IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication - (Distance)

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 completed Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, or a Communication-specific discipline at NQF Level 7 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 Arts Honours in Communication consists of six core modules at NQF Level 8, totaling 120 credits

• 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.
• Contemporary Communication Practices: This module explores the transformative nature of the organisational communication environment and provides students with the knowledge and skills to produce innovative and effective communication content within an organisation. Contemporary communication practices are examined and applied in order to develop a broad range of skills that will enhance expertise in organisational communication.

• Critical Studies: The purpose of this module is to develop informed citizens who will engage critically, ethically, and creatively with the world around them. Students will examine communication contexts including mass media, new media and popular culture to explore their social, political, economic and ethical impact on society. Emphasis is placed on the critical thinking and analytical skills required to analyse how communication industries not only reflect culture but also construct and reshape it. These skills will be developed through an in-depth grounding in critical theory and through the analysis of changing communication landscapes and their broader cultural implications.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Articulation options

For the Faculty of Humanities, the following qualifications allow you to articulate into the IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication should you meet the requirements:

• Master of Arts in Digital Communication
• Master of Philosophy in Arts

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

Study further with our pathways

A IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication provides a strong foundation for various academic and professional advancement opportunities. Graduates can pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master’s Degree (MA or MPhil) in Communication or Media Studies, which deepen theoretical and research expertise in fields like media analysis, political communication, or digital media. Others may opt for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to transition into leadership roles in marketing or corporate strategy. For those inclined toward academic research or journalism, a Master of Philosophy in Journalism or Digital Media allows for in-depth exploration of emerging media technologies and ethical practices.

Accreditation

The IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication 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 120-credit qualification on level 8 (SAQA ID No. 98032)

Career opportunities

This degree is a perfect steppingstone to a diverse and exciting range of Communication-related career opportunities including but not limited to:

• Communication accounts administration
• Communication consulting
• Relationship management
• Research (with further postgraduate studying)
• Communication management
• Media consulting
• Social media communication
• Internal Communication audits
• Lecturing

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.

On-Campus written examination venue information

For students based in South Africa, online students may select any campus of Emeris as their Examination Centre.

An alternative examination centre is only permissible for students studying abroad and those located in a province of South Africa where there is no Emeris campus. If there is no Emeris campus within reach, an alternative venue will need to be sourced by you. For non-Emeris venues, there is an alternative venue levy per module.

Please note, once the examination venue is selected and confirmed, it cannot be changed within eight weeks prior to the summative examination.

Device and connectivity specifications required for online study

• Reliable internet connection (we recommend 5-10 GB of data per month and an internet speed of at least 0.15 Mbps). 
• Desktop PC or laptop with at least an i3 processor and 4GB RAM memory.
• Windows 8 or MacOS 10.15 (Microsoft Office 365 is available as a free download for IIE Emeris students), and Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge Chromium or Firefox.
• A working webcam and microphone.
• An uninterrupted power supply is also highly recommended.
• Exams are written at an exam centre and in some instances online. These details will be specified in your programme assessment schedule.