An extreme lack of resources coupled with a poor economic situation has made The Gambia a poor choice for those seeking a degree in higher education. Though the number of educated Gambians is on the rise, it is still far lower than the international average.

A Master of Science or MSc is a postgraduate degree typically in the fields of sciences and social sciences. MSc may be course-based, research-based, or a mixture of the two.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.