Course Title: Public Relations Professional Practice
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Public Relations Professional Practice
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Dr Deborah Wise
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6326
Course Coordinator Email: deborah.wise@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 4
Course Coordinator Availability: Contact Course Coordinator
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None.
Course Description
In this professional placement course you will prepare for your career in public relations by applying the theories,principles and skills you have learned throughout the public relations major to real-world practice. You will participate in an internship (local or international) that can take various forms. This can include working with a non-profit or for-profit organisation, or for a public relations agency. You will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in the public relations field, gaining valuable insights into the industry. You will also develop specific skills and knowledge related to career strategy, self-assessment and networking,which are all critical components for effective career development.
Your workplace experience will be supported by learning activities designed to help you critically reflect on your internship experiences. Your internship will run between 80-120 hours and can be with either a local or international employer.
This is a designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course for BP354 Bachelor of Professional Communication (Public Relations major). This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/ or community is integral to your experience.
*An agreement including schedule and relevant insurance documentation is required to be completed before commencing each placement (local and international).International placements must be registered and processed through RMIT Global Mobility. In the case where a placement ends early, please refer to Changes or cancellation of WIL activities in the (https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/governance-and-management/policies/program-course-policy/wil-guideline) WIL Guideline.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the following BP354 Bachelor of Professional Communication Program Learning Outcomes:
- PLO2: Collaborate respectfully with diverse stakeholders, both locally and globally, to problem solve within and across a range of professional contexts.
- PLO5: Establish and continue to grow communication knowledge and skills by applying disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise in real world contexts.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate and apply public relations theories and principles to real-world professional practice
- Apply public relations skills and knowledge to professional contexts, working collaboratively to achieve organisational and personal goals.
- Critically analyse your contribution to professional settings, making connections between academic knowledge, ethics, skills and practical applications.
- Critically reflect on your learning and how you are going to apply it to your future career
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
The University Library has extensive resources for public relations students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies: http://rmit.libguides.com/pr
The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment may include essays, reports, reflective papers, creative projects and presentations, individually and in groups. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Career Action Plan 25% and Placement Documentation 5%. Individual Linked to CLOs 3,4
Assessment Task 2: Strategic Internship Report 40%. Individual Linked to CLOs 1,2,3
Assessment Task 3: Critical Reflection 30%. Individual Linked to CLOs 1,2,3,4
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services:" https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams