IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management Course Requirements at Varsity College
Varsity College · Faculty of Science and Technology
The IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management is a master's Degree offered by Varsity College for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 2 years part-time online (with one contact week in Johannesburg) to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management at Varsity College
- An HEQSF Level 8 honours degree, postgraduate diploma or 480-credit Level 8 bachelor's degree in an appropriate field
- A research proposal presented and approved, with ethics clearance
- International applicants need a SAQA NQF Level 8 evaluation certificate
About this course
The IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management develops leaders who can manage water resources across science, policy and communities. It carries 180 credits at NQF Level 9 (SAQA ID 73709) and is offered by the School of Engineering, Science and Health, studied part-time online over two years with one compulsory contact week in Johannesburg. The intake is in February.
The programme combines coursework and a research thesis:
- Science of Water
- Water, Sustainability and Development
- Water Governance and Policy
- Project Management and Research Design
- a Research Thesis of up to 35 000 words
You learn to assess freshwater ecosystems, plan integrated water resource management, and design and write up a substantial research project.
The degree suits honours or postgraduate diploma holders in science, engineering, planning or environmental fields who work, or want to work, in water. Graduates of the IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management can articulate into it. All applicants must present a research proposal with ethics clearance.
Possible careers
Graduates take leadership roles in water in government departments, international agencies, NGOs and the private sector, or continue to doctoral study.
Course intelligence for IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Varsity College. Ask Varsity College directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Varsity College’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Varsity College and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply through the Emeris online postgraduate portal and upload a certified academic transcript, certified copies of your previous qualifications, a CV and a copy of your ID or passport. Research degrees also require a statement of intent or concept document and completion of the proposal development programme, so contact the faculty early. Final admission depends on supervisor availability and approval of your research proposal.
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- Duration
- 2 years part-time online (with one contact week in Johannesburg)
- NQF Level
- 9
- Fees
- 2027 online tuition R65 160 a year (2-year programme, full settlement); check the master's and doctoral fee schedule
- Application deadline
- February intake; check the programme page
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.emeris.ac.za/qualifications/online/master-of-philosophy-in-integrated-water-management, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Varsity College before applying.