VC FT Brochure 2021 PDF
VC FT Brochure 2021 PDF
IIE Diplomas
IIE Degrees
IIE Postgrads
Contents
Introduction..........................................01
The IIE's Varsity College Difference....02
The IIE.................................................08
Our Partners........................................12
Academic Schools...............................14
Academic Life......................................22
Academic Teams.................................24
Finding Balance ..................................26
Get Sporty...........................................29
Social & Cultural Life...........................30
Preparing for Your Career...................32
1
The IIE's Varsity College
Difference
No doubt you’ve done your homework and looked Because that’s what’s going to give you the edge
at a few educational institutions and what they in the New World.
offer. Quite a lot of choices, aren’t there? You’ve
probably skimmed through a few brochures like Everything you need to know about The IIE’s
this one and asked yourself: What should I study? Varsity College is in this brochure including:
Where should I study?
• The IIE Full-Time qualifications available
But the real question to ask is this: is the institution
you’re contemplating studying at stuck in the past? • Our progressive approach to teaching
Or will it give you the skills you need to succeed in and learning
the New World? • Our holistic student offering
• Finance options for your studies
At The IIE’s Varsity College, we go beyond
knowledge to teach you skills like critical thinking
and problem solving. We teach you how to think.
2
At a Glance Through The IIE’s accreditation with the British
The IIE’s Varsity College was founded over 25 Accreditation Council (BAC), you can be assured
years ago. Today it is at the forefront of private that your learning experience at The IIE’s Varsity
tertiary education in South Africa. College meets international best
practice standards.
• The IIE offers postgrads, degrees, diplomas and
higher certificates at Varsity College campuses. A Proven Track Record
Our national pass rate is 88%, our distinction rate
• The IIE has established a partnership with The
is 27% and our drop-out rate is less than 15% –
Open University (OU) and is accredited by the
impressive considering the national dropout rate is
British Accreditation Council (BAC).
over 40% for all higher education institutions.
3
Thinking for a
New World
Internet connectivity, the ease of information Today’s employers are looking for a new set of
access, social networks and mobility have skills. In fact, the most sought after skills are
transformed the working world, and thus how critical thinking and problem solving. Which is
we teach and learn. The New World brings precisely what we focus on – because we know
with it not only a new set of challenges, but these are the skills that will help you succeed in
infinite possibilities. the New World.
Our Approach
to Learning
Ours is a more progressive approach, focused on • Develop critical thinking and problem
the skills you need to succeed in the New World. solving skills
Academic life, we believe, should be as relevant
• Ask the right questions
and participative as possible – a dynamic, two-way
exchange. This enables you to:
This collaborative approach teaches you how to
think, and to ask the right questions. We call it
• Engage with subject material
New World Thinking.
• Build understanding
4
The VCBlend
Changes in the way the world works have altered The VCBlend develops personalised learning
how we approach teaching. skills and comprises:
We’ve moved away from the traditional lecture • Face-to-Face (F2F) Sessions
room teaching style towards what we call the
• Online Sessions
VCBlend – a teaching strategy where the lecturer
is no longer the focus; rather, the student is at the • Guided Self-Study
centre of the learning process.
… all geared towards students becoming
The student participates in the learning process independent, self-directed learners.
with the lecturer as a facilitator, ensuring that the
student is no longer passive, but actively engaged.
5
VCLearn
To best support the VCBlend, we’ve introduced Lecturers can draw on technologies during
an internationally renowned online Learning lectures and engage with students, both inside and
Management System re-branded as VCLearn. outside the lecture room through online spaces like
VCLearn is an online learning platform that VCLearn and Blogs.
enables students to apply theory to real
life scenarios. Every student has a voice in the learning
community and an opportunity to collaborate,
Students and lecturers can focus on Digital create and critically reflect. The result? A set of
literacies and fluencies as new digital learning skills that will help students demonstrate their
media and Web 2.0 and 3.0 applications are theoretical knowledge in practice – a decided
incorporated into VCLearn. advantage in the job market.
6
MOOCs
These are Massive, Open, Online Courses offered topics such as Personal Branding, Social Media
by highly reputable institutions – including The and Emotional Intelligence.
IIE’s Varsity College. The courses range from
a few days to a few months and are either self- Web and Digital Literacies – 6 activity-driven
paced or guided by an online tutor. learning units designed to grow digital know-how
and develop skills critical for the New World.
MOOCs grow your personal and professional
skills … and look pretty good on a CV too! Digital Citizenship – fluencies and skills needed
to be a digital citizen in the New World.
We offer 3 MOOCs:
A Work Readiness Programme – ideal for exit Access the MOOCs via the VCLearn platform.
level students but open to anyone interested in
Guided Self-Study
Key to the VCBlend is access to technology for For those who don’t own terminals, computer labs
students and lecturers alike. All campuses have and devices in the library ensure access.
Fibre, or an equivalent, creating high-speed
Campus Hotspot Zones (CHZs). The IIE's VC Mobile App gives direct access to
VCLearn anytime, anywhere on our CHZ.
CHZs ensure connectivity and enable the VCBlend
beyond the lecture room, creating an authentic Through cloud-based learning, mediated online and
blended learning experience. interactive F2F sessions, students are encouraged
to access VCLearn, making them active
To support this new learning mode, students are participants in the learning process.
encouraged to BYOT – Bring Your Own Technology.
7
The IIE
8
What The IIE is and
why it’s so important
The IIE is the The Independent Institute of Education. The IIE is responsible for the academic governance
Every Varsity College campus is an IIE campus. and quality assurance of all programmes delivered
through all its campuses.
Employability is a priority for students. The IIE uses an innovative graduate tracking study to monitor
the employability of its graduates. This information is used to inform the relevant Senate Committee and
shape the way future curricula and student support programmes are developed.
9
The IIE has six
Academic Faculties
• Information and Communications Technology
• Commerce
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Education Education
• Engineering, Science and Health
Social Sciences
nities
Huma
Engineering,
Science and Health
10
The BAC
The British Accreditation Council (BAC) is an Our students get this from our extensive local
independent authority in the United Kingdom accreditation and registration. Our students also
which accredits private providers globally including benefit from knowing that we meet international
Greece, Switzerland, Singapore, India, Mauritius, standards too. Locally and internationally we have
and the United Arab Emirates. demonstrated the quality of what we offer.”
Dr. Coughlan, Director of The Independent
The BAC accredited The IIE in 2014, and in 2017 Institute of Education.
The IIE had its accreditation status confirmed as
an Independent Higher Education Institution. Students can be confident that their
learning experience meets international best
“South African students need to know when they practice standards.
select a private higher education institution that
the standards are equivalent to a public university. For more information visit www.the-bac.org.
The Senate is the senior decision making body The remaining Senate seats are occupied mostly
that determines the policies and regulations by academics and includes representatives from
that govern all things academic at The IIE’s The IIE’s Varsity College. Senate Committees
Varsity College. oversee standards, teaching, learning, curricula
and assessment for over 90 accredited higher
It is chaired by the Director, who is also the education qualifications. The IIE’s Varsity College
Head of The IIE. The Director is assisted by the is represented on each of these committees.
Registrar, who is the Secretary of Senate.
11
Our Partners
We’ve established meaningful relationships • The joint development of opportunities
with corporate and education partners. They to participate in the growth of the Higher
are recognised as the best in industry-specific Education sector in Africa; and
education nationally and, in some cases,
• On-going opportunities for IIE students to
internationally and they allow us to provide students
have their credits recognised for access
with a range of qualifications and career choices.
to both undergraduate and postgraduate
qualifications abroad.
The Open University (OU)
12
13
Academic
Schools
14
There are 6 Academic Schools at The IIE’s Varsity
College, all aligned to The IIE’s academic governance,
structures and disciplines and part of their faculties:
• Management
• Finance and Accounting
• Law
• Education
• Psychology and Communication
• Information Technology
15
School of
Management
16
School of
Finance and Accounting
17
School of
Law
School of Law students take an active role in Our vision is to produce high performing, quality
creating meaningful change in the careers they graduates equipped to thrive in the New World of
pursue, developing skills in trial advocacy, critical the legal profession.
reasoning, conflict resolution and team work.
Small classes encourage debate and discussion
18
School of
Education
Graduates from the School of Psychology and It’s these skills that make our graduates so highly
Communication are equipped with advanced sought after in the New World.
written, spoken, analytical, critical thinking,
20
School of
Information Technology
21
Academic Life
Academic Staff Keeping you on Track
Our lecturers are highly qualified and, in many Progress is monitored by a Programme
instances, actively engage with their professional Coordinator – a lecturer who keeps an eye on your
field. As industry experts, they are committed to overall academic performance and can assist you
combining industry knowledge with teaching and with any challenges.
learning strategies, giving students insight into the
world of work. Putting it into Practice
Our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme
Lecturers connect in a vibrant online community gives you, guided by your WIL lecturers, the
to keep abreast of new technologies, to enhance opportunity to step outside of the lecture room and
learning and to network globally on progressive gain real insight into their chosen field of study.
teaching methods. They are guided by a campus- There are 2 components: Simulated Activity and
based support team which includes a Technology Working in Industry – and it’s not uncommon for
Enhanced Learning Champion (Innovative WIL students to be offered permanent positions
Educational Technologist) and teaching experts. post-graduation.
22
23
Academic
Teams
Head: Academics and Programme Managers Whether it’s time management, study skills,
At the helm of the academic team is the Head of assignment writing, applying the correct
Academics and the relevant Programme Manager referencing techniques to avoid plagiarism, or
(PM) of each School. By tracking results and exam preparation, students who use these
monitoring feedback from lecturers and students, services tend to show a marked improvement in
the Head of Academics and PMs ensure effective their results and reap the benefit of more
teaching and learning in the lecture rooms. The personalised attention.
Head of Academics is responsible for the collective
academic delivery on the campus and works Our Teaching and Learning Specialists also
closely with PMs to ensure appropriate and identify and nurture best teaching practice in
relevant teaching, learning and support. lecturers, and conduct peer reviews evaluating
teaching skills with the aim of improving
Academic Support delivery to students.
Working closely with the Head of Academics and
PMs are Teaching and Learning Specialists – Students have the opportunity to evaluate
passionate education experts who collaborate with lecturers’ teaching and the feedback is
students and lecturers. used to assist lecturers to enhance the
learning experience and to hone in on their
Students need the skills and academic literacy to lecturing skills.
develop their ability to write effectively using
informed sources, and to reflect critically on new The IIE’s Varsity College is always at the forefront
knowledge. Should you find yourself facing of the best learning and teaching practices,
challenges, a member of the academic team is delivering the highest quality lecture room
there to assist you at any time. experience to ensure your academic success.
24
Permanent Lecturers Student Wellbeing
Each Academic School has a team of qualified In addition to one-on-one consultations, SRMs are
permanent lecturers. Lecturing daily means responsible for the social, emotional, intellectual
that our lecturers constantly engage with their and physical wellbeing of students on campus.
subject matter. This enables them to provide
the necessary support when students struggle Students are encouraged to participate in
with challenging sections of the curriculum. awareness campaigns around substance abuse,
physical and mental health, family matters, gender
Student Relations Managers (SRMs) issues and the environment. SRMs also run
Students occasionally find themselves in crises, mentorship programmes and life skills workshops
struggling with relationship or family challenges or like VC101 that prepare students for the tertiary
even grappling with issues like drug or alcohol environment, and the Girltalk Programme where
addiction, pregnancy fears, study stress, gender female students discuss women’s issues.
issues or HIV/AIDS concerns.
Through support measures, and by tending to the
SRMs are qualified on-campus counsellors who social and emotional aspects of life, we can equip
listen, understand and treat conversations with the students with crucial life skills that will help them
utmost confidentiality. They are registered health thrive personally and socially.
professionals who promote the holistic
development of students, focusing on trauma
support, wellbeing, citizenship and community
engagement, and are assisted by the VC Cares
Committee and student volunteer body.
25
Finding
Balance
26
Learning goes beyond the lecture room. We believe
that finding the right balance between academics,
sports and social activities contributes to overall
academic success. That’s why our student offering
includes a variety of activities.
27
28
Get Sporty
Catering for the semi-professional, social athlete, the top tier of their local action leagues or,
team player or individual sportsman and woman, alternatively, you can enter your own team into the
we offer sporting programmes for everyone. To internal VC leagues.
participate in sport at The IIE’s Varsity College, you
must be registered with the VC Sports Club. There Lifestyle Sports Clubs
are many different sports clubs to get involved in. The VC Sports Club also offers social lifestyle
sports clubs like hiking, dodgeball and
VC SPORTS CLUB fitness clubs.
The VC Sports Club includes different types of
clubs: National Sports, Campus Team Sports, VC Sports Club Committee
Sports Life and Lifestyle Sports clubs. Not every The VC Sports Club is managed by the
campus offers the same sports clubs and the Campus Sports Coordinator who appoints Club
offering per campus depends on the available Administrators to run each Sports Club. Passionate
facilities. All major sports clubs offer expert students who have the knowledge and admin
coaching to students and most of the clubs’ 1st skills can be appointed Sports Club Administrator,
Teams compete in the top tier of their local leagues and will be responsible for organising training,
or competitions. scheduling racing opportunities, confirming team
lists and supporting beginners.
National Sports Clubs
The IIE’s Varsity College offers the following Major University Sport South Africa (USSA)
Sports Clubs to students, Alumni and the public: We participate in a variety of different USSA
tournaments annually: athletics, canoeing, golf,
VC Rugby Club netball, rugby (15s & 7s), surfing, water polo,
VC Water Polo Club cycling, football, hockey, softball and swimming,
VC Hockey Club and our teams have achieved great success in
VC Netball Club recent years.
VC Softball Club
VC Football Club VC Sports Club Bursaries
VC Athletics Club Students at the top of their game are encouraged to
talk to us about available sports bursaries. The VC
Sports Life Clubs Sports Club has bursaries for major sports clubs
Sports Life Clubs focus on outdoor activities that or those who believe they have the administration
are fun, healthy and geared towards the individual skills or passion to be a Sports Club Administrator.
– the sort of sports that you’ll participate in for the
rest of your life. These are only offered to bona VC Sports Club Awards
fide students and include cycling/mountain biking, Each year we celebrate the achievements of our
running, canoeing, surf skiing, golf, surfing athletes. Awards include the prestigious VC Sports
and triathlons. Club All Star award, awarded to a student with the
highest level in both sports and academics. Other
Campus Team Sports Clubs awards include: Sportsman and Sportswoman of
Participation in Campus Team Sports can the Year and Club Administrator of the Year.
either be competitive or social. These clubs include
soccer, netball, cricket, hockey and touch rugby/
TAG rugby. Most campus teams compete in
29
Social and
Cultural Life
Students are encouraged to ‘get social’. The VC Cares Committee (our student volunteer
Participating in social and cultural activities gives body) gives members the opportunity to lead
students the chance to learn a range of skills that fellow students through initiatives like fundraising,
are essential for life and the New World of work. awareness drives and outreach programmes.
These activities hone communication, people, This is truly rewarding, helping students grow
emotional intelligence and creative thinking skills. as individuals and become socially aware,
empowering themselves and those they help.
The IIE’s Varsity College offers:
Orientation Week (O'Week): To familiarise you Professionally, students gain valuable practical
with VC, your campus and fellow students. experience in the field of event management and
Yearly Social Events: From sunset cruises and marketing by getting involved in projects like Cell
the Spring Bash to the End of Year Party. C’s ‘Take a Girl Child to Work’, Mandela Day,
Meridian Hour: On-campus social, cultural and CANSA Shave-A-Thon and Relay for Life.
community initiatives – spot competitions, NGO
Open Days, Open Mic sessions and Braais. Community engagement is crucial in allowing us to
VC Societies and Cultural Groups: Book provide the full student experience that makes The
clubs, drama groups, poetry sessions IIE’s Varsity College unique, contributing to the
and musical evenings. holistic development of our students.
Campus Events: Organised by the campus and
including quiz evenings and LAN parties. Adopt-a-School Foundation
The Adopt-a-School Foundation aims to be
Making all of this happen on campus are the PR a positive force in changing the future of
and Events Coordinator (PEC) and the appointed education in South Africa. The foundation
Social Committee who plan and implement all the addresses the academic, infrastructural, social
large-scale social events on campus. and curriculum needs in under resourced
schools around SA. To date, they have adopted
Becoming engaged and immersed in the full almost five hundred schools.
student experience is important as you will
make lifelong friends and build social and The IIE’s Varsity College supports the
networking skills that will form a foundation for foundation by hosting collection drives on
future success. campus and providing language and literacy
support. Each campus gets personally involved
Community Engagement with a school by planting vegetable gardens
The IIE’s Varsity College aims to instill a sense and helping to meet smaller day-to-day needs.
of citizenship and social responsibility in our
students through environmental and community
engagement projects.
30
31
Preparing for
your Career
The IIE’s Varsity College focuses on preparing • Access the platform via the VC App or
students for the New World. The Career Centre website for a variety of interactive career
provides students with opportunities to build skills tools: CV and cover letter templates, e-learning
and a network to get their CVs to the top of the pile. content, as well as part-time and full-time work
opportunities. The VCApp keeps you in the loop
The Career Centre’s strong business with Career Centre events.
relationships give students the opportunity for
possible work experience and graduate placement. As a member of the South African Graduate
Find your Career Centre on campus or access the Employers Association (SAGEA), The IIE’s Varsity
Career Centre platform online. College has access to more than 340 members,
representing over 200 organisations from ABSA to
What does the Career Centre provide? Woolworths – all potential employers. This is
• Career and growth development, coaching where engagement with the Career Centre really
and personal mentoring. A Career Centre pays off.
Coordinator (CCC) gives advice and sets
objectives. The CCC helps with CV design, The Success Rate? During 2019:
interview techniques and soft • 80 skills workshops were facilitated
skills development. • Over 780 students/graduates secured part-time
and full-time employment
• Interactive Work Readiness Workshops
with industry experts covering topics like EQ, Find out more about The IIE’s Varsity College
personal branding and social media networking. Career Centre from your campus
Career Centre Coordinator.
• Career information sessions, fairs and work
expos with different companies, offering
networking and full-time or graduate
work opportunities.
32
At The IIE’s Varsity College, we go beyond knowledge
We teach you what to do with knowledge
So that you’ll ask the right questions,
Find better solutions,
Make smarter decisions
And succeed in the New World.
Gauteng
Sandton
Waterstone Drive, off Benmore Road
Benmore Gardens, Sandton 2196
Tel: (011) 784 6939
Email: [email protected]
Waterfall
Janadel Avenue
11 Riverview Park, Midrand 1686
Tel: (010) 224 4300
Email: [email protected]
Pretoria
116 Clearwater Road, Cnr. Clearwater &
Glenwood Roads, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria 0081
Tel: (012) 348 2551
Email: [email protected]
Western Cape
Cape Town
Varsity House, Belmont Park
Belmont Road , Rondebosch 7700
Tel: (021) 685 5021
Email: [email protected]
Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth
1st Floor, Mercantile Bank Plaza, Ring Road
Greenacres, Port Elizabeth 6045
Tel: (041) 363 4223
Email: [email protected]
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban North
12 Radar Drive, Durban North 4051
Tel: (031) 573 2038
Email: [email protected]
Westville
1 Link Road, Cnr. St James Avenue & Link Road
Westville 3630
Tel: (031) 266 8400
Email: [email protected]
Pietermaritzburg
Harwin Road, Scottsville
Pietermaritzburg 3201
Tel: (033) 386 2376
Email: [email protected]
#NewWorldThinking
Accredited
Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered
by the British
Accreditation
with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the
Council
Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07.