Varsity College IIE Diploma in Public Relations

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Varsity College IIE Diploma in Public Relations

Introduction to IIE Diploma in Public Relations
Click here to download a detailed fact sheet about this programme.
A vital component to the success of any organisation is the strength of the relationship that it maintains with its various stakeholders. Maintaining this relationship requires technical skill, effective communication and strategic thinking. The Diploma in Public Relations is a three year programme with a strong emphasis on the theoretical aspects and hands on practical elements of Public Relations. This Diploma considers professional practice within the PR sector as a key area to ensure that those in the communication environment, and particularly specialising in PR, are trained and skilled to contribute to the communication sector within Southern Africa.

Who is this Diploma aimed at?

If you aspire to become a PR consultant, promote or manage an organisation’s public image and build relationships with key stakeholders.
Liaising with the media, planning and organising events, writing and editing press releases as well as producing organisational publications, are all activities that you should be interested in. You must also like working with people and have good organisational skills.

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What is this Diploma’s accreditation status?

The IIE’s Diploma in Public Relations is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a 360-credit qualification on level 6 (SAQA ID: 88523).

What does PRISA endorsement mean?

This qualification is endorsed by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA). The endorsement of this qualification is an indication to the marketplace that a formal process has been undertaken to ensure that the qualification offered is of a high quality and has met the criteria laid down by the authorising body. PRISA is recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as the professional body for Public Relations and Communication Management.

What entry requirements will I need to study this Diploma?

  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Diploma admission- A minimum of 30 % for English coupled with a minimum of 40% for four x 20 credit subjects is required; OR
  • A National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) with Diploma admission – A minimum of 50 % in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level AND Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy AND Life Orientation – a minimum of 60% in the three compulsory vocational subjects is required; OR
  • A Senior Certificate (SC) (without endorsement) or equivalent– A minimum of five subjects must be passed; OR
  • Alternatively a Higher Certificate (or equivalent) or Advanced Certificate in a cognate field may satisfy the minimum admission requirements to diploma studies.

If a Higher Certificate (or equivalent) or Advanced Certificate is not in a cognate field, then at least 20 % of the credits of such qualification must relate to academic literacy or academic skills in order for an applicant to be admitted to diploma studies. Such applications will be reviewed by the relevant HoF at The IIE CAT in collaboration with the Registrar.
If you are an international student, you must ensure that:

  • you have an equivalent qualification to the aforementioned;
  • your equivalent qualification is evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);
  • you have a valid study visa issued in the name of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) that covers the duration of your studies.
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Other considerations
Mature Age Exemption:

  • Candidates must have attempted the Senior Certificate, attained the age of 23 before or during the first year of registration with three years’ work experience and proven ability relating to the proposed programme as well as adequate communication skills; OR
  • Candidates must have attained the age of 45 before or during the first year of registration.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Demonstrate suitability for admission in terms of Senate’s resolution 6.6 of 20 October 2005 which allows for Senate’s discretionary conditional admission (if applicable).
Please note, requirements for entry to this qualification are correct at the time of printing, however, these may change. At the time of registration, please check that the entry requirements have not changed.

How is this Diploma structured at Varsity College?

The Diploma in Public Relations is offered over three years and consists of 29 modules including Work- Integrated Learning modules, which are aimed at providing you with the necessary practical skills to enable you to be ready for the world of work. The academic year runs from February to November. The modules are delivered on a full-time basis with lectures offered from Monday to Friday. In addition to attending lectures, you will be expected to spend time conducting your own research and working on assignments.
To gain the most from the blended learning experience and VC’s Wireless classrooms and campuses, students are required to BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) mobile device – netbook, laptop or tablet – to develop the necessary academic and digital literacies over the duration of this qualification.

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What must I pass in order to graduate with this Diploma?

In order to be awarded this qualification, you must have achieved a minimum final year mark of fifty percent (50%) for each module of the programme; and have met all the Work Integrated Learning requirements, where applicable.

What qualification will I obtain?

On successful completion of the qualification you will graduate with a Diploma in Public Relations conferred by The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) and endorsed by PRISA.

Career opportunities: what career areas can I pursue after I have completed this Diploma?

  • Event Management
  • Promotions
  • Media Liaison
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Communication
  • Consulting

Websites for you to visit:

Please click here to view the IIE’s terms and conditions
Click here to download a detailed fact sheet about this programme.
Click here to view our online brochures and find out more about our range of full time programmes and partnerships.