Studying a Master of Strategic Public Relations

Short answer: The Master of Strategic Public Relations, a postgraduate coursework program, is all about fine-tuning your strategic communication and leadership skills. You will be taught to plan, execute, and evaluate public relations campaigns that cater to various contexts and stakeholders.

The degree opens career pathways in a range of communications roles, from corporate communications and government communications to media relations and public affairs.

This program dives into both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of public relations. It fosters a critical lens, urging you to ponder your influence as a practitioner and how external narratives impact your work. This course was first accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) in 2018, and students are taught by both industry and academic leaders from this exciting field.

Short answer: Anyone aiming to level up their expertise.

This postgraduate qualification is tailor-made for those seeking to shift into the realm of public relations or current media pros yearning to broaden, upgrade, or diversify their skill set within the field. Mid-career professionals can choose units in leadership and management to enhance their executive qualifications.

Short answer: No, you don’t need a background in public relations or communication studies. Admission is determined by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry into the 1.5-year or 1-year degree program is guided by the RPL criteria below:

• For the Master of Strategic Public Relations (1.5 years full-time), a bachelor's degree with a minimum credit (65%) average from the University of Sydney or an equivalent institution is required. Alternatively, entry through Graduate Certificate or Diploma programs is also possible and counts towards the completion of the full master’s degree.
• Relevant professional work experience will be also considered where an applicant doesn’t possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average.
  

Short answer: You've got choices between coursework-based postgraduate programs or research-oriented degrees.

Your options include:

Postgraduate Coursework:

• Master of Strategic Public Relations
  
• Graduate Certificate in Strategic Public Relations
• Graduate Diploma in Strategic Public Relations

Research-Oriented degrees:

• Doctor of Philosophy
  
• Master of Philosophy
  
• Master of Arts (Research)
  
• Doctor of Social Sciences

Short answer: Yes, we offer Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Longer Answer: The Master of Strategic Public Relations program is eligible for CSPs, which are available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and qualifying New Zealand citizens. CSPs involve partial funding from the Australian Government, with students contributing the remaining fees as a student contribution. Eligibility for CSPs is determined based on academic merit and Australian Government criteria. Find out more.

While CSPs are generally not available to international students, we are dedicated to supporting international students in pursuing their educational goals. We offer various scholarships that provide opportunities for studying in Australia.

• Leaders in Communication: We're not just about knowledge but combining it with real-world experience and technical prowess. Our multidisciplinary approach thrives on embracing emerging technologies and content practices. We're all about diverse perspectives, rigorous analysis, and fostering creativity.
  
  
• Real-World Experience: Our internship program ranks among the university's best, giving you the chance to engage with pros in the field. Placements span Sydney and beyond, covering corporates, not-for-profits, communication agencies,  media partners, public relations firms, and theatre companies.
  
  
• Global Engagement: With partnerships spanning 250 universities in 40 countries, like France, India, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Canada, the UK, and the USA, our international engagement program offers a passport to global exposure.
  

Short answer: Graduates are equipped for diverse roles.

Armed with a blend of creativity honed through hands-on experience, you're set to step into roles like public relations advisors, media and communications officers, public affairs consultants, investment communications managers, social media community managers, social media marketing coordinators, digital strategists, and stakeholder officers. Embrace this dynamic profession with confidence and make your mark.