advance their careers in both academic and practical environments.

PART III: TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT

Note:One credit is equivalent to 50 hours of student-standard learning, including time spent observing lectures, guided learning, self-study, research, experiences, and participating in tests and assessments; for classroom teaching activities, one credit requires a minimum of 15 hours of lectures or 30 hours of practical work, experiments, and discussions, with one classroom hour counted as 50 minutes.

(1): Theory

(2): Practice, Experiment, Discussion

(3): Internship, Research, Self-study with assessment