Program summary
Program title: Graduate Certificate in Public Relations
Award abbreviation: GCPR
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 6 months minimum full time, 2 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2010: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
USC program code: AR513
CRICOS code: 065371B
Highlights
- Learn to create strategic communication campaigns
- Find out how to succeed in the competitive field of public relations
- Develop essential writing, tactical and analytical skills
Build your skills in contemporary public relations.
Public relations specialists assist business, government and non-profit organisations to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with clients, consumers, media, financial donors, employees and other stakeholders. These programs provide the theoretical understanding and practical skills to succeed in this competitive field. They are ideal for those who hold an undergraduate degree or its equivalent in an area different from public relations.
Interpersonal skills involving negotiation, and the ability to gain cooperation, are an essential foundation for advanced technical and strategic skills in public relations. Complete the 4-course Graduate Certificate to improve your written and oral communication skills, learn to design and manage large-scale events, and gain an understanding of the media industries. It offers an attractive opportunity for you to gain a qualification that is relevant, current and credible. To continue your studies, the Graduate Certificate articulates into the 8-course Graduate Diploma and you can apply the units completed to the higher award.
The Graduate Diploma in Public Relations is ideal for professionals in corporate or government sectors looking to upgrade their qualifications and expertise in a short time and it is currently under consideration by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) for accreditation. You gain hands-on workplace experience through two work integrated learning units—a major event project and an internship. In the Graduate Diploma, you can use your electives to specialise in an area of interest. Select courses in internal communications, crisis and issues management, or advertising, or undertake a research project on a particular aspect of public relations that interests you.
Admission requirements
A student entering the Graduate Certificate in Public Relations program will be required to hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in a discipline other than Public Relations. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Program structure
Select 4 courses from:
CMN120 The Psychology of Learning
CMN213 Using Data for Learning
CMN216 Secondary Professional Learning: The Professional Empowered and Engaged
CMN218 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN224 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN226 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN229 Media and Community Relations
CMN231 Advertising Campaigns
CMN235 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN248 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN251 Communication Campaign Planning
Program requirements and notes
- Students are required to successfully complete 4 courses as specified in the Graduate Certificate in Public Relations program structure.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- International students need to refer to University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
Enquiries
How to apply
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