Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) covers planning and management and the implementation of communication strategies for a variety of organisations.

CSU is launching new age Communication and Creative Industries programs from 2014. CSU has always been at the forefront of innovative and cutting edge delivery of communication and creative practices in Australia. The new programs recognise the changing industries and prepare students for the 21st Century and beyond. Current students will have the flexibility to graduate with their existing degrees or transfer to the new programs. More information about the new programs will be available online soon, or you can register an expression of interest.

About the course

Diverse, fascinating and challenging careers are available to graduates of this course. Workshops, case studies and projects in the core subjects cover planning and management of communication strategies for a variety of organisations, as well as crisis and issues management, writing for organisations, communication audits, media relations and communication campaigns are some of the subjects covered by the course.

Supplementary consultations

One of the unique things about CSU's Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) is we have small class sizes, which allow intensive learning and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students as well as the opportunity to gain practical experience working in small teams with real clients, not just watch the work being done. This makes our course very competitive. To give you the best opportunity to gain entry to the Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations), CSU offers you the opportunity to undertake a supplementary consultation as part of your application process. This gives you the chance to meet with the course lecturers and demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and talent for this career area as well as finding out more about the course, our excellent facilities and exceptional work placements.

Course components

The Public Relations course is the equivalent of 24 subjects and there is also an extensive industry internship program in the final year. You will study subjects in areas including: organisations and management, community, government and international communication, media, ethics and public policy, public relations processes and newswriting, and crisis management. There are also subjects that provide students with practical experience with community groups.

Hands-on experience

Exercises, case studies and projects in the core subjects cover planning and management of communication strategies, ensuring graduates have a portfolio of work that demonstrates a high level of expertise.

Practical experience

Recent additions to the course structure provide students with the opportunity to work in teams on real projects in the Bathurst-Orange-Oberon region to gain valuable experience prior to their internship.

Students complete internships of four weeks with major public relations firms and corporate public affairs offices to equip them with practical, useable skills developed while working with real clients on real projects.

The latest facilities

To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:

• on campus community radio station
• online newsroom
• television studio
• online media technologies

Professionals teaching you

The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience, including Donald Alexander, who has extensive industry experience at senior management level in the manufacturing, resources and technology sectors; and Dr Peter Simmons, medical and health promotions specialist.

Your course is recognised by industry

This course is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Additional admission requirements

It is recommended that prospective students attend a supplementary consultation in Bathurst in late November. The consultation is completely informal and relaxed and is designed to ensure that you have the opportunity to gain first-hand information that will help you make an informed decision about your course. Alternatively you can organise a telephone interview.

Year 12 students are eligible for admission on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), and supplementary consultation. The interview form must be sent to the School of Communication and Creative Industries Bathurst Campus at least one week prior to the consultation date. For further information please telephone info.csu on 1800 334 733. You can also download an interview form here.

Principal's Report Entry Program applicants

Students applying for this course through PREP should submit the additional application form direct to CSU with their PREP application.

Admission requirements

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 6.5, and with scores of 6 or higher in each of the individual skill areas within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1