Diploma of Business (Public Relations)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time may be available -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicable Location
Not applicable
Overview
Your career in public relations
Develop the skills to enter the workforce in a range of public relations and service industry sectors such as tourism and hospitality, local government, media and information services.
What you will learn in this program
With subjects including project management, copywriting and presentation, you will learn how to conduct market research, analyse consumer behaviour for specific markets and develop and manage public relations strategies.
Details
Public relations (PR) specialists are trained to build an organisation's reputation and maintain positive relationships with their external clients, customers and stakeholders.
This program is ideal for confident people with strong problem-solving skills, leadership potential, analytical instincts and a keen curiosity about the world.
This program is offered full-time during the daytime at the Melbourne City campus or via blended delivery.
In this program you’ll learn how to:
- create communication strategies
- be part of a campaign team
- build relationships with colleagues and clients
We have a reputation for PR programs that enhance career opportunities because of our:
- strong relationship with the Public Relations Institute of Australia
- prominent industry connections
- unique work-based learning approach
Pick up valuable skills and connections through work placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors and get a chance to work on global client projects.
Note: Year 12 students typically apply for the full-time program via VTAC.
Most of your classroom learning and teaching activities will be held in the Swanston Academic Building. RMIT's Swanston Academic Building features wireless connection to printers, the web and specialist learning resources, interactive lecture and tutorial spaces, lectorial theatres, small-group rooms and other innovative learning spaces as well as retail and social spaces.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and group project work.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Blackboard, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments.
Our programs are designed for school-leavers as well as current workers, people looking to change careers or upskill and those with family or other commitments.
Inside the program experience
Hear what our current students are saying
RMIT has a leading reputation for Public Relations programs that enhance career opportunities. This is due to our strong relationship with the Public Relations Institute of Australia, our prominent industry connections and our unique work-based learning approach.
- You will benefit from guest speakers, and will have the opportunity to work on real projects and campaigns in a simulated communications agency.
- You have the opportunity to undertake a two-week work placement.
- There is an opportunity to participate in the Virtual Global WIL Project to implement your knowledge and skills relating to global business operations and project coordination. The project involves RMIT students working in a global team with students from Ireland and the United States to prepare an integrated marketing communications plan.
- You'll have the chance to work on real-life project briefs from members of the Program Advisory Committee and PRIA. In the recent past, students have worked with not-for-profits, government (politicians) and/or on real life projects from companies such as Siemens, Nescafe, Australia Post and Vic Roads.
- Members of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) actively review program design and course materials.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
You will study eight core and four elective courses that will provide you with a thorough understanding and practical working knowledge of all aspects of public relations including:
- creating public relations campaigns
- copywriting, creating websites and using digital media
- conducting market research and understanding consumer behaviour
- presenting and evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns
- managing projects.
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses our students are currently studying.
Plan code: C5371
Description: Diploma of Business (Public Relations)
Campus: Melbourne City
Duration: One year full time, Part-time equivalent
Career
Upon completion of the Diploma, you are encouraged to progress to the Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations).
Advanced Diploma graduates will emerge with skills and knowledge necessary to begin a career in the public relations industry in Australia.
Typical roles include information officer, promotional event officer, PR officer and community development officer in areas such as tourism and hospitality, public policy, media, journalism and feature writing, publishing (particularly for multimedia), libraries and information services.
Admissions
Current Year 12: Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent or the Australian Senior VCAL Certificate.
This program does not select on ATAR.
Non Year 12: Completion of post-secondary studies or at least 6 months’ work experience.
Entry requirements
Pathways
Fees
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place.
To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at ‘How to check if you are eligible’**.
2018 Fees
- Government subsidised place: AU$8,500* per annum
- Full-fee place: AU$10,500* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
- 2018 full-fee place: AU$13750* per annum
- Maximum VET Student Loan for program: AU$5000**
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
**The maximum loan amount for a program is indexed annually on 1 January, and the maximum loan amount denoted above is correct at the time of publication.
Eligibility criteria waver
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving two (2) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and already have a qualification, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
VET Student Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme (VSL), which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
How does a VET Student Loan work?
If your VSL application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
If your program is eligible for the VSL scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference once you exceed the cap.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt. You will start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.