Faculty of Science & Technology
Topic 1: Achievement
Between 2023 and 2024, the School of Computer Science saw a substantial increase in student enrolment. The number of new Undergraduate students increased from 3,170 to 3,877, while Postgraduate student numbers grew from 130 to 264.
In 2024, we partnered with BlackEquations, a non-profit organisation in Cape Town, and the Namibia University of Science and Technology to expand our SmartHydro hydroponic farming research study. This collaboration will involve students from IIE Varsity College Cape Town and the University of Cape Town.
In 2023, three of our Postgraduate students presented at conferences, and we published four research articles. Notably, one student who presented at a conference and had a research paper published was awarded a full scholarship to pursue master’s and doctoral studies at the University of Augusta in the United States.
Topic 2: Beyond the Curriculum Successes
In 2023, our IT students engaged in building robots, a project that they found both interesting and exciting. The culmination of this project was a showcase event across all campuses, where students demonstrated the skills they had acquired. They were given opportunities to explore the robots’ potential through coding and programming.
Additionally, in 2024, new students joined the SmartHydro study. In 2023, some of our Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development, and Postgraduate Diploma students also participated in the SmartHydro project.
The Undergraduate students developed an app to display AI readings, while the Postgraduate students concentrated their research on specific aspects of the study.
Topic 3: Student Success Stories (Employment and Postgraduate Studies)
Several of our Postgraduate in Data Analytics graduates secured employment at Amazon Web Services in 2023. Additionally, many of our Postgraduates in Data Analytics and Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences graduates have been accepted and registered for Master’s programmes in 2024 at Rhodes University, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Kwazulu-Natal.
Topic 4: Beyond Curriculum Initiative
In addition to the SmartHydro study, we will be launching the MoveWithMe initiative in 2024. This project involves creating and programming superhero capes that light up in various patterns when children bounce up and down. We will collaborate with IIE-Vega fashion design students to develop these smart fabrics.
Faculty of Commerce
Topic 1: Achievement
The Faculty of Management Studies is proud to have achieved the following Module Success Rate; the number of students that sat for the exams and passed the module for 2023 was 90% for the BCom Honours, 75% for the Postgraduate Diploma, and 75% for the bachelor’s degrees. The faculty is committed to further increasing these MSRs through various support initiatives.
These initiatives include the Student Engagement Programme (SEP), integrated into firstyear modules to equip students with essential academic skills for their academic journey, and focused numeracy support to help students build a strong foundation in numeracy as they progress through their bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, the tailored research orientation programme prepares Honours students to tackle complex research concepts before beginning their final research projects.
The success of these projects is showcased at the Honours Research Showcase, where students present their research to staff, fellow students, and family members.
Topic 2: Beyond the Curriculum Successes
In 2023, two students from the Cape Town campus submitted their business pitch, “Inclusion in the Workplace,” to the Battle of Minds competition. With the support of Karel Marais, the Head of Faculty at the Cape Town campus, they secured a place in the top 11 in South Africa.
Faculty of Commerce
Topic 3: Student Success Stories (Employment and Postgraduate Studies)
The Virtual Shares Trading Challenge, now in its third year, builds on two successful iterations. This year, 378 students from IIE Varsity College and IIE MSA are participating. The challenge is led by a full-time lecturer and trading expert from the Nelson Mandela Bay campus. Over eight months, students are guided through their trading journey using a simulated trading interface developed by Mohini to gain trading knowledge. Additionally, students benefit from sessions with an industry shares trader, who provides insights and updates to inform their trading decisions. At the end of the challenge, participants compete for attractive prizes: R7,000 for first place, R4,000 for second place, and R2,000 for third place.
The faculty continues to enhance its students’ skills by hosting developmental workshops in collaboration with the Career Centre. These sessions, facilitated by industry experts, focus on career readiness and essential graduate skills.
Faculty of Commerce
To further support our students with work and life readiness skills, the faculty has partnered with Nedbank to offer a range of opportunities, including research, mentorships, graduate development, knowledge sharing, CSI initiatives, masterclasses, and networking events. Currently, the school is collaborating with Nedbank to provide essential financial literacy education, which will be undertaken in 2024.
In 2023, the faculty successfully piloted a business simulation challenge in partnership with Diversity SA. BCom 3rd-year and BCom Honours in Management students were invited to compete in groups of six to manage a production organisation within a simulated environment. This unique opportunity allowed them to showcase the business skills and knowledge acquired throughout their studies in a realistic and competitive setting. Facing various business scenarios, they made strategic decisions affecting performance and profitability. The simulation enabled students to apply their learning to real-world situations.
The winning team received a R6,000 cash prize along with other gifts. In September 2024, the simulation will be extended to campuses across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape regions.
Faculty of Commerce
To honour our Honours students, the Faculty, in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities, has organised an Honours Research Event Showcase. This event celebrates and highlights the research efforts of our Honours students, as well as the skill, dedication, and commitment of their supervisors. Held online in the first week of December, the Showcase provides a platform for selected students to present their research findings.
Participation in the Showcase is limited, and students must submit applications for approval by a review panel. Each presenter is allocated 10 minutes to present their research and an additional 5 minutes to address audience questions. All presenters receive a certification of participation, and their abstracts are included in a book of abstracts.
Now in its third year, the Showcase has become an eagerly anticipated event for both students and supervisors. In 2023, we had 12 students present at the event.
In 2023, the Faculty of Commerce established a partnership with the Professional Provident Society (PPS) to provide annual sponsorships to our NQF8 students. As part of this collaboration, PPS will sponsor our top Honours Research Student with a floating trophy and a cash award. Additionally, they will organise financial wellness and work readiness sessions for the benefit of the students.
Faculty of Humanities
Topic 1: Achievement
One of the Committee’s primary objectives was to raise awareness of the Humanitatis Societas by involving students in one of their NGO initiatives. The Upcycling Project, an initiative by UpSwing, one of the NGOs supported by the Committee, served this purpose. Additionally, the project aimed to demonstrate how students can acquire sewing skills while promoting environmental sustainability. Participants learned practical sewing techniques and discovered how singleuse materials can be repurposed sustainably.
Topic 2: Beyond the Curriculum Successes
The Psychology Honours Developmental lecturer at The IIE’s Varsity College Pretoria campus had major success with building DNA out of sweets in class. The activity was designed to enhance understanding of epigenesis, illustrating the growth of an animal egg cell or plant seed through stages to form a complex organism. By studying the biological structure of DNA and neurotransmitters, students gained insight into how these factors influence the expression of pathology throughout the lifespan. The activity effectively engaged students, helping them retain information about biological structures and their impact on development.
Furthermore, this activity facilitated group discussions, fostering a deeper understanding and exchange of information. Students presented their physical DNA models to each other, discussing DNA’s role in lifespan development, attachment and pathology expression.
Faculty of Humanities
For many students biology was not a subject they studied in school and although some biological structures are covered in their Undergraduate courses, revisiting these concepts in a class activity was essential. This exercise provided a useful reference point for discussions and served as a valuable scaffolding activity, ensuring that students from diverse educational backgrounds had the necessary foundation to grasp the concept of epigenetics.
Topic 3: Student Success Stories (Employment and Postgraduate Studies)
Several recent achievements and ongoing endeavours among graduates and current students are noteworthy:
• Three Corporate Communication graduates secured internships at prominent organisations: Ogilvy, Magna Carta, and Alan Grey.
• A 2022 Honours in Psychology student from The IIE’s Varsity College Pretoria is pursuing a master’s in occupational psychology in England.
• Two Honours in Psychology students from 2023 were accepted into HospiVision’s internship program, where they gain practical skills in containment and supervised counselling.
• APsychology Honours student from The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North is pursuing a master’s by dissertation at WITS, while others are enrolled in the Humanitas Counselling Course in Kloof and Cape Town.
• A former Psychology Honours student now serves as a Tutor, bridging classes between Research Methodology and Statistics and Independent Research Project.
Faculty of Humanities
Topic 4: Beyond the CurriculumInitiative
IIE Varsity College Pretoria is thrilled to announce the official launch of our Humanities Student Society: Lyceum. Students eagerly anticipate their inaugural meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Moreover, the Communication Science 2A: Organisational Communication lecturer at The IIE’s Varsity College Pretoria has initiated two valuable events. She invited guest speakers to shed light on the significance of clear communication from diverse perspectives. Notably, one speaker was a pilot, while the other was a former student now employed at a PR firm based in the USA.
The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North Psychology Honours Journal Club initiative was introduced nationally to immerse the Postgraduate class in academic writing and current debates in psychology with the hope of enhancing critical thought, how to run an academic argument through research, and develop skills to help students with Independent Research Project.
Faculty of Humanities
Psychology Honours students have actively participated in a theatre strategies initiative introduced during orientation. This initiative aims to foster cohesion within the new Psychology Honours class and cultivate an understanding of differing perspectives. By engaging in theatrical exercises, students gain insight into viewing life from varied viewpoints – a crucial aspect of developing counselling skills.
Students benefited from a talk organised by the Psychological Association of South Africa (Psyssa) on Counselling Psychology in South Africa: Workforce Recommendations, delivered by Dr. Phillipa Haine. This session provided valuable insights into the field, aiding students in their understanding of potential Postgraduate studies.
Furthermore, The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North students participated in a talk hosted by The Khanyisa Development Centre, focusing on children with disabilities. This session explored volunteering opportunities and served as preparation for future Postgraduate studies.
Faculty of Law
Topic 1: Achievement
The Faculty of Law at IIE Varsity College has achieved significant milestones, underscoring its dedication to excellence and innovation in education. A notable accomplishment is the inauguration of the 2nd IIE Varsity College Community Law Clinic at the Pretoria campus on April 1, 2024, with plans underway for the opening of a 3rd clinic in Cape Town on July 1, 2024.
Furthermore, Ms. Tshegofatso Matsemela, a lecturer at the institution, was honoured as a finalist in the Inspired Teaching project by the teaching and learning team. This recognition underscores her outstanding teaching methodologies and unwavering commitment to inspiring students through innovative educational approaches.
Additionally, the Law Academic Team at IIE MSA launched their inaugural newsletter as part of a Human Rights Month initiative. This annual event aims to foster dialogue within the academic community about human rights issues, showcasing the faculty’s dedication to education that transcends conventional academic boundaries and addresses pressing societal concerns.
Moreover, the faculty at IIE MSA has introduced a new referencing workshop series, offering bi-weekly sessions to enhance students’ academic skills, particularly in referencing, critical thinking, and research. This initiative establishes a solid foundation for both academic and professional success.
Topic 2: Beyond the CurriculumSuccesses
A pivotal event in the Faculty of Law was a panel discussion featuring Nicholas Johnson, a candidate attorney at Van Deventer and Van Deventer Inc., who shared insights into the transition from law school to legal practice. Moderated by the head of the Law department and attended by faculty and students, this session provided a platform for discussing real-world challenges and strategies in the legal field.
This event was complemented by other significant activities, including the establishment of a Moot Society, which provides students with practical legal experience in a simulated environment. Additionally, collaborative initiatives with the Law Clinic and the Juridical Society, such as the Human Rights Day event at the Open-Door Crisis Centre, offer students opportunities for practical legal experience and community engagement.
Faculty of Law
These activities not only enhance students’ educational experiences but also foster a practical understanding of legal concepts and a commitment to community service within the legal profession.
Topic 3: Student Success Stories (Employment and Postgraduate Studies)
Yuhadi Sewram has not only excelled as a lecturer at the Pietermaritzburg campus but was also honoured to attend the significant cultural ceremonies of a former student, showcasing the deep personal connections and cultural appreciation nurtured at The IIE’s Varsity College. Her impact on students extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her role in inspiring former students like Zama Radebe, who now serves as a Compliance Officer.
Pearl Langa, a graduate of the Pietermaritzburg campus, transitioned from studying law to working as a Fraud and Risk Administrator at First National Bank. Her journey reflects the adaptability of the skills acquired through her law degree, emphasising the versatility of legal training in opening diverse career pathways.
Owethu Kleinbooi has effectively leveraged her BCom Law degree into a pivotal role as Office Manager and Personal Assistant within a psychiatric practice. Her experience highlights the college’s encouragement of work experience alongside academic pursuit, which she credits for her seamless transition into full-time employment.
Thato Jama shares a similar story of transition, moving from law studies to completing his articles and then an internship in government. His experiences reflect the personalised and supportive educational environment at IIE Varsity College, which he found particularly beneficial given his small-town background.
Sarah Jane Robinson, another notable alumna, now a candidate attorney at Mooney Ford Attorneys, illustrates the high calibre of graduates the Faculty of Law produces. Being the first graduate from IIE Varsity College to be hired by Mooney Ford, she paved the way for more hires from the institution, affirming the quality of its legal education.
Faculty of Education
Topic 1: Achievement
Our most significant accomplishment lies in the Faculty’s embrace of technology-enhanced learning design. Through a collaboration with iStore Education, we have equipped all campuses with iPads and provided comprehensive training to lecturers on effectively integrating technology into their teaching methodologies. This initiative, coupled with the utilisation of Smartboards, sets a precedent for the teaching standards we aspire for our students to adopt as they enter educational settings.
Topic 2: Beyond the CurriculumSuccesses
Each year, we offer “Becoming a Coding Teacher” courses to both students and lecturers, aiming to cultivate 21st-century skills and align with the Department of Education’s integration of Coding and Robotics into the school curriculum. This initiative not only equips our graduates with market-relevant skills but also enhances their employment prospects, as some schools specifically seek certified Coding and Robotics teachers. We are proud to graduate students proficient in these areas, responding to the demand for 21st-century educators. By April 2024, we anticipate graduating an additional 60 students in Coding and Robotics.
In a testament to the success of our programmes, two BEd graduates from The IIE’s Varsity College campus have secured employment with iStore Education as facilitators, attributing their success to their exposure to Coding and Robotics courses offered by the faculty.
Topic 3: Beyond the CurriculumInitiative
The World of Work workshops are meticulously crafted to align with the goals of Initial Teacher Education (TE), focusing on preparing students for the professional landscape by enhancing awareness, motivation, and providing invaluable learning experiences across critical themes within an integrated learning environment. Each campus leverages its unique skill set and available resources to tailor programmes aimed at fostering an understanding of contemporary educational trends, fostering community responsibility, addressing global literacy and numeracy challenges, and honing essential workplace skills for a seamless transition from academia to professional settings.
Covering a wide array of topics such as Remedial Teaching, Breaking Down Bias Barriers, Educator Adaptability, Creative Lesson Planning with CAPS, and Digital Tools in the Classroom, these workshops are comprehensive and conducted by industry experts who enrich the existing curriculum. The workshops span the duration of the academic year, ensuring sustained engagement and continuous growth opportunities for students.