Bachelor of Public Relations | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Public Relations

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 Economics for Business
COR110 Business Law and Ethics
COR111 Management and Organisational Behaviour

Introductory courses

4 required courses:
BUS105 Accounting Principles
CMN102 ICT for Financial Professionals
CMN120 Advanced Research Methods
CMN140 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility

Plus select 1 course from:
BUS101 Financial Accounting
CMN130 Business Finance

Advanced courses

11 required courses:
CMN213 Law of Business Associations
CMN216 Company Accounting
CMN218 Management Accounting
CMN226 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN229 Taxation Law and Practice
CMN231 Media and Community Relations
CMN251 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN243 Public Relations Events Project
CMN273 International Communication
MKG210 Public Relations Internship/Industry Project
MKG221 Making Public Policy in a Global Era

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses. It is recommended that students utilise electives to complete an additional minor from 1 of the following areas:

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

  1. No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses.
  2. No courses may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
  3. A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (72 units) can be included
  4. Electives may be used to complete an additional major or minor to supplement the required major.
  5. 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.
  6. Refer to the Academic Rules.
  7. Refer to explanation of terms.
  8. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
  9. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
  10. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
  11. 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

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