IIE Bachelor of Social Science

The field of Social Science relates to the understanding of people, society and culture. This field of study enables people to make decisions as informed citizens of a culturally diverse interconnected world. Social sciences are a group of disciplines that focus on how the mind works, how people behave in society, and the impact their behaviour has on one another, other societies and the environment. Employers seek flexible, well-informed graduates who are sophisticated communicators and analytical thinkers. The Bachelor of Social Science offered at IIE VC and IIEMSA is designed to enable students to develop such qualities. The world of work is changing rapidly, and students need to take a global outlook and be adaptable in order to succeed. This programme provides a rich basis of skills and knowledge for graduates to apply directly within the workplace, or to build on through further studies in Honours or a postgraduate programme. The IIE Bachelor of Social Science degree provides students with a choice of ONE of the following core discipline combinations:

• International Studies and Political Studies, or
• Geography & Environmental Science and Development Studies, or
• Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice, or
• Criminology & Criminal Justice and Sociology, or
• Psychology and Sociology

For admission requirements please click here

SAQA ID: 90905
NQF level 7 (360 credits)

With the skills and knowledge developed through their degree, graduates will be equipped to apply for positions in a diverse range of fields such as research and analysis, public or civil services, diplomacy, public policy-making, and social and community services. They may gain employment in institutions such as government departments, universities, the Department of Justice, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, museums, development agencies and non-governmental organisations, SANParks. They may also be self-employed or work for consultancy firms.

At The IIE's Varsity College we are proud of and passionate about our shift away from the 'traditional lecturing' methodology to our blended-learning strategy – the VC Blend.

This blended-learning strategy extends learning beyond the confines of the classroom and creates opportunities for our students to work collaboratively, with peers and their educators, to construct their understanding of concepts. Student engagement is supported by the use of a learning management system (LMS) and the online learning materials that have been developed to underpin our teaching strategy.

Due to the VC Blend approach, you will be expected to spend time conducting your own research, study for assessments and work on assignments. To gain the most from the blended learning experience, VC's Wireless classrooms and campuses, students are required to BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) such as mobile devices, netbooks, laptops or tablets, etc. so as to develop the necessary academic and digital literacies over the three years of this qualification.

This student-focused approach compels our students to be accountable for their learning while developing the critical skills they will need to thrive in the rapidly changing 21st century work environment.

As such, academic life for our students is dynamic, challenging and relevant.

The IIE Bachelor of Social Science degree provides students with a choice of ONE of the following core discipline combinations:

• International Studies and Political Studies, or
• Geography & Environmental Science and Development Studies, or
• Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice, or
• Criminology & Criminal Justice and Sociology, or
• Psychology and Sociology

The IIE is not only accredited in South Africa but its dedication to providing quality education also led to it being accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) in 2014. The British Accreditation Council is an independent authority in the United Kingdom that accredits private providers globally, including Greece, Switzerland, Singapore, India, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates. In 2017 The IIE had its accreditation status confirmed by the BAC as an Independent Higher Education Institution confirming our confidence in the international comparability of our standards.

South African students need to know, when they select a private higher education institution, that the standards offered are equivalent to those of a public University. Our students get this from our extensive local accreditation and registration. The students also benefit from knowing that we meet international standards too. The IIE is accredited as an Independent Higher Education Institution by the British Accreditation Council. Locally and internationally we have demonstrated the quality of what we offer.

The IIE’s Varsity College students can be confident that their IIE learning experience meets international best practice standards.