The IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Brand Building, available at Emeris, is designed for the student who may not have an undergraduate degree (NQF level 7 qualification) in brand or marketing communication or management but aims to obtain an NQF level 8 qualification specifically in the field of brand building.
Postgraduate Diploma programmes are typically undertaken by students and working individuals wishing to add a dimension to their fields of undergraduate study, or to enable a change in career path. Students from various undergraduate fields will be introduced to the concepts of brand and brand building, and the importance of brand communication in growing a business. Students will participate in a ‘live’ brand challenge where they will develop and present a brand communication strategy to a real-world client. The programme includes a research module and project to support students enroll for a Master’s degree, subject to meeting the admission requirements, should they wish to continue their studies.
Note: This programme is not designed for students who already have a three-year undergraduate qualification in the field of brand management or communication from Emeris as the module content is similar.
Minimum Admission Requirements
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.
Year 1 – Semester 1
Brand and Business
The module focusses on the relationship between brand, marketing, and business that guides planning for brand building. Students will consider macro, market, and microenvironments, as context for leveraging holistic brand and business strategies. Emphasis will be placed on profiling target markets and determining objectives on which to base strategic decisions regarding brand offerings, logistics, and pricing options.
Year 1 – Semester 2
Principles of Brand Building
Students will develop an understanding of the core frameworks, principles, and concepts used for constructing and building purposeful brand identities and architecture. The role of brands in adding value to stakeholders and society will be explored utilising design and systemic thinking to develop innovative brand building solutions. The principles of brand leadership and brand management will be discussed.
Brand Contact and Communication
Students will construct integrated brand communications plans driven by positioning statements derived from brand elements and stakeholder insights. A variety of communication tools and platforms will be assessed, including advertising, public relations, sponsorship, and promotions. Emphasis is placed on practical application in context of a multichannel ever-changing communication landscape.
Year 2 – Semester 1
Channel Planning and Digital Media
This module exposes students to the various media channels and platforms available for the practical implementation of a brand communications plan. Both ‘traditional’ and ‘digital’ media options will be evaluated, and a multichannel approach is taken to communicating coherent and authentic brand messages to various stakeholder audiences across multiple contact points. 'Digital’ media options will be evaluated, and a multichannel approach is taken to communicating coherent and authentic brand messages to various stakeholder audiences across multiple contact points.
Research Methodology
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the process of research and to develop their understanding of the techniques of gathering, analysing, interpreting, and evaluating data. Emphasis is placed on a controlled application of methods and techniques to solve a practical problem in the field of brand building. This module introduces the ways in which the processes and outcomes of research can be constructively embedded within professional practices.
Year 2 – Semester 2
Integrated Planning for Brand Building
This module provides further opportunity to apply theory covered in all programme modules to a given practical brand building scenario. Student teams will engage in the development and execution of original and meaningful solutions to briefs provided by members of industry. Emphasis is placed on research-based collaboration and ideation to develop practical innovative solutions which could be implemented in the workplace.
The successful completion of the IIE PGDip in Brand Building enables you to progress into IIE MA in Creative Brand Leadership delivered at Emeris, subject to meeting the admission requirements.
The IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Brand Building is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF 8) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA ID 111309).
Jobs in this field:
Brand Communications Planning and Management
Corporate Communications
Product Management
Marketing Coordination
Client Services
Customer Relations
Experiential Marketing
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 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
January
Campuses
Mode/s of study
Information
Explore your options, plan your future, and discover life at SA’s top private institution.
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.
