Program summary
Program title: Graduate Diploma in Public Relations
Award abbreviation: GDPR
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 1 year minimum full-time, 4 years maximum part-time.
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2010: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 8
USC program code: AR613
CRICOS code: 058893A
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 Diploma program will normally be required to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution. To be eligible to undertake this award, students must not have undertaken a previous degree in communications, journalism, creative writing or public relations; or a major or minor in any of the foregoing fields of study.
Students cannot undertake any course in this award that they have completed previously at an undergraduate level. 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. Advanced standing for up to 4 courses may be awarded for courses completed in a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations.
Program structure
2 required courses:
CMN120 Economics for Managers
CMN231 Managing Organisations
Plus select 6 courses from: (provided prerequisite equivalency has been approved by the course coordinator)
CMN213 Marketing Management
CMN216 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN218 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN224 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN226 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN228 Media and Community Relations
CMN229 Advertising Campaigns
CMN243 Advertising: Copy and Image #
CMN248 The Writer and the Law
CMN251 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN273 Public Relations Events Project #
CMN574 Creative Advertising
Requirements and notes
- The Graduate Diploma in Public Relations is a 96 unit program.
- The courses that constitute the Graduate Diploma in Pubic Relations will be existing undergraduate courses but will be assessed at a postgraduate level.
- The Graduate Diploma articulates into the Master of Communication. Students who undertake courses in the Graduate Diploma may apply for up to 8 courses advanced standing into the coursework components only of the Master of Communication.
Please note: To gain the maximum of 8 courses advanced standing, students must complete CMN574 in the list above. - Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
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