IIE Bachelor of Social Science Honours

Admission requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements:

An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree OR

An appropriate Advanced Diploma provided that a 360 credit Diploma or appropriate equivalent has been completed.

Candidates must have modules at NQF Level 7 in the same discipline for which the candidate is requesting Honours admission (e.g. Communication and Media Studies or Criminology and Criminal Justice or Geography and Environmental Science or International Studies or Psychology or Sociology) and a foundation research module at the undergraduate level, preferably at NQF Level 7.

Those who have not completed a foundation research module at undergraduate level will be required to do The IIE Introduction to Research SLP and need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic research before they can commence with their research report. Candidates are normally required to have a minimum final year average of 60% in the qualifications final-year (NQF L7) module. Those with a final year average of 55 - 59% will be admitted if they attained an average of 60% or higher for the designated cognate/core discipline modules at final-year (NQF L7) level.

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.

Curriculum

The IIE Bachelor of Social Science Honours consists of six core modules per discipline at NQF Level 8, totaling 120 credits.

Communication and Media Studies Discipline

Year 1 Semester 1

• Communication Theory - This module critically examines a range of key communication theories that frame the Communication Discipline and emphasises the symbiotic relationship between theory and research. Rigorous analysis of key communication theories leads students to a deeper understanding of the relevance of these approaches within varied contexts, thereby supporting the development of the critical reasoning skills essential for bridging the gap between theory and practice. Communication theories within this module are drawn from, but are not limited to, the socio-cultural, sociopsychological, semiotic and critical traditions.
• Meta-theories and Knowledge Production – The purpose of this module is to explore the production of theories and knowledge. By considering the relationship between paradigms, meta-theories and theories students will investigate the cyclical and reciprocal nature of the development of knowledge. Theoretical and paradigmatic concepts, constructs and assumptions are used to analyse the application of meta-theories to individuals, societies, states or/and local and global systems.
• Research Methodology for the Human Sciences - The purpose of this module is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking required to design, conduct, and evaluate research at an honours level. Emphasizing both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the module fosters an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of various research techniques. Students will engage with contemporary debates in research methodology, develop proficiency in selecting appropriate methods, and enhance their ability to critically analyze research findings. Through this module, students will gain the necessary tools to conduct independent research, ensuring they are well-prepared for their own research projects in their respective fields.

Year 1 Semester 2

• Strategic Organisational Communication and Leadership - The purpose of this module is for students to gain the knowledge required to be innovative and responsible communication professionals and leaders, able to apply ethical communication-related strategic decision-making within an organisational context. Principles of strategic thinking, communication strategy and ethics will be evaluated and applied to given organisational scenarios. Focus is placed on the skills necessary to not only effectively plan a communication strategy but also to reflect on communication practices within organisations and to propose innovative solutions to communication problems in business contexts.
• Emergent Media and Communication Practices - The purpose of this module is to explore and critique emergent media and communication trends and practices within the context of Industry 4.0, Web 2.0 – 3.0, and the creative industries. Diverse utopian and dystopian perspectives and theories and their implications will be studied. The module aims to analyse how the emergent and ubiquitous mediascape and creative industries may inform communication and media practices within diverse contexts.

Year Module

• Research Project for the Human Sciences - The purpose of this module is to guide students in the application of research methodologies to the development of a research project in their respective discipline. Students will build on theoretical knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods, integrating one of these methods into a coherent research design tailored to their research topic. Through this module, students will acquire practical skills in the formulation of research questions, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, while also engaging with ethical considerations in the research process. The module supports students in navigating the complexities of independent research, enabling them to produce a rigorous, well-founded research project that meets academic standards.

Criminology And Criminal Justice Discipline

Year 1 Semester 1

• Theoretical Perspectives of Criminology - This module critically examines various theoretical perspectives and frameworks used to explain crime and victimisation, and guides students to a deeper understanding of social reality. It provides a conceptual framework to highlight causal relationships between crime and victimisation, and the manner in which crime and victimisation are interrelated.
• Meta-theories and Knowledge Production – The purpose of this module is to explore the production of theories and knowledge. By considering the relationship between paradigms, meta-theories and theories students will investigate the cyclical and reciprocal nature of the development of knowledge.
• Research Methodology for the Human Sciences - Equips students with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking required to design, conduct, and evaluate research at an honours level. Emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Year 1 Semester 2

• Forensic Criminalistics - This module examines the practice of forensic science from a broad theoretical and applied perspective. Students will engage with and apply scientific methods to the recognition, collection, identification, comparison and preservation of physical evidence.
• Psycho-criminology - Explores psychological perspectives underpinning individual criminal behaviour and victimisation. Students will examine psychopathologies associated with offending and victimisation, and the interrelatedness of mental illness, offending, and victimisation.

Year Module

• Research Project for the Human Sciences - As above.

Geography And Environmental Science Discipline

Year 1 Semester 1

• Methodological and Philosophical Developments in Geography and Environmental Science - Exposes students to the theoretical foundations of Geography and Environmental Science and major methodological debates.
• Meta-theories and Knowledge Production – As above.
• Research Methodology for the Human Sciences - As above.

Year 1 Semester 2

• Global Climate Change and Adaptation - Provides students with a multi-disciplinary understanding of climate change, policy responses, and adaptation strategies globally and within specific contexts.
• Integrated Environmental and Social Risk Management: Policy and Practice - Equips students with principles, safeguard policies, frameworks, and tools for sustainable development.

Year Module

• Research Project for the Human Sciences - As above.

International Studies Discipline

Year 1 Semester 1

• Theories of International Relations - Gives students advanced understanding of major IR theories, debates, and tools to analyse world politics.
• Meta-theories and Knowledge Production – As above.
• Research Methodology for the Human Sciences - As above.

Year 1 Semester 2

• The Globalisation of Human Rights - Explores human rights discourse since 1945, focusing on universal justice vs. local understandings, especially from an African perspective.
• International Political Economy - Examines politics and markets at the international level, covering trade, institutions, and Africa’s role in the global economy.

Year Module

• Research Project for the Human Sciences - As above.

Psychology Discipline

Year 1 Semester 1

• Social Issues in Psychology - Explores psychology’s contribution to contemporary social issues in Southern Africa.
• Psychological Testing and Assessment – Expands conceptual understanding of theories, principles, and methods of psychological assessment in multicultural contexts.
• Research Methodology for the Human Sciences - As above.

Year 1 Semester 2

• Therapeutic Interventions - Provides an overview of counselling and psychotherapy approaches, values, and ethical considerations.
• Psychopathology - Examines classification, development, treatment, and prevention of psychological problems, with cultural considerations.

Year Module

• Research Project for the Human Sciences - As above.

Sociology Discipline

Year 1 Semester 1

• Social and Structural Inequality - Deepens analytical skills for examining inequality in South Africa and other African societies.
• Meta-theories and Knowledge Production – As above.
• Research Methodology for the Human Sciences - As above.

Year 1 Semester 2

• Organisation, Work, and Occupation - Introduces sociology of work and theoretical perspectives on the workplace.
• Sociology and Social Policy - Provides knowledge on social policies, problems, and the role of state/NGOs/private sector in addressing them.

Year Module

• Research Project for the Human Sciences - As above.

Articulation options

For the Faculty of Humanities, the following qualification allows you to articulate into the IIE Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours should you meet the requirements:

• IIE Bachelor of Social Sciences
• IIE Bachelor of Arts.

For alternative articulation options within our other schools please contact your campus for further information.

Study further with our pathways

When you have completed a IIE Bachelor of Social Science Honours, you are well-positioned for a variety of postgraduate and professional study pathways, depending on your specialisation. Here are the most common options:

Specialised options include:

• MA in Development Studies
• MA in Industrial Sociology
• MA in International Relations
• MA in Gender Studies
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Social Work - if social work wasn’t your Honours major, a bridging course may be needed
• Master of Urban and Regional Planning

You can progress to a Master of Social Science (MSocSci) in your Honours discipline, or branch into a related field:

• MSocSci by Research – Ideal if you want to pursue a PhD later.
• MSocSci by Coursework – Often includes practical training and limited research.

In addition, depending on your career aspirations, you might also consider pursuing alternative professional qualifications such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which provides the necessary training and credentials to teach in schools, particularly if you wish to enter the education sector after completing your IIE Bachelor of Social Science Honours.

Accreditation

The IIE Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) is accredited by the Council of Higher Education (CHE) and is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a 120-credit qualification on level 8 (SAQA ID: 90937).

Career opportunities

Sophisticated communication, analytical thinking and flexibility are the qualities you can expect to graduate with after completing the Bachelor of Social Science Honours degree offered at Emeris. With skills like these you will be equipped to move into expert roles in areas like:

• Journalism, publishing and writing
• Public relations, corporate communication, marketing and advertising
• Police, courts and corrections
• Management and administrative positions
• Public or civil service, diplomacy, foreign affairs, urban and environmental planning, public policy analysis
• Social and community services, counselling, social welfare and social research
• Teaching (with an additional teaching qualification) and education administration.

Teaching and Learning strategy

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.