PR and Advertising

The Bachelor of Public Relations and Advertising at the University of New South Wales offers students a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to prepare them for successful careers in the communications and media industries. This innovative program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to effectively develop, manage, and execute strategic communication campaigns across a variety of platforms. Students will gain a deep understanding of the principles of public relations, including media relations, crisis management, corporate communication, and reputation management, alongside core advertising concepts such as creative development, media planning, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies. The program emphasizes the importance of ethical communication and responsible practice, ensuring students are equipped to navigate the complex ethical issues that arise in contemporary public relations and advertising environments. Throughout their studies, students will participate in hands-on projects, internships, and collaborative initiatives with industry partners, providing real-world experience and professional networking opportunities. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and strategic problem-solving skills, preparing graduates to work effectively in fast-paced, ever-evolving media landscapes. Alumni of the program have gone on to work in diverse roles within advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporate communication departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The UNSW program stands out for its strong industry connections, experienced faculty, and emphasis on innovative, ethical communication practices. Graduates are well-positioned to influence public perception, build brand reputations, and communicate compelling messages that resonate with target audiences across traditional and digital channels. The program aims to cultivate skilled communicators who can adapt to technological changes and societal shifts, ensuring their continued relevance and success in the global media environment.

PR & Advertising B

You have been issued 24 UOC Admission Block Credit. To qualify for the award of the degree, you must successfully complete 24 UOC of cognate courses before being eligible to enroll in any advanced disciplinary courses or electives.

Four cognate courses will be run in each semester; students in the B stream and taking a full-time load must enroll in four cognate courses for their first semester.

Cognate courses (24 UOC)

• MDIA5000 Understanding Contemporary Med (6 UOC)
• MDIA5001 Writing for Media (6 UOC)
• MDIA5004 Media and Public Relations (6 UOC)
• MDIA5006 Feature Writing (6 UOC)
• MDIA5021 Advertising and creativity (6 UOC)
• MDIA5022 Corporate communication (6 UOC)
• MDIA5023 Public relations strategy (6 UOC)
• MDIA5024 Advertising Strategy (6 UOC)

Advanced disciplinary courses (18-24 UOC)

Please note: most courses are only run in ONE semester for the year, and students are strongly advised to plan their program accordingly, as otherwise courses may not be available.

Students in the B stream cannot enroll in any advanced disciplinary courses until they have successfully completed 24 UOC of cognate courses.

As part of the advanced disciplinary courses, students are required to successfully complete:

• MDIA5028 Critical Perspectives PR & Adv (6 UOC)

AND ALSO complete the Practice Path OR the Research Path. (Students can complete only one pathway; or students may elect to complete both pathways.)

Practice Path (12 UOC)

• MDIA5030 Brand Cultures (12 UOC)

OR

Research Path (18 UOC)

• ARTS5100 Research Methods: Theory and Practice (6 UOC)
• MDIA5008 Media Research Project (12 UOC)*

If a student withdraws from the Research Path, the course ARTS5100 will be considered a prescribed elective.

* This course can only be taken in the final semester of enrolment, requires successful completion of at least 24 UOC and a minimum WAM of 75. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ARTS5100 and must obtain permission from the program authority.

Prescribed electives (24-30 UOC)

Please note: most courses are only run in ONE semester for the year, and students are strongly advised to plan their program accordingly, as otherwise courses may not be available.

• ARTS5503 Academic Writing for the Humanities (6 UOC)
• LAWS8014 Defamation and The Media (6 UOC)*
• LAWS8139 Law and the Culture Industries (6 UOC)*
• LAWS8141 Censorship Contempt & Media (6 UOC)*
• MARK5813 Creativity and Innovation in Marketing (6 UOC)
• MARK5814 Digital Marketing (6 UOC)
• MARK5819 Non-Profit and Social Marketing (6 UOC)
• MARK5820 Events Management & Marketing (6 UOC)
• MDIA5000 Understanding Contemporary Med (6 UOC)
• MDIA5001 Writing for Media (6 UOC)
• MDIA5002 Broadcast Journalism (6 UOC)
• MDIA5003 Online and Mobile Media (6 UOC)
• MDIA5004 Media and Public Relations (6 UOC)
• MDIA5005 Sports, Media and Culture (6 UOC)
• MDIA5006 Feature Writing (6 UOC)
• MDIA5007 Media Ethics and Law (6 UOC)
• MDIA5021 Advertising and creativity (6 UOC)
• MDIA5022 Corporate communication (6 UOC)
• MDIA5023 Public relations strategy (6 UOC)
• MDIA5024 Advertising Strategy (6 UOC)
• MDIA5027 Promotional games (6 UOC)
• MDIA5100 Industry Internship (6 UOC)
• SDES9204 Insight, Processes & Communication (6 UOC)

* Enrolment in these courses requires a minimum WAM of 75

PR & Advertising A

You have been issued 48 UOC Admission Block Credit. To qualify for the award of the degree, you must successfully complete:

Advanced disciplinary courses (18-24 UOC)

• MDIA5028 Critical Perspectives PR & Adv (6 UOC)

AND EITHER

Practice Path (12 UOC)

• MDIA5030 Brand Cultures (12 UOC)

OR

Research Path (18 UOC)

• ARTS5100 Research Methods: Theory and Practice (6 UOC)
• MDIA5008 Media Research Project (12 UOC)*

If a student withdraws from the Research Path, the course ARTS5100 will be considered a prescribed elective.

* This course can only be taken in the final semester of enrollment, requires successful completion of at least 24 UOC and a minimum WAM of 75. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ARTS5100 and must obtain permission from the program authority.

You may complete both pathways and will only have to complete 12 UOC of Prescribed Electives if you choose this option.

Prescribed electives (24-30 UOC)

Please note: most courses are only run in ONE semester for the year, and students are strongly advised to plan their program accordingly, as otherwise courses may not be available.

• ARTS5503 Academic Writing for the Humanities (6 UOC)
• LAWS8014 Defamation and The Media (6 UOC)*
• LAWS8139 Law and the Culture Industries (6 UOC)*
• LAWS8141 Censorship Contempt & Media (6 UOC)*
• MARK5813 Creativity and Innovation in Marketing (6 UOC)
• MARK5814 Digital Marketing (6 UOC)
• MARK5819 Non-Profit and Social Marketing (6 UOC)
• MARK5820 Events Management & Marketing (6 UOC)
• MDIA5000 Understanding Contemporary Med (6 UOC)
• MDIA5001 Writing for Media (6 UOC)
• MDIA5002 Broadcast Journalism (6 UOC)
• MDIA5003 Online and Mobile Media (6 UOC)
• MDIA5004 Media and Public Relations (6 UOC)
• MDIA5005 Sports, Media and Culture (6 UOC)
• MDIA5006 Feature Writing (6 UOC)
• MDIA5007 Media Ethics and Law (6 UOC)
• MDIA5021 Advertising and creativity (6 UOC)
• MDIA5022 Corporate communication (6 UOC)
• MDIA5023 Public relations strategy (6 UOC)
• MDIA5024 Advertising Strategy (6 UOC)
• MDIA5027 Promotional games (6 UOC)
• MDIA5100 Industry Internship (6 UOC)
• SDES9204 Insight, Processes & Communication (6 UOC)

* Enrolment in these courses requires a minimum WAM of 75

For the 1.5 year stream (B)

• Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
• Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience
• Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%

For the 1 year stream (A)

• Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
• Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience

Relevant disciplines include:

• Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
• Media, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing
• Business, Economics, Commerce
• Law
• Design

And

• IELTS Academic version only 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
• TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) 90 overall (min.23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
• TOEFL Paper-based Test  (PBT) 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)

Funding for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising at the University of New South Wales is available through multiple channels, including government grants, scholarships, and private funding. Domestic students have access to the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), which enables eligible students to defer their tuition fees until they are earning a sufficient income after graduation. This financial assistance makes higher education more accessible by reducing the immediate cost burden. Additionally, UNSW offers a variety of scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific community involvement, which can significantly reduce tuition expenses or provide living allowances.

International students are required to pay tuition fees upfront; however, they may be eligible for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private corporations, or international organizations. These scholarships can vary and often include stipends for living expenses, supplementary funding for study materials, and travel grants. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options early in their studies to maximize available financial support.

Furthermore, students may consider part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus. UNSW’s location in Sydney provides access to a vibrant job market that includes internships, casual employment, and research assistant positions relevant to marketing, communications, and media fields. Engaging in such work not only supports financial stability but also enhances practical experience and professional networks, which are valuable after graduation.

Some students opt for education loans from private financial institutions, which can be negotiated for terms that suit their repayment capacity. It is recommended that students carefully review the terms and interest rates associated with these loans to make informed decisions.

Lastly, students are advised to consult UNSW’s Financial Aid Office and the university’s official website for comprehensive, up-to-date information on available funding options, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Early planning and application are crucial to maximize financial aid opportunities and reduce the financial burden of their studies in Public Relations and Advertising at UNSW.

The Bachelor of Arts (PR and Advertising) at the University of New South Wales is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills in the fields of public relations and advertising. This program emphasizes a blend of theoretical understanding and applied techniques, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in media, communication, marketing, and corporate communications. Students enrolled in this degree gain insights into the principles of effective communication, strategic media planning, audience analysis, and digital marketing strategies, all crucial in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. The curriculum includes core courses such as Introduction to Public Relations, Advertising and Society, Media and Communication Theories, Digital Media Strategies, Crisis Communication, and Campaign Planning. In addition to specialized courses, students have opportunities to engage in practical projects, internships, and industry collaborations, which help foster real-world experience and professional networks. The program also encourages critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in developing communication campaigns and understanding the ethical considerations involved in public relations and advertising practices. Throughout their studies, students are supported by experienced faculty members, many of whom are active industry professionals contributing current insights and best practices. The university’s central location in Sydney provides students with access to a vibrant media scene, numerous internship placements, and industry events, further enriching their educational experience. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporate communication departments, media organizations, and digital marketing companies. They also gain a solid foundation for advanced studies or specialization in areas such as media management, strategic communication, or digital media production. The program's emphasis on critical analysis, strategic thinking, and practical application ensures students are ready to meet the demands of the modern communication industries and contribute meaningfully to their organizations. With a focus on ethical and socially responsible communication, the course prepares students to navigate the complex media environment and develop compelling, effective messages for diverse audiences worldwide.