The field of Social Science focuses on understanding people, society, and culture, equipping individuals to make informed decisions as active citizens in a culturally diverse and interconnected world. It encompasses disciplines that explore how the mind functions, how people behave within societies, and the effects of their actions on others and the environment. Employers value graduates who are adaptable, well-informed, and possess strong communication and analytical skills. The IIE Bachelor of Social Science offered at Emeris is specifically designed to cultivate these qualities.
As the world of work evolves rapidly, students must adopt a global perspective and remain flexible to thrive. This programme provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that graduates can apply directly in the workplace or build upon through Honours or Postgraduate studies.
Students can choose one of the following core discipline combinations in the Bachelor of Social Science degree:
Graduates with a social science degree develop versatile skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers, including journalism and publishing, business research and analysis, public relations and marketing, human resources, training and development, administration, public or civil service, diplomacy, policymaking, social and community services, counselling, social welfare, and psychological services.
For alternative admission options, please click here or reach out to student recruitment. Please note, requirements for entry to this qualification are correct at the time of publication, however, these may change.
(Please note that module selection may depend on electives chosen. For more information, please view the factsheet).
For the Faculty of Humanities, the following qualifications allow you to articulate into the IIE Bachelor of Social Science should you meet the requirements:
For alternative articulation options within our other schools please contact your campus for further information.
The IIE Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) is a flexible undergraduate degree that explores human behavior, society, and the systems that influence our world. It offers a range of study pathways tailored to your interests and career aspirations. Depending on your chosen field, you can deepen your expertise through postgraduate options such as Honours, Master's, or Postgraduate Diplomas.
The IIE Bachelor of Social Science degree is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a 360-credit qualification on level 7 (SAQA ID: 90905).
Graduates of the IIE Bachelor of Social Science degree will be well-equipped with advanced communication, analytical, and adaptable thinking skills that prepare them for a wide range of career opportunities. With these competencies, they can pursue roles in fields such as research and analysis, marketing and advertising, criminal justice, public and civil services, diplomacy, public policy-making, and social and community services. Employment opportunities may be found in government departments (such as Justice and International Relations and Cooperation), universities, museums, SANParks, development agencies, non-governmental organisations, and consultancy firms. Some may choose self-employment or work in specialised areas like restorative justice, victim counselling, employee assistance programmes, or addressing environmental challenges through fieldwork. The degree also opens pathways into international relations, foreign policy, politics, psychology, counselling, and academic research, making it a truly versatile and valuable qualification.
At Emeris, we believe that effective teaching is about creating experiences that foster student growth. Our academic team design activities that challenge students and identify their strengths, allowing for real-time adaptation in the learning journey. By combining subject expertise with teaching insights and digital tools, we extend learning beyond the classroom. This approach ensures students not only keep up but thrive.
Duration
3 years full-time
Intakes
February
Campuses
Mode/s of study
Information
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An educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education
Formed by the strategic evolution of The IIE's Varsity College, IIE MSA, Vega and
the School of Hospitality and Service Management, uniting under the Emeris name.
Emeris is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07. View certificate here.
