Content curate, tell stories and connect with people.
Our public relations program is taught by industry professionals who know first-hand what it is like to have a career in public relations. They share real insights into clients, news stories, events and campaigns they have worked on.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2023 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Our public relations program is taught by industry professionals who know first-hand what it is like to have a career in public relations. They share real insights into clients, news stories, events and campaigns they have worked on.
Tailor your study to sectors you are interested to work in such as politics, fashion, tourism, public affairs, multinational or not-for-profit and build your skills in event management, social media monitoring, crisis communication, social research and campaign planning.
The program is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). You’ll complete an internship in the PR industry in your final year of study. Your internship consists of 104 hours and gives you industry contacts and practical experience.
Complete a Work Integrated Learning course and team up with an external industry mentor to plan and deliver a PR activity, such as an event for a not-for-profit organisation. Gain industry experience and possibly even secure a job before you graduate.
Career opportunities
Consultancy, public and corporate affairs, policy communication, event management, crisis management, political communication, media liaison and advocacy.
Membership
Public Relations Institute of Australia.
Program structure
Introductory courses (6)
CMN102
CMN120 Introduction to Contemporary Global Media and Communication
COR109
Select 3 courses from:
CMN130 News and Reporting
CMN140
INT140
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
Advanced courses (12)
BUS320 Business, Governance and Society
CMN213
CMN216
CMN228 Media Law and Ethics
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN243
CMN251
CMN252 Writing for Strategic Communication
CMN253
CMN273
CMN276 Social Media Communication
INT270
Elective courses (6)
Select 6 elective courses. Of these electives, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses and 6 may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 18 required courses and 6 electives.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- Complete no more than 7 courses from the School of Business or the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.