Varsity College IIE Higher Certificate in Event Management

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Varsity College IIE Higher Certificate in Event Management

Varsity College IIE Higher Certificate in Event Management, Introduction to IIE Higher Certificate in Event Management
Click here to download a detailed fact sheet about this programme.
This qualification will equip you with the skills to plan, co-ordinate and execute an event. Students will be trained to use basic office and presentation software and business communication for foundational purposes. There are various modules related directly to event management that students will engage with to prepare one for the event management industry planning and co-ordination to the execution and management of events. Students will also cover an introductory module of public relations. The qualification includes basic business practice, marketing, and project management skills. This knowledge will be applied and incorporated in a workplace integrated learning module. Collectively, these modules will enable you to use these skills and optimise your employment prospects.


Who is this Higher Certificate aimed at?

This qualification is aimed at students who wish to coordinate and manage a broad spectrum of events in a professional manner. It provides students with the ability and skills to plan coordinate and execute events in various industries and sectors. Hence, the qualifying students can be employed in a wide range of corporate organisations, parastatal and governmental departments and event management consultancies in various industries as junior or trainee event managers and perform the functions of assistant event managers and event coordinators.


What is this Higher Certificate’s accreditation status?

The IIE’s Higher Certificate in Event Management is accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a 123-credit qualification on level 5 (SAQA ID: number: 84686).

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 Higher Certificate?

  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate admission- A minimum of 30 % for English is required; OR
  • A National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) with Higher Certificate admission – A minimum of 40 % in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level, with a minimum of 30 % in either Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy, a minimum of 40% in Life Orientation and a minimum of 50% in four vocational subjects; OR
  • A Senior Certificate (SC) (without endorsement) or equivalent– A minimum of five subjects must be passed.

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.
If you are a foreign 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 the qualification.

Students who successfully complete the Higher Certificate in Event Management have the option to register for The IIE Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management degrees, or any of The IIE diploma programmes in a cognate discipline. Academic credit for some modules may be given.

How is this Higher Certificate structured at Varsity College?

The Higher Certificate in Event Management is a one year programme and consists of 14 modules. The modules are delivered on a full-time basis with lectures from Monday to Friday. The Higher Certificate in Event Management is run over two semesters, with final exams being written at the end of each semester. 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.

What must I pass in order to graduate with this Higher Certificate?

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?

When you graduate you will receive a Higher Certificate in Event Management endorsed by The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), recently recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as the professional body for public relations and communication management and conferred by the IIE.

Career opportunities: what employment opportunities can I pursue after I have completed this Higher Certificate?

In addition to essential event management and public relations skills, students will gain basic business skills which will enhance their opportunities to enter the workplace to take up positions such as:

  • Event co-ordinator
  • Conference organiser
  • Event project manager
  • Conference producer
  • Events manager
  • Assistant venue manager

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.