• Program summary
• Program overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program  summary

QTAC code: 011211
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BCorp&PubAffairs
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1, 2009
USC program code: AR347
CRICOS code: 066297K

Program overview

In a competitive world characterised by savvy consumers, complex public policy and an active media, the role of corporate and public affairs practitioners has become increasingly important in both the corporate and government sectors.

Professional communicators are responsible for managing the flow of information between an organisation, company or individual and its publics—consumers, investors, competitors and supporters. They operate within an exciting, fast-paced and often high-pressured environment, and require specialised skills in order to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Designed by industry professionals, the courses in the Bachelor of Corporate and Public Affairs will help you to gain both a solid foundation in communication and public relations theory and practice, as well as understandings of the political and legal structures that underpin business and public policy spheres.

Understanding the issues is only part of the equation. Being skilled at developing and delivering the key messages that actually influence outcomes is also crucial, and USC’s well-established internship program enables you to test and refine your knowledge in a mentored workplace environment.

The program structure also allows you to select elective courses from a variety of Arts and Social Sciences areas, to broaden skills and career opportunities. For example, you could learn a foreign language to work in an international public affairs environment, or develop graphic design skills to deliver effective visual communication. Other areas of study are also available—refer to the program structure for more information.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Corporate and Public Affairs program is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. Graduates of the program have an accelerated path to professional membership of the Institute.

• corporate communication—internal/external
• government/policy communication
• non-profit organisations
• marketing communications
• issues/crisis management
• lobbying
• media relations

Special features

• program taught by industry professionals
• opportunities to undertake industry internships with public relations firms
• unique degree program - the only one of its kind in Australia

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Physical Education Studies A
COR110 Advanced Coaching Science
COR111 Work Place Learning I

Introductory courses

6 required courses:
BUS105 Communication and Thought
CMN102 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
CMN120 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
INT140 Marketing Theory and Practice
JST101 Communication Theory and Practice
JST102 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics

Advanced courses

10 required courses:
CMN213 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
CMN216 Justice and the Australian Legal System
CMN218 Foundations of Criminology
CMN231 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN243 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN251 Media and Community Relations
CMN273 Communication Campaign Planning
INT230 Public Relations Events Project
INT270 International Communication
MKG210 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:

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes

1. Refer to the Academic Rules.
2. Refer to explanation of terms.
3. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
4. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
5. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
6. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
7. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Enquiries 

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

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