Bachelor of Public Relations

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Public Relations
Award abbreviation: BPR
QTAC code: 011141
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying 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.

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; public relations.

Career opportunities

Advertising / copy editing; corporate, marketing, government or policy communications; event management; media liaison; non-profit organisations, promotions, tourism.

Professional recognition

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

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

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

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 2 core courses, 16 required courses and 6 electives.
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 core 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
CMN120 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN140 Introduction to Creative Advertising

Advanced courses

12 required courses

CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN216 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN218 Media and Community Relations
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN229 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN243 Public Relations Events Project
CMN251 International Communication
CMN273 Internship/Research Project (Professional Communication)
MKG210 Consumer Behaviour
MKG221 Sport and Event Marketing

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). 

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Public Relations Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• Two (2) core courses:
  One core course should be studied in your first semester and one in your second semester
• Four (4) required introductory level courses
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses (4)

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 2

• Six (6) required advanced level courses
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Required courses (6)

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3

• Six (6) required advanced level courses
  CMN273 should be studied in your final semester of study.
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Required courses (6)

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business