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Public relations

Discipline

If you’re a born communicator, a career in public relations could be for you. Learn how to design and execute strategic communication campaigns. You’ll graduate with the fine-tuned skills and techniques required for effective reputation management.

Choose a public relations course that will get you work ready

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.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate (your first degree)

A Deakin undergraduate course is the foundation of your future career, usually completed in two to four years. Duration varies based on degree type, enrolment pattern and any credit received from recognition of prior learning.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate (further study)

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

Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)

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

Career opportunities

Graduates can work across a range of sectors, including business, government or not-for-profit organisations. You'll be prepared to work in:

  • communications
  • consumer relations
  • copywriting
  • event management
  • government relations
  • journalism
  • publicity
  • public relations
  • public affairs
  • social media strategy.
Gain industry experience and travel overseas

Gain industry experience and travel overseas

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.

Accreditation

Our courses are accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Deakin has also been awarded the following prestigious accreditations:

  • Deakin Business School (DBS) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only five per cent of business programs worldwide are AACSB accredited and DBS is one of only three business schools in Victoria to achieve this recognition.
  • DBS has been awarded EQUIS accreditation through the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). This global best-practice recognition places Deakin Business School in the top 1 per cent of business schools worldwide.

Research with us

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.

Learn more about researching with us

Become a strategic communicator

Become a strategic communicator

Lecturer Ross Monaghan introduces you to Deakin's Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) course.

Deakin Live broadcast: Liam

Deakin Live broadcast: Liam

Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Public Relations) student, Liam, talks about his internship experience working courtside for the Deakin Live broadcast.