Explore your study options
Are you a born problem solver? A career in public relations could be your perfect fit. Discover how to create and implement strategic communication campaigns, equipping you with the essential skills for effective reputation management.
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.
Choose a public relations course that will get you work ready
Public relations practitioners manage 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.
Develop essential hands-on experience
Our emphasis on work-integrated learning ensures you’ll be job-ready after graduation. Complete an internship to enhance your portfolio and build essential industry connections. You can also explore global opportunities through international internships, exchanges or volunteer placements.
Learn from industry-leading practitioners
You'll be fully supported on your journey towards building a successful career in public relations. Our accomplished industry practitioners are leaders in their fields, having worked with renowned domestic and international organisations.
Professional recognitionÂ
Our public relations courses are accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).
If you're choosing to study public relations alongside a business degree, Deakin Business School holds dual accreditations with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and EQUIS accreditation through the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
Top professional roles in public relations
Join a fast-paced exciting industry, with over 200k Australians working in the media industry. Your future public relations career could see you working across a range of sectors including business, government or not-for-profit. Potential roles could include:
- communications
- consumer relations
- copywriting
- event management
- government relations
- publicity
- public relations
- public affairs
- journalism
- social media.
Top 1% worldwide for communications and media studies
Our media and communications studies are ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, so you can be assured that what you learn is relevant to the industry and your future career.
My main internship between second and third year, and the support in gaining this, really helped to cement key learnings from the course to that point. Additionally, the real‑world experience helped me realise what I liked in the workplace and what I would like in a job post-uni.
Lauren Brown
Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) graduate
World-class teaching experiences
We're the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Deakin’s industry-shaped courses and practical, real-world approach to learning will prepare you to be adaptable across the jobs of the future.
Learn from industry leaders
Our experienced academics possess strong local and international industry connections. With a blend of real-world practice and theoretical knowledge, you’ll graduate job-ready, poised to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Study in industry-standard environments
Our Melbourne Burwood Campus is home to an exceptional newsroom and cutting-edge creative media lab. Immerse yourself in a vibrant media landscape, hone your skills and unleash your creativity in a truly authentic setting.
Combine study and travel
Broaden your experience by combining travel and study. International study tours are offered across multiple Deakin media and communication courses, allowing you to see the world and gain credit towards your degree.
Want to explore more?
What's it really like to be a public relations manager?
Do you have a knack for words and telling a good story? Discover how studying public relations at Deakin could set you up for a fulfilling career.
Level up: turn your communications qualification into a masters
Transform your communications qualification into a master's degree at Deakin University. Elevate your career with advanced skills in media and communication.
Rankings and footnotes
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
Contact us
Got a question about our public relations courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online