2025 pgrc
POSTGRAD & RESEARCH CENTRE
Studies with the Future in Mind
Before you commit, you may want to know that:
We are motivated by the di erence that you will be making in your pursuits – economically, socially, locally, and globally.
For us, contemporary, future-fit postgraduate study and research means providing you with vibrant and collegial support to guide and inspire your academic and professional development.
We resolutely showcase and disseminate the programme outputs and research contributions of our candidates to advance real-world practices – and to the same extent, vigorously pursue publishment of this work in rated academic journals.
To achieve these goals, we develop and deliver programmes at the Postgrad & Research Centre with a committed and experienced faculty of academics, practitioners, and researchers.
Together with our candidates, we create relevant, engaging and nurturing postgraduate programme experiences and work to fulfil and complete programmes within productive time frames.
All programmes have been designed with higher order leadership and specialist expectations in mind.
We wish you every success in identifying, and much fulfilment in leveraging, your perfect postgraduate fit.
The Community
My Academic Support Co-ordinator
My Information Specialist
your go-to person on schedules and requirements your ‘librarian’ your support in mental wellbeing
Candidate
My WhatsApp Group
My Wellness Manager your academic and industry specialists your research guide your colleagues and supporters
My Head of Programme and Faculty
My Supervisor
Faculty
Dr Carla Enslin
Director:
Postgrad & Research Centre
Head of the Master’s and PhD in Brand Leadership
Field of expertise: Brand Identity, Alignment and Touchpoint Strategy: Research, Supervision, Consulting, Coaching and Training.
Dr Marchant Van Der Schy
Head of the Master of Arts in Digital Communication
Field of expertise: Communication Science in Media and Journalism, Gender-Based Violence and the Representation of Gender in Online Platforms with Research Interests in Generative AI in Educational Futures as well as the Victimization of Marginalized Groups.
Dr Wilhelm Neuland
Head of the Master of Commerce in Strategic Brand Leadership
Field of expertise: Strategic Management, Leadership, Small Business Management.
Chonzi Mulenga
Academic Support Co-ordinator : Academic Support, Communications and Business Management with Interest in Developmental Psychology and Psychotherapeutic Counselling.
Esthea Kruger
Postgrad Information Specialist
Field of expertise: Research Support, Database Searching Skills, Intellectual Integrity, Information Literacy, Academic Writing, and Citation Management.
Marlene Bogaards
Deputy Director:
Postgrad & Research Centre
Field of expertise: Retail Business Management and Marketing Management at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Research, Supervision and Mentoring.
Dr Hafeni Mthoko
Head of the Master of Strategic Information and Communication Technology Management
Field of expertise: ICTD, HCI4D, Research Mentorship, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Dr Conrad van Greunen
Head of the Master of Business Administration
Field of expertise: Organisational Behaviour, Knowledge Management, General Business Management, Research, Supervision.
Janey Nixon
Academic Support Co-ordinator
Field of expertise: Academic Operations and Support, Communications, and
Siphamandla Majola
Postgrad Information Specialist
Field of expertise: Information Literacy Education, Knowledge Sharing, and Research Collaboration.
Dr Tinashe Pfigu
Head of Humanities
Field of expertise: Human Rights, Women’s Rights, Children’s Rights, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Gender-Based Violence, 4IR Education and Development, Urban Living Practices and Fragility, Youth Health, Youth Capacity Building, Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Healthcare, Children and Adolescent health.
Linda Downsborough
Head of the Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management
Field of expertise: Learning, Adult Education, Social Networks, Communities of Practice, Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research, Natural Resource Management and Social Ecological Systems.
Dr Ria van Zyl
Head of the future Master of Arts in Design Leadership
Field of expertise: Curriculum Design, Design Pedagogy, Development Design Research and Postgraduate Studies in South Africa, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Design for Social Good, Design Management and Entrepreneurship, Emerging Design Fields: User and Customer Experience Design, Learning Design, Cognitive Apprentice Models.
Kholwane Nkuna
Academic Support Co-ordinator
Field of expertise: Client Service Excellence, Coordinating Skills, Systems, Communication and Planning & Organisational Management.
Cecilia Walter
Postgraduate Information Specialist
Field of expertise: Information Resources and Retrieval, Referencing, Information Literacy Education.
The Transformation in Thinking and Doing
PhD / DOCTORATE
Create new concepts, models and tools.
MASTER’S
Independent research, contributing to concepts models and tools.
ADVANCED AND POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS / HONOURS
Study and investigate the relationship between concepts, models and their application.
DEGREE
Knowledge and application of concepts, models and tools.
IIE Qualifications
Master of Arts in Creative Brand Leadership with IIE Vega School
This is an entirely research-based qualification where the completion of a dissertation is the outcome, along with the preparation of an article for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal.
Candidates engage with research, critical thinking, argument development and academic writing at an advanced level. The aim is to make a significant contribution to the field of strategic brand building and creative brand leadership.
The qualification is preceded by a Research Proposal Development Programme of 12 months. Guided by workshops, a dedicated supervisor and faculty team, the programme culminates in the submission of a full proposal to the Higher Degrees Committee.
Application enquiries may be directed to pgrcenquiry@vegaschool.com
2 Years Full-Time or 3 Years Part-Time On Campus NQF level 9 | 180 credits | SAQA ID: 73709
This programme is aimed at students from South and Southern Africa (developing countries context) with a strong interest in integrated water management, research aptitude and leadership aspirations. It is targeted at professionals already working within the water field that want to advance their career in a significant way.
Graduates will be prepared to take on leadership positions in international agencies, government departments, non-governmental organisations, and private sector entities engaged in water management.
The degree comprises four interdisciplinary coursework modules, which lay the foundations for integrated water management and an individual research project (mini dissertation).
Modules - Year 1
Science of Water
This module introduces the properties of water (physical and chemical), as well as concepts relating to the natural hydrological cycle and the ecology of inland aquatic systems. It also addresses the human uses of water and highlights the dynamic relationship between human and natural aquatic systems. Students will be introduced to the ideas of resilience and systematic freshwater conservation and planning.
Water Sustainability and Development
This module examines the elements and background to the so-called world water crisis and analyses current international development thinking about sustainable development and its application to water and water resources. It explores dimensions such as livelihoods and poverty, water supply and sanitation in cities, gender, community participation and water as a human right.
Water Governance and Policy
This module refers to the diverse range of political, social, economic and administrative arrangements within which water resources are managed and water needs are met by di erent sectors of society. Throughout this module students will engage with the key concepts of water governance in a Southern and African context with a special focus on the successes, failures and lessons to be learnt from these contexts.
Research Methodology and Project Management
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge to successfully plan and execute their research projects and provide them with an understanding of, and the basic skills required for, careers as water professionals.
Modules - Year 2/3
Mini Dissertation
Students select a research project in which the ideas and principles of integrated water management feature prominently. Research projects should ideally allow a significant degree of cross-disciplinary integration and address an issue related to a real sustainability challenge.
Application enquiries may be directed to pgrcenquiry@iiemsa.co.za
MSA
Master of Philosophy in Arts with IIE
The Master of Philosophy in Arts is aimed at individuals who would like to hone their specialist skills in their respective fields. This is an entirely research-based qualification where the completion of a dissertation is the outcome. A series of online academic seminars are held to support the development of the dissertation.
The qualification is preceded by a Research Proposal Development Programme of 12 months. Guided by workshops, a dedicated supervisor and faculty team, the programme culminates in the submission of a full proposal to the Higher Degrees Committee.
Application enquiries may be directed to pgrcenquiry@iiemsa.co.za
2 years Full-Time or 4 years Part-Time On Campus
NQF level 9 | 180 credits | SAQA ID: 79306
The program is aimed at candidates wishing to acquire specialist knowledge to critique current research or practices, select and apply appropriate and creative methods to address complex brand problems, design and implement digital communication strategies and interventions, and address intended and unintended consequences of interventions within the field of digital communication, particularly within the South African context.
The programme consists of 4 coursework modules followed by a mini dissertation.
Modules
Digital Communication Theory
Critically evaluate communication theories within the digital communication discipline to explore the complex relationship between digital technologies and human communication and behaviour.
Digital Communication Strategy
Analyse digital communication strategies, with a particular focus on social media strategies to develop comprehensive and diverse communication campaigns and strategies in the digital landscape.
Research for Brand Communication
Develop marketing communication research skills for the analysis of various brand antecedents in order to leverage brand equity.
African Media Contexts and Digital Cultures
Investigate the relationship between digital media, culture, ethics, participatory culture and digital media ownership to develop an advanced understanding of the digital media realm within the African context.
Mini Dissertation
Produce a mini dissertation that proposes suitable findings, based on reasonable arguments, to a question, problem or proposition within the digital communication and social media discipline.
Application enquiries may be directed to pgrcenquiry@varsitycollege.co.za
Master of Strategic Information & Communication Technology Management
with IIE Varsity College
2 Years Part-Time IIE Distance (Online)
NQF level 9 | 180 credits | SAQA ID: 122368
The primary purpose of this master’s degree is to advance and deepen specialist knowledge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with a strong focus on strategic management.
Students will gain advanced competencies and skills to design and manage competitive ICT solutions and strategies within organisations: contextual analysis of strategy and responsive development of secure ICT strategies, processes, and projects; improve and embed ICT competence to use and deploy data and knowledge; design and drive governance and security frameworks; and develop and manage teams to deliver on strategic imperatives.
Modules - Year 1
Strategic ICT Management
Analyse, plan, evaluate and develop strategic ICT business solutions for various organisational contexts.
ICT Security and Governance
Explore the development and management of ICT governance and security frameworks, standards and best practices to manage organisational risks, ICT security and service continuity.
Managing Emerging Technologies
Investigate new and emerging technologies to achieve competitive advantages in business and develop the skills to identify and manage shortcomings and recommend strategic improvements.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Acquire the skills to manage and analyse data from various sources, to respond to challenges of businesses operating in a fluid environment and to define investment priorities for competitive advantage.
Modules - Year 2
Mini Dissertation
Develop and execute an appropriate, valid and reliable research design on an identified information and communication technology problem.
Application enquiries may be directed to pgrcenquiry@varsitycollege.co.za
Master of Business Administration with IIE MSA
2 Years Part-Time On Campus
NQF level 9 | 180 credits | SAQA ID: 97383
This MBA provides a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence while developing the ability to resolve complex business problems in an innovative way.
The programme embraces a ‘use it now’ approach to apply all learnings immediately in the place of work. It goes beyond theory, emphasizing practical leadership styles and skills to thrive in a contemporary organisation. With a particular focus on Creativity, Innovation and Foresight in marketing and business strategy you will emerge as a well-rounded leader ready to identify new opportunities and drive growth within your organisation.
Each module runs for ten (10) weeks and begins with a scheduled contact session on campus followed by further continuous study and assignment submissions via the Learning Management System (LMS). Contact sessions occur on Saturdays.
Core Modules
Accounting Measurement for Leaders
An investigation of the financial and managerial accounting concepts that support strategic business decision making, how to analyse business performance and make decisions for growth and sustainability.
Business Strategy for Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Critically evaluate and integrate a business organisation strategy from a competitive perspective with a focus on maintaining business functions for success.
Creativity, Innovation and Foresight
Appraise traditional business practices, processes and systems and utilise Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to develop creative and innovative ways in which to identify new business opportunities.
Economic Decision Making
Master the micro- and macro-economic concepts that influence organisational decision making and promote organisational economic growth.
Establishing and Cultivating Customer Markets
Investigate marketing theories, principles and practices relevant to the business environment in order to critically evaluate marketing strategy in relation to overall organisational performance.
Financial Management
Gain insight into the financial and related information sources that influence and ensure informed decision making in business strategy.
Leading in a Dynamic Era
Critically evaluate e ective leadership styles within complex organisations to apply the best leadership approaches to continuously evolving environments.
Managing the Globally Diverse Organisation
Study human behaviour in the workplace to facilitate the optimal utilisation of resources in addressing dynamic organisational challenges, multicultural competence and organisational e ectiveness.
Research Methodology
Advanced research skills to independently and critically reflect on research designs and methodologies for projects that are applicable to the business environment.
Innovation Project
An innovative problem-solving orientation to a problem within an organisation of choice, culminating in a professional research report (mini dissertation).
Elective Modules
Entrepreneurship
Establishing an entrepreneurial venture and growing it into a sustainable business that contributes positively toward the economy.
Operations Management
Investigate the role of operations management within the supply chain and organisational decision making.
Project Management
The insight and skillset to scope and manage projects e ectively and e ciently within a contemporary organisation.
Supply Chain Management
An in-depth investigation of the underpinnings of supply chain management and how to leverage activities to create and sustain a competitive supply chain in the international business environment.
This programme provides marketing and business managers and executives with the brand-business leadership competence required to further their careers to senior executive level. The programme engages students in innovative strategic brand-business leadership for business growth and sustainable future brand-business performance in local, emerging and global economies, with a strong focus on problem solving and decision making. This qualification is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in private, government and NGO sectors.
The IIE Master of Commerce in Strategic Brand Leadership consists of a coursework component followed by a minor dissertation. The coursework modules focus on contemporary manifestations in the respective disciplines of brand, strategy and leadership. The dissertation will allow you to approach an industry-related problem from a scientific, scholarly angle.
The IIE Master of Commerce in Strategic Brand Leadership consists of five modules. Four core modules, including the research component comprising the mini-dissertation, and one elective module out of a possible two elective modules.
Modules - Year 1
Advanced Brand Strategy
Develop the ability to address complex brand challenges. Students will evaluate strategic brand design, implementation methods and current research and practices.
Advanced Business Strategy
Develop the strategic ability to critically evaluate business growth, models, and research to create solutions that enhance business opportunities and reduce risk.
Advanced Brand-Business Leadership
An ethical and accountable investigation of leadership competence. Students will be expected to manage strategic and sustainable solutions to address complex and dynamic opportunities for sustained business growth.
Modules - Year 2
Mini Dissertation
Develop advanced and critical insight into research practice and execute an appropriate, valid and reliable research design on an identified brand management problem.
One Elective Module
Brand-Business Leadership in Emerging Economies
Critically evaluate emerging economies and design an e ective brand strategy for entry and sustained business performance. or
Brand-Business Performance Management and Valuation
Gain the strategic ability to value brands as economic business assets. Brand performance is assessed using business and brand evaluation models, to improve brand performance and brand value.
Application enquiries may be directed to pgrcenquiry@vegaschool.com
Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership with IIE Vega School
The IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership is the first brand-specific doctoral qualification in South Africa. It breaks new ground, both locally and internationally.
The unique focus on Brand Leadership addresses a particular social and economic imperative – the need for innovation by brands with shared stakeholder value and values-based leadership to create developmental opportunities for communities, organisations and the environment. Graduates will extend the forefront of the academic discipline and research through the inclusion of unique African perspectives and local knowledge resources.
This is an entirely research-based qualification where the completion of a thesis is the final outcome, along with the preparation of an article for publication in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
Candidates can enrol for a Research Proposal Development Programme of 12 months. Guided by workshops, a dedicated supervisor and faculty team, this programme culminates in the submission of a full proposal to the Higher Degrees Committee.
Alumni
Chelsea Leigh Johnson
Brand Manager at Coronation Fund Managers
The Master of Commerce in Strategic Brand Leadership gets the ideal balance between the key elements that a marketing professional needs to add value in the real world of business. Whether it is an understanding of markets or the manner in which one needs to blend one’s creativity with the need to reach our clients in a competitive financial services market, I have managed to engage with our lecturers who have real-world experience and who provide much more than only academic insight. This is probably the biggest di erentiator, and I’d recommend the course unreservedly.
Sabelo Mashwama
Founder and Chief Executive O cer Esibayeni Group
The Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management sharpened my research skills and gave me an understanding of water resource challenges in depth, and what needs to be done to help mitigate them and create resilience for the future. What did I enjoy most?
The immersive experience, field trips, opportunities for primary research and drawing from first-hand experience to local challenges and coming up with solutions to these challenges. I also had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the leading minds in the field.
Khangelani Dziba
Group Divisional Head: PR & Influencer Partnerships at RAPT
The Master’s in Brand Leadership has made me a much stronger strategic and logical thinker in my industry. The value that is derived from this post-grad degree amongst others is incomparable through the support one receives from the entire sta complement that inspires confidence in the successful completion of the programme. It opened my perspective to a world beyond my spatial limitations, making it possible for me to reach greater heights. This degree is for those who want to break the mould and achieve success, through great insights informed by a research-oriented mind.
Seyi Omogiate
Product manager: CESAR
The Master of Business Administration has equipped me with knowledge, skills and strategies to excel in my career. Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds and industries enriched my perspective and gave access to collaborations I would not have had otherwise. Through innovative projects and practical case studies, I have been exposed to better concepts of conflict management and communication skills (communicating my ideas clearly), which has been instrumental in my role as a manager, where I now feel more confident in leading cross-functional teams and driving initiatives forward.
Cilnette Pienaar (PhD Candidate)
The PhD in Brand Leadership proposal development process has allowed me to refresh and strengthen the theoretical foundations of my day job. It is grounding me in the discipline of structured thinking and thoughtful writing, and it’s creating the space I need, personally and professionally, for intellectual curiosity. The supportive academic culture that IIE Vega cultivates is with an encouraging space for like-minded people who want to navigate academic ambition and career growth.