Graduate Certificate in Communication (Public Relations)

On this page

Broaden your communications career options and learn about the cultural and ethical implications of a public relations campaign. Design and implement public relations activities, and choose topics from your workplace, community activities or simulated activities as part of your major assessment tasks.

Learn how to:

  • ·         manage the public relations functions in a corporate environment
  • ·         develop a public relations plan for the government or private sector
  • ·         manage an organisation's response to an issue or crisis
  • ·         write for a variety of mass media

Successful completion will lead you to admission to the Graduate Diploma in Communication (Public Relations).

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

Methods of applying:

  • You can apply direct to VU

Please note that part-time study may not be available at all campuses.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Arts

Careers

  • ·         public relations consultant
  • ·         communications/media adviser

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

Course Objectives

The postgraduate program in Public Relations provides the knowledge and skills for professionals to successfully undertake and complete a range of public relations business requirements in all types of organisations. Graduates will be confident of their capacity to enter or progress careers requiring Public Relations expertise.

Units and electives

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Communication (Public Relations), students must complete a total of 48 credit points in four core units of study as directed by course co-ordinator.

Plus one of the following three units:

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admission Information

  • International: The admission requirement for the Graduate Certificate course is a three-year first degree. Applicants who do not meet basic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of equivalence. Equivalence will usually be in the form of recognition of relevant work experience.
  • Mature: The admission requirement for the Graduate Certificate course is a three-year first degree. Applicants who do not meet basic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of equivalence. Equivalence will usually be in the form of recognition of relevant work experience.

English language requirements

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Admission requirements in your country

Find out if you meet the minimum academic (international qualification) requirements to be eligible to apply for this course by reviewing the academic entry requirements listed by country.

How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.