- Program summary
- Program overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 011141
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BPR
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: AR346
CRICOS code: 066299G
Program overview
Public relations professionals are concerned with reputation management. They assist organisations and individuals to develop and maintain beneficial relationships with clients, media, government, consumers and other stakeholders. They may work as part of an ongoing program of public relations and communication; develop and deliver a specific campaign; or formulate and execute a crisis response.
The Bachelor of Public Relations has been designed by industry professionals to help you develop the theoretical understandings and practical skills required to gain entry to the competitive public relations field, and to manage all aspects of communications with the public.
Courses in the program focus on editing, crisis and issues management, media and community relations, advertising, campaign planning, international communication and consumer behaviour, and include courses in the specific areas of tourism and hospitality and sport and event marketing. A well-established internship program enables you to test and refine your public relations knowledge in a mentored workplace environment.
Advanced communication skills are further developed through elective courses in a range of disciplines, including journalism, graphic design, politics and international relations, or foreign language studies.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Public Relations program is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. Graduates of the program have an accelerated path to professional membership of the Institute.
Career opportunities
Almost all organisations rely on effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to grow business and foster positive relationships. Bachelor of Public Relations graduates will be qualified to work in:
- event management
- media liaison
- corporate communication
- government/policy communication
- non-profit organisations
- tourism
- promotions
- marketing communications
- advertising/copy editing
Special features
- program taught by industry professionals
- opportunities to undertake industry internships with public relations firms
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Introduction to Sports Medicine
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Introductory courses
4 required courses:
BUS105 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN102 Marketing Theory and Practice
CMN120 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN140 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
Plus select 1 course from:
BUS101 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN130 Applied Research Methods
Advanced courses
11 required courses:
CMN213 Introduction to Journalism
CMN216 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN218 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN226 Media and Community Relations
CMN229 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN231 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN251 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN243 International Communication
CMN273 Public Relations Events Project
MKG210 Internship/Research Project (Professional Communication)
MKG221 Consumer Behaviour
Elective courses
Select 6 elective courses. It is recommended that students utilise electives to complete an additional minor from 1 of the following areas:
- 3D Design
- Australian Studies
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Studies
- Counselling
- Creative Advertising
- Creative Writing
- e-media Design
- English
- Environmental and Planning Studies
- Graphic Design
- History
- Human Services
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Justice Studies
- Legal Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- Public Policy
- Sociology
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
Program requirements and notes
- No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses.
- No courses may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
- A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (72 units) can be included
- Electives may be used to complete an additional major or minor to supplement the required major.
- An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
- International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
Enquiries
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Dr Amalia Matheson
Tel: +61 7 5456 5054
Email: amatheso@usc.edu.au