INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY FROM SEMESTER 1, 2009 - No new enrolments for Australian and New Zealand students, please refer to Bachelor of Public Relations.

• Program summary
• Program overview
• Career opportunities
• Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries
• Recommended enrolment patterns

Program summary

QTAC code: 011141
OP/Rank for 2008 entry: OP-18 / Rank-62
Award abbreviation: BComn(PR)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
CRICOS code: 058123K

New students: selecting courses for 2008

Program overview

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. The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) provides students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work as a public relations professional across a range of industries.

In addition to specialist public relations courses, students study courses designed to develop advanced communications skills, including marketing and creative writing. A minor in marketing is available as part of the program, or students may select a minor in another area of interest.

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) may lead to opportunities in areas including advertising, corporate communication, marketing, public relations roles in business, government and non-profit organisations and tourism.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

4 required courses:
BUS105 Marketing Theory and Practice
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN110 Australian Media Industries: Introduction to Communication Studies
CMN120 Introduction to Public Relations
Plus select 1 introductory Arts and Social Sciences course from an area of study other than Communication

Advanced courses

8 required courses:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN216 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN248 Creative Advertising
MKG210 Consumer Behaviour
MKG220 Promotions Management
Plus select 3 courses from:
CMN228 The Writer and the Law
CMN229 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN235 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN237 Online Journalism
CMN243 Production Workshop (Professional Communication)
CMN249 Advanced News Reporting
CMN251 International Communication
CMN273 Internship/Research Project (Professional Communication)

Elective courses

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

• 3D Design
• Advertising
• Australian Studies
• Communication Studies
• Counselling
• Creative Writing
• e-media Design
• Environmental and Planning Studies
• Graphic Design
• Historical Studies
• Human Services
• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Journalism
• Justice Studies
• Legal Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Public Policy
• Public Relations
• Social and Community Studies
• Sociology

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of their USC program, students 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. If students complete the Business courses MKG210 and MKG220 listed above, only 3 elective courses may be chosen from the faculties of Business or Science, Health and Education.
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.
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.

How to apply

Apply for an undergraduate program.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

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