About Public Relations (BCommun)

People today, particularly young people, are incredibly media savvy. You probably already have your own personal PR profile out there in the public arena through Facebook; MySpace or your on-line avatars. Turn that basic understanding into an exciting and global career in Public Relations. With a Public Relations degree you’ll learn the theory and practicalities behind campaign management, strategic planning, issues management and the relationship between public relations and other communication professions. Combined with writing and professional communication subjects you’ll be ready to launch.

What can I do with my Public Relations degree?

Most entities, whether private businesses or Government Departments, have a strong need for public relations experts to guide them through the minefield of media profile and public perception. You may choose to go into media relations, community consultation and promotion in any number of areas; from multinational mining companies through to the small charities and NGO’s, it’s all up to you.

• Download the flyer for this course

How to apply

To apply for one of our programs you must submit all the required documentation outlined in the checklists below.

You can submit documentation via post, email, facsimile or in person. Please be aware that in order to gain a full offer you must meet our minimum entry requirements and all your original transcripts will need to be sighted by one of our Admissions Officers.

Please use the checklist below and submit all documentation before the relevant due date.

UG/MUPC Application Checklist:

1. Complete the undergraduate application form.
2. Submit all of your completed qualifications and the transcripts of your results.
   • This will help the university to properly assess your application.
   • Incomplete applications will not be processed.
3. Enclose certified copies of your English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable.
4. An application fee should be included along with the application. Applications sent without this fee will not be processed.
   • Undergraduate application fee – AED 250
5. Submit two passport size photographs.
6. Submit your passport copy with visa page.

Student applications

If you would like to apply for this course you can now:

• Ask for Information
• Download an application form

Course Details

Length of course	3 years full time internal study
Fee information	2009 fees-AED 60,000 per annum
Location	Dubai International Academic City
Murdoch course code	B1230

Course Structure - 72 points

Part I - 24 points

Foundation Unit - 3 points

Select one Foundation Unit from the Foundation Units section

Core Units - 6 points

MCC108 - Communication and Media
MCC107 - Introduction to Public Relations

General Electives - 15 points

Select from any 100-level units offered by the University, subject to individual unit prerequisites.

Part II - 48 points

Core Units - 24 points

MCC259 - Media Relations
MCC213 - Communication Research
MCC204 - Public Relations: Contemporary Approaches
MCC246 - Professional Communication
MCC307 - Campaign Management
MCC345 - Issues and Crisis Management

General Electives - 24 points

Select from any 200- to 400-level units offered by the University, subject to individual unit prerequisites.

What are my career options?

As a Murdoch Public Relations graduate, your employment outlook is enhanced, especially if you combine it with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specializations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider, including extra majors and minors that will improve your prospects of achieving them.

Professions	What they do
Public Relations Specialists	Public Relations Specialists draft press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material. Many radio or television special reports, newspaper stories, and magazine articles start at the desks of public relations specialists. Sometimes the subject is an organization and its policies toward its employees or its role in the community. Often the subject is a public issue, such as health, energy, or the environment, and what an organization does to advance that issue. They also arrange and conduct programs to keep up contact between organization representatives and the public. For example, they set up speaking engagements and often prepare speeches for company officials.
Manager Public Relations Managers	Public Relations Managers supervise public relations specialists. These managers direct publicity programs to a targeted audience. They often specialize in a specific area, such as crisis management, or in a specific industry, such as health care. They use every available communication medium to maintain the support of the specific group upon whom their organization’s success depends, such as consumers, stockholders, or the general public. For example, they may clarify or justify the firm’s point of view on health or environmental issues to community or special-interest groups. They observe social, economic, and political trends that might ultimately affect the firm, and make recommendations to enhance the firm’s image on the basis of those trends.
Copywriters	Copywriters and their assistants write the words of ads—both the written part of print ads as well as the scripts of radio and television spots.
Advertising Managers	Advertising Managers oversee advertising and promotion staffs, which usually are small, except in the largest firms. In a small firm, managers may serve as liaisons between the firm and the advertising or promotion agency to which many advertising or promotional functions are contracted out. In larger firms, advertising managers oversee in-house accounts, creative, and media services departments.