Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)
2018 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2018 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) |
| Course Map | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2018. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2018. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2018. If you require a course map from a previous year, please contact a Student Adviser. |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Cloud Campus | Yes |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 083990C Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Deakin course code | A325 |
| Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
Course overview
Prepare yourself for the dynamism of strategic communications by studying Public Relations at Deakin. The degree program is designed to keep pace with advancements in technology and the changing political, economic, and social landscape.
Public relations and communication specialists create inspiring campaigns, manage reputations and capture the attention of others with innovative communication. If you have an interest in media, want to capitalise on your creative potential or, make use of your flair for communication, consider studying a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) at Deakin University.
Public Relations at Deakin prepares you with professional skills, techniques and knowledge necessary for the management of public relations in business, government and not-for-profit organisations.
This course includes communication research techniques, organisational planning, problem analysis, strategy development, creation of communication tactics and, the evaluation of effective communication.
You will have the opportunity to establish links with professionals in the industry through working with clients in real life scenarios, undertaking work-based internships with accredited practitioners.
The degree is accredited with Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). Graduates of accredited degrees are permitted accelerated membership of the PRIA.
Career opportunities
There are promising career opportunities for public relations professionals in commerce, government, community and education institutions, hospitals, health and welfare organisations, special interest groups, cultural organisations, consumer affairs and public relations consultancies. Other terms are often used in place of public relations or to describe a specialised aspect of public relations. They include public affairs, corporate affairs, community relations, customer relations, investor relations, employee relations, publicity, government relations, media relations, crisis management and issues management, all of which provide other employment opportunities.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Transition to University study
The faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work which are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Employ communication theories and concepts to the practice of public relations to inform professional practice within government, civil and business organisations. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate analyses, findings and strategies in Public Relations to a range of audiences using written, digital and oral formats. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital communication technologies to research and strategically engage with audiences and stakeholder. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to Public Relations practice and issues including the need to understand current social and legal norms, policies and practices, in the local, national and global context. |
| Problem solving | Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with accepted evidence-based communication methods to generate innovative approaches and solutions to complex, real world issues within the professional Public Relations environment. |
| Self-management | Exhibit autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a commitment to learning and skills development in a professional context. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with real world (external) clients and others from different disciplines and backgrounds to build effective relationships and achieve communication goals. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate communication strategies that are respectful and inclusive of cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of ethical standards. |
| Approved by Academic Board | |
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations), a student must complete 24 credit points including:
- 18 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of electives
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Course structure
Level 1
| ACC100 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALR103 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALR104 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Course structure
Electives
Complete six electives, of which at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level
We suggest students complete at least 4 units in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Arts (https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-arts). We do recommend students complete at least two more selectable core units listed above.
Course structure
Complete four 1 credit point units chosen from the following list:
| ALJ220 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALC215 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALM202 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ADV201 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALA203 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALA302 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ACC303 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| MMM312 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| MIS203 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ACG276 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Course structure
Complete three 1 credit point units chosen from the following list:
| ACG103 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALA101 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALA102 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALM101 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALM102 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALJ111 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALJ112 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Course structure
Level 3
| ALR300 | Unit description is currently unavailable (2 credit points) |
| ALR382 | Unit description is currently unavailable (2 credit points) |
| ALR383 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Course structure
Level 2
| ALR207 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALR276 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALR279 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Other learning experiences
There are opportunities to engage in global mobility programs such as communication study tours (domestic and international and subject to offer); overseas internships, and study abroad.