Graduate Certificate in Public Relations | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Graduate Certificate in Public Relations

  • 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

Program summary

Program title: Graduate Certificate in Public Relations
Award abbreviation:
GCPR
Degree type: coursework 
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 6 months minimum full time, 2 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
USC program code: AR513
CRICOS code: 065371B

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. 

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Dr Heather Pavitt
Tel: +61 7 5459 4837
Email: HPavitt@usc.edu.au

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

  • Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
  • Select the program in which you are enrolled.
  • Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.
Program requirements and notes
  • Students are required to successfully complete 4 required courses as listed below.
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Required courses: (4)

Select 4 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN120 Geo-ethics: Plants, Animals and People
CMN213 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN216 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN218 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN224 Media and Community Relations
CMN226 Advertising Campaigns
CMN229 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN231 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN235 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN248 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN251 Creative Advertising

TOTAL UNITS 48