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Bachelor of Media and Communication – Public Relations
Learn the art of persuasion to protect, enhance or build an organisation or individual’s reputation with an online public relations degree.
Undergraduate
Qualification
3 years full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Date
24
Units
100% Online
Learning Mode
$16,992*
Fees
‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’
Kate, Swinburne Online graduate
4.3/5
The results are in: Public Relations Managers rate their roles 4.3 stars out of 5.
Our media and communication courses have been awarded a five-star rating for learner engagement, learning resources and skills development.
Our media and communication courses have been awarded a five-star rating for learner engagement, learning resources and skills development.
Join the world of professional communication with a public relations degree from Swinburne Online.
With this qualification, you will learn how to effectively influence and manage public perception and communicate with target audiences using engaging content, targeted messaging and strategic campaigns.
Through practical experience and authentic projects and PR planning, you will learn to manage a range of communication challenges and explore new media, event management, digital marketing and crisis communication.
Our graduates are equipped to work in a variety of public and private industries, including corporate communications, public affairs, marketing, and promotions and events.
This degree offers valuable work integrate learning opportunities and is professionally accredited by the Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA), ensuring you’re ahead of the curve upon graduation.
What will you learn?
- Professional Communication: Build your skills and confidence as a professional communicator.
- Intercultural Communication: Learn how to effectively communicate within a multicultural society.
- Campaign & Events Planning: Learn how to plan and manage PR campaigns and events, and evaluate their success using real industry case studies.
- Writing: Develop industry-specific writing skills that will allow you to effectively engage and influence your audience.
- Digital Communities: Understand communication theories in relation to social media, online communities and blogging.
Learn more about our professional accreditations. Download a Course Guide.
Flexible study
Flexible study
What does flexible study mean for me?
Studying at Swinburne Online gives you the freedom to study how it suits you. Learn when and where it fits in with your life and tailor your study journey to your own needs without giving up what’s important.
Flexible study at Swinburne Online
Personalised study journey
Set a study pace that work with what’s going on in your life. If you’re unsure about how much you can commit to, we can offer part-time options and the option of increasing your unit load as your progress. Interested in fast-tracking your studies? You also have the opportunity to complete up to 12 units per year.
Fit study around your life
You don’t have to put your life on hold to study. Prioritise what matters to you and fit study around family, work and personal commitments through a course that is flexibly designed for online learners.
Multiple intakes
Start when it suits. Swinburne Online offers multiple intake dates and flexible unit availability, so you can choose when you begin your studies or if you need to take a break.
7-day support
Flexible study requires flexible support. As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, 7 days a week. Student Advisors available to help with anything from tech support to research advice, and dedicated online tutors in each of your units.
Structure
Structure
Your course structure
This is an example of a full-time study load. Whether you’re looking to fast-track your studies or prefer a part-time study option, Swinburne Online degrees flexibly fit around your study needs.
The Bachelor of Media and Communication – Public Relations consists of 24 units, including five core units, eight Public Relations major units and 11 elective units.
You will complete a project-based unit that combines your theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios. You will have the opportunity to put theory into practice with the Professional Practice: Client and Agency Management unit. In a group, you will plan and develop operational plans for a workplace while developing your teamwork and project management skills
Studying public relations with Swinburne Online is a unique opportunity. Our courses are at the forefront of industry and provide you with the practical skills to success come graduation. View all units in your bachelor’s degree.
View All UnitsHow you'll learn
How you'll learn
Learning designed for online
Your study journey with Swinburne Online is tailored to the digital space. You’ll study in a dynamic virtual classroom environment and interact with your peers in the custom-built social platform. You will also receive support at the times you need it from advisors who understand studying online.
Online classroom
You’ll complete each of your units in Canvas, your online classroom, and guided through coursework by an online tutor with real-world experience in your field of study. Canvas is where you’ll access classes, assignments and discussion boards with your peers.
Online campus
The Student Hub is your online campus, where you’ll access the support and resources to assist you throughout your study journey. From managing your course to technical support and library resources, you’ll find it all in one easy location.
Tailored support
Swinburne Online will be there for you each step of the way. From enrolment through to graduation, we offer extended, flexible support in each of your units and advisors to assist with any queries.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Non-Year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees) or equivalent. Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Year 12 entry
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.
VCE Pre-requisites
- Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
If you are applying as an international student, please view the English Language Requirements.
Fees
Fees
The estimated annual fee for this course is $16,992*. This is based on completing eight 12.5 credit point units in one calendar year.
*Unit fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.
Discover more information about HELP loans.
Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.
This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students. Depending on your citizenship, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Swinburne Online connection to industry
Our public relations graduates work in a range of rewarding roles and industries. The Bachelor of Media and Communication – Public Relations prioritises practical theory and experience within your degree so that you can graduate with your foot already in the door. You will:
- Work on a public relations project
- Receive personalised teaching and feedback to assist with your individual learning
- Learn from industry leaders.
Communications Officer
Develop and implement communication strategies to promote information about an organisation to the public.
Public Relations Coordinator
Develop and manage important brand relationships with the public and the media.
Social Media Strategist
Build, grow and manage a brand’s community through social media and other online channels.
PR and Events Manager
Build a company’s presence through a range of messaging and events.
Public Relations Manager
Plan and implement public relations strategies to build a favourable public image.
Accreditations
The Bachelor of Media and Communications with a major in Public Relations is accredited by Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA).
Testimonial
‘I now have the confidence to go for roles I wouldn’t have dreamed of going for before.’
Clare
Swinburne Online graduate
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Bachelor of Media and Communication - Media Studies
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FAQs
What are other students asking?
Q.
Do I have to purchase learning materials?
A.
For students undertaking a degree, most of your learning materials are included with a free license provided to you by Swinburne Online. However, in some cases, you will be notified via your student email that you will need to buy specific software or eTexts. For TAFE Business students, all of your learning materials will be available online and are covered by your course fees. You won’t need to purchase any further materials.
Q.
Do I need to be logged on to study at specific times?
A.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.
Q.
Do you offer online support, or will I need to figure it all out myself?
A.
We have a whole variety of support options available to students seven days a week, so no one is ever left feeling alone.
For students studying a degree with us, your small online class of 20-24 students is run by a dedicated online tutor (Online Learning Advisor), who will always be happy to respond to your questions. Our Student Advisors (SAs) are a team of academic/technical and administrative specialists who can be contacted seven days a week. They can help with issues from advice on assignments to problems with logging in to the Student Portal. We also have online assessment support options that will cater to a range of academic needs. To find out more about our university support options, visit the student support page on our website.