If you are looking to deepen your expertise and explore advanced research in fields such as Communications and Media, Criminal Justice and Criminology, International Studies, Philosophy, or Sociology, the Master of Philosophy in Arts (MPhil Arts) at Emeris offers the ideal pathway. Purposefully designed to foster innovation and intellectual rigour, this research-focused programme empowers you to tailor your study to align with your professional interests and aspirations.
A key strength of the MPhil Arts is its industry relevance and academic excellence. You will be paired with a leading researcher who will mentor you through the process of designing and conducting your study, culminating in a research thesis that contributes meaningfully to your chosen field.
Throughout the programme, you will develop in-demand skills such as critical thinking, advanced problem-solving, data analysis and management, and academic communication, qualities highly valued in both academia and professional industries. The curriculum also supports employability outcomes, equipping graduates to lead with confidence in specialised roles or to progress into doctoral studies.
Postgraduate research at Emeris is grounded in the following core objectives:
This degree is designed for individuals who are intellectually curious, self-motivated, and ready to make a meaningful impact. Graduates will be able to approach complex issues with originality, communicate findings effectively, and apply their learning in autonomous, professional contexts.
On successful completion, students are awarded a prestigious Emeris qualification, signifying academic distinction and career readiness in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
An appropriate HEQSF Level 8 Honours degree; OR
A relevant Postgraduate Diploma or appropriate equivalent; OR
An appropriate Level 8 Bachelor’s Degree (480 credits) may also be recognised as meeting the minimum entry requirements to a cognate Master’s Degree programme.
A SAQA NQF L8 Evaluation Certificate in an appropriate field.
An overall qualification average of at least 65% is required, normally all applicants who are eligible for admission to the IIE Master of Philosophy in Arts degree are required to register for the Research Proposal Development Programme (SRPW0001). Successful completion of the Research Proposal Development Programme requires of applicants to complete and present a Research Proposal for approval at the Higher Degrees Committee. In order to register for the Research Proposal Development Programme, applicants develop and submit a relevant Statement of Intent for review and acceptance into the programme.
Applicants must clearly indicate upon admission in the Statement of Intent the core discipline they would like to focus on and provide evidence of having the relevant NQF8 background on these disciplines. The disciplines are:
As part of this programme you will be teamed with a leading researcher who will act as your supervisor and sounding board while you undertake your research study and write your thesis. This is a research degree enabling students to tailor their topic to speak directly to their own interests.
The programme consists of a Research Thesis, which carries a total of 180 credits.
For the Faculty of Humanities, the following qualifications allow you to articulate into the IIE Master of Philosophy in Arts should you meet the requirements:
For alternative articulation options within our other schools please contact your campus for further information.
Students who complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Arts Pathways may pursue further studies such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a related arts or humanities discipline, depending on their area of specialisation and research focus, and several reputable universities offer MPhil in Arts pathways that often lead directly into PhD study. Graduates may work in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, and take on roles like policy making and implementation, management, education and teaching, public health management, or research.
The IIE Master of Philosophy in Arts (Distance) 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 180-credit qualification on level 9 (SAQA ID: 79306).
Research degrees build skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, statistics and data management, knowledge transfer and effective leadership. Graduates may work in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, and take on roles like policy making and implementation, management, education and teaching, public health management, or research.
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.
For students based in South Africa, online students may select any campus of The 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.
Duration
2 years part-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.
