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

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 Business. 

Enquiries

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

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:

TOTAL UNITS 48

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How to apply for a postgraduate program

• Confirm that you meet the postgraduate admission requirements below.
• Once you have decided on your degree, check the semester of offer on the program summary
• Refer to the application dates for cut-off dates and deadlines, and complete the appropriate application forms, if required
• To submit your application, refer to how to apply

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have questions about applications and admissions:

• 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

Am I eligible for admission to a postgraduate program?

USC makes admission offers for postgraduate programs to applicants who are judged to have a reasonable expectation of success in the program to which they are made an offer, in accordance with the Admissions – Academic Policy.

International applicants must meet specific entry requirements and apply directly to USC International.

To be eligible for admission as a domestic student to a postgraduate program at the University of the Sunshine Coast, an applicant needs to: 

• have completed a bachelor degree from an Australian higher education institution or recognised equivalent. In addition, programs may have additional requirements including:
  • some prior study in a particular area
  • a minimum GPA in undergraduate study
  • particular work or professional experience
  • professional standing / recognition in, or membership of, a professional body
• With Graduate Certificate programs, alternative entry criteria may be specified such as:
  • formal study undertaken for awards at the sub-degree level;
  • programs provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities;
  • relevant professional registration or vocational experience; and
  • demonstrable expertise.
  Refer to the admission requirements in the program summary.
• Have satisfied the English language proficiency requirements. If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program.

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
• 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