Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)

2019 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Participation requirements
• Mandatory student checks
• Pathways
• Fees and charges
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Course rules
• Course structure
• Work experience
• Other learning experiences

Course overview

Build the reputation of brands, people and organisations with skills and techniques developed through Deakin's Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations). Learn how innovative and ethical communication fosters meaningful relationships with stakeholders as you develop the capabilities to create inspiring campaigns and events, manage issues and become an adaptive communications expert. 

Do you want to create, inspire and problem solve? Steer your way to a dynamic career in communication 

Develop a thorough understanding of public relations in the 21st century so you can design and implement effective and memorable campaigns.

Through this course you'll learn about the social, administrative, cultural and ethical implications of public relations activity. You'll also gain insights into how PR has kept pace with advancements in technology and the changing political, economic and social landscape.

From day one, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills in writing, editing, researching, event organisation and publishing with the aim to prepare you for the challenges of the current media landscape. Learn from academics who are active in their field, with years of invaluable experience, ensuring you gain the professional skills to conduct strategic and tactical communication research, planning and evaluation.

You'll also establish links with professionals in industry, work with clients in real-life scenarios and explore work-based internships or study experiences overseas. From preserving reputations to crisis management, you'll graduate job ready with a portfolio of public relations work and an understanding of the art of managing news positively.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). Graduates are eligible for accelerated membership of the PRIA, ensuring you remain connected and up-to-date with current industry standards.

Career opportunities

With Deakin's accredited public relations degree, you can work across a range of sectors, including business, government or not-for-profit organisations. Deakin graduates find work as:

• account executives
• advertising copywriters
• advertising account managers
• customer relations officers
• community relations officers
• customer relations managers
• government relations officers
• communication and stakeholder relations
• marketing and communications coordinator
• media and communications advisors
• media relations advisors
• public relations officers
• social media account managers
• digital content coordinators
• digital communications specialists
• event management officers.

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.

Pathways

Further studies are available at Honours and Postgraduate level. Many students choose to enter into the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or the Master of Communication.

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

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations), a student must complete 24 credit points including:

• 11 credit points of core units (10 units)
• 3 course electives from list A
• 4 course electives from list B
• 6 credit points of electives (of which two must be at level 2 or 3)
• no more than 10 credit points at level 1
• AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Course structure

Level 1

Course structure

Level 2

Course structure

Level 3

Course structure

Electives

Complete six electives, of which at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level

We suggest students complete at least 4 credit points 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 also recommend students complete at least two more credit points from the course electives listed above.

Course structure

Course Electives

Complete three 1-credit point units chosen from the following course electives list A:

Complete four 1-credit point units chosen from the following course electives list B:

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.