BP223 - Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)
Plan: BP223 - Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)
Campus: City Campus
Overview
Program detailsPurpose of the ProgramArticulation and pathwaysEntrance requirementsExternal accreditation and industry linksStudent expenses and charges in addition to feesLibrary, IT and specialist resourcesProgram details
Award title: Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)
Award abbreviation: BComm(PR)
Total credit points: 288
Career: UGRD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location: Onshore, City Campus
Owning school: Media and Communication (345H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication
ASCED code: 080509
CRICOS code: 048666F
Top of pagePurpose of the Program
The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) offers you a degree in the strategic thinking, technical skills, and broader social/global understanding that is the basis of a successful career in the public relations industry. You will combine professionally-oriented skills with theoretical and industry-based knowledge in the various areas of public relations practice.
In this program, you will find out why and how organisations use Public Relations (PR), as well as how to gauge the effectiveness of PR, professional protocols and ethics. You will build written and verbal communication skills using a variety of communication media. The program builds a base of professional skills and knowledge in writing techniques, strategy, media, stakeholder relations and research. You will also gain an understanding of social, political, business and communication issues and environments, which will help to identify the goals and needs of employers and clients. Opportunities to build critical and analytical skills provide the foundation for leadership roles in industry.
You will experience a variety of interactive learning and teaching approaches, both on campus and in work-integrated learning environments. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, project work, workshops and tutorials, you will engage in individual and team-based projects. This program gives you an opportunity to build workplace experience through internships and other practice-based courses. You will gain insights into industry expectations of professional practice to complement the knowledge and skills gained through formal studies. Public Relations Campaigns is the program's capstone course COMM2691 Public Relations Campaign, integrating skills and knowledge gained throughout the duration of the program and preparing you for transition into the professional world.
Your program includes the opportunity to take a Minor stream of study. A Minor is a grouping of courses that runs parallel with your core courses, developing your ability to see professional practices within wider social, cultural, political, technological and economic contexts. Employers look to graduates not only for technical skills, but also for an ability to analyse and conceptualise. The range of Minors on offer to you include: Approaches to Pop Culture, Asian Media and Culture, Cinema Studies, Literary Studies and Contemporary Politics and Communication.
On completion of the program you will have the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven industry. The program has strong links to other RMIT programs in Vietnam and Singapore. Staff and students also have links with universities in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as Europe and the United States.
Public Relations graduates work in many areas including: corporate/internal communications, issues and crisis management, public affairs and lobbying, media relationships and publicity, event management, fund raising and sponsorship. Many public relations graduates also start their own businesses.
The delivery of this program is blended comprising of face-to-face learning supplemented by online learning.
Top of pageArticulation and pathways
Successful completion of RMIT's Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing guarantees entry into this program with 96 credit points of exemption (equivalent of 1 year full-time study).
Successful completion of RMIT's Diploma of Business (Public Relations) guarantees entry into this program with 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1 year full-time study).
If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.
Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible to undertake further studies in RMIT University programs, including honours or master by coursework in the School of Media and Communication, subject to each program's entry requirements.
Top of pageEntrance requirements
This plan has been discontinued. The last intake was semester 2, 2023.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
For equivalents to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country Equivalency web page on the RMIT website.
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in any English.
International English language requirement
A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.
Top of pageExternal accreditation and industry links
This program is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) www.pria.com.au. Program staff have close links with the PRIA and other key industry bodies, such as the International Association of Business Communicators. Graduates are eligible for the PRIA Associate-New Practitioner membership.
Industry practitioners with a wide range of roles, backgrounds and skills are involved in program development. They also provide regular input on industry trends and needs, employment trends and other issues via the Public Relations Industry Advisory Committee, comprised of industry representatives from consultancy, government, not-for-profit and other public and private sector organisations. This ensures that the degree reflects current developments in industry, and graduates are well positioned for employment.
Industry practitioners are regular guest presenters, and some are more closely involved in the program as tutors and seminar convenors.
Through industry networks, and with its longstanding reputation in industry, the program is also able to offer internships and a range of other high-quality practical PR projects and experiences to students as part of their studies.
Top of pageStudent expenses and charges in addition to fees
Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.
Top of pageLibrary, IT and specialist resources
Library resources and services
RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study spaces. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases.
Computers and printers are available at every Library. You can access the Internet and Library e-resources. You can also access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.
Contact Ask the Library for information on Library resources and services: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library. Study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, information literacy, referencing, maths and study skills.
Online learning tools and content
You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit
Services available to you as a student at RMIT University
RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
Services are available face to face and online assisting with:
- transition to tertiary study and learning
- study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
- enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
- career development and employment
- living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
- opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
- opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance
We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You can find more information from Student Support.
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