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 Business. Advanced standing for up to 4 courses may be awarded for courses completed in a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations.