Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Public Relations
Award abbreviation: BPR
QTAC code: 011141
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR346
CRICOS code: 066299G. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Industry professionals are involved in course delivery
• Opportunity to undertake industry internships with public relations firms
• Graduates are experienced in reputation management

Public relations professionals assist organisations and individuals to develop and maintain beneficial relationships with clients, media, government, consumers and other stakeholders.

This program provides you with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in public relations. Courses cover event management, crisis and issues management, media and community relations, advertising, campaign planning, international communication, sports marketing and consumer behaviour. A range of elective courses are also available. Industry engagement and internships in public relations roles provide practical experience.

Majors

Communication studies; creative advertising; creative writing; journalism; public relations.

Career opportunities

Event management, media liaison, corporate communication, government/policy communication, non-profit organisations, tourism, promotions, marketing communications, advertising/copy editing.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of the Public Relations Institute of Australia.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Telecommunications and Networks
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Introductory courses

4 required courses:
BUS105 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN102 Marketing Theory and Practice
CMN120 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN140 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics

Plus select 1 course from:
BUS101 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN130 Applied Research Methods

Advanced courses

11 required courses:
CMN213 Introduction to Journalism
CMN216 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN218 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN226 Media and Community Relations
CMN229 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN231 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN251 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN243 International Communication
CMN273 Public Relations Events Project
MKG210 Internship/Research Project (Professional Communication)
MKG221 Consumer Behaviour

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses. It is recommended that students utilise electives to complete an additional minor from 1 of the following areas:

• 3D Design
• Australian Studies
• Communication Studies
• Comparative Studies
• Counselling
• Creative Advertising
• Creative Writing
• e-media Design
• English
• Environmental and Planning Studies
• Graphic Design
• History
• Human Services
• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Justice Studies
• Legal Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Public Policy
• Sociology

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. 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
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 related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
7. Refer to explanation of terms.
8. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
9. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
10. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
11. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.

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

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