As 21st century communication specialists, public relations practitioners manage and coordinate relationships between organisations, agencies and the public. With a focus on ethical and sustainable communication practices, our public relations major builds key knowledge and skills in event management and campaigns, social media tactics and media relations, strategic planning, management and communication, as well as marketing communication.
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Deakin provided me with the theory, practical skills and industry contacts to enter the workplace as soon as I graduated. The internship unit was key to getting my foot in the door of the PR industry and provided me with crucial on-the-ground experience of what a PR role might be like.
Jenna Handreck
Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) graduate | Media and PR Manager, AFL Players Association
Graduates can work across a range of sectors, including business, government or not-for-profit organisations. You'll be prepared to work in:
Our graduates hit the ground running thanks to work-integrated learning. Take up an internship as part of your degree to add to your portfolio, while gaining valuable industry contacts and experience. You can also see the world with an international internship, exchange, study tour or volunteer placement.
Our courses are accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).
Deakin has also been awarded the following prestigious accreditations:
If you've got a great insight into how businesses present and handle themselves, consider specialising in public relations with a higher degree by research.
Lecturer Ross Monaghan introduces you to Deakin's Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) course.
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Public Relations) student, Liam, talks about his internship experience working courtside for the Deakin Live broadcast.
