Honours is available
The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) has been recognised by the University as a Nationally Outstanding 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.
Nearly every medium and large organisation has communication staff or employs public relations consultants.
You can work in:
The Public Relations course is made up 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.
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.
This course is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
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.
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.
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points.
An Honours year is available
Graduate Certificate in Organisational Communication
Graduate Diploma of Organisational Communication
| Study through | Bathurst |
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| Fee information | Australian & New Zealand students International students |
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| Admission rank cut-offs | ATAR + criteria |
| CRICOS registered | 012010K |
Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.
| Apply through UAC |
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| Apply online | International students Admission code:
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| Mail your application | International students |
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| Recruitment agent | International students |
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The course consists of a core of 16 subjects (160 points) and four restricted electives (32 points). Students choose four subjects from the discipline areas listed below. Students may select subjects in another discipline with the approval of the Course Coordinator.
An indicative course structure and enrolment pattern are available in the CSU Handbook.
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
Previous studies include:
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.
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
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.
It is recommended that prospective students attend an interview in either Sydney or Bathurst in late November or early December. The interview is in reality an informative discussion with the course coordinator to ensure you are fully informed on what the course may provide you. If you cannot attend an interview in person, we can arrange for a telephone interview at a time to suit.
Year 12 students are eligible for admission on the basis of their NSW Universities Admission Index (UAI), or interstate equivalent, and assessment of a questionnaire and an essay which are sent in October. This information is sent to all UAC applicants. All other applicants are also required to complete the questionnaire and essays.
Following is an example of the Questionnaire:
Please complete in your own handwriting, clearly marking your name on all of the following questions and tasks as requested. Please note no material will be returned, therefore do not provide originals. You can also provide any other information that you think may be relevant to your application.
1. Which secondary school did you attend?
2. Have you undertaken any studies since leaving high school?
3. If you have completed the NSW Higher School Certificate, or its interstate equivalent, indicate:
Note: Provide photocopies of supporting evidence for questions 4, 5 and 6. Please do not send originals as material will not be returned.
4. Have you undertaken work experience relevant to the course you wish to study? If so, specify.
5. State briefly any other experience you have had in areas relevant to your preferred course.
6. Give the names and positions of any people in the communication industry who could support your application.
7. State briefly any other information you think relevant to this application.
8. Non-school leaver applicants: please attach a curriculum vitae.
Applicants should attach copies of any support materials they think will assist their application.
Please write one 200-400 word essay on the following topic:
Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in a career in a specific
area in the communication sector
Note: Remember to put your name, address and contact details on your essays.
Late applicants must contact the University for the questionnaire/essay topic or interview times. The questionnaire/essays (and other support material) must be sent to the School of Communication by December in the year prior to entry for consideration. For further information please telephone info.csu on 1800 334 733.
Successful applicants may defer the first year of the Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations).
For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:
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Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) |