Glossary

Use this search only if you have an exact code for a Program, Stream, or Course, e.g. 3403, ACCTA13502, ACCT1501 or ACCT*.

PR and Advertising - 8281

Program Summary

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Contact: sam@unsw.edu.au

Campus: Sydney

Career: Postgraduate

Typical Duration: 2 Years

Typical UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC Per Semester: 6

Max UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC For Award: 96

Award(s):

Master of Public Relations and Advertising

View program information for previous years

Program Description

The program will offer the B stream (1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent) and the A stream (1 year full-time or part-time equivalent). The C stream (2 years full-time or part-time equivalent) will not be offered in 2017.

The Master of Public Relations and Advertising (MPRA) will provide graduates or those seeking to change careers a professionally relevant, rigorous education in public relations and advertising. As a student you will be challenged to and equipped to think critically and innovatively in your development of PR and advertising strategies. Merging contemporary theory and academic rigour with creativity, research, and practical industry skills, the Master of Public Relations and Advertising is ideal for industry professionals seeking to advance their career, as well as career-changers wanting to enter a vibrant and rapidly evolving industry. The Master of Public Relations and Advertising combines creative approaches with in-depth knowledge of the theory and research behind the planning and implementation of highly successful public relations and advertising strategies.

Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes

The Master of Public Relations and Advertising program aims to develop a critical understanding of professional communication through the application of contemporary research and theory to public relations and advertising discourses and contexts. Key objectives are to examine modes of communicative practice including informative, persuasive, creative, promotional, digital and interpersonal discourses, and to engage ethically with publics and communities, engage creatively with ideas and production technology and engage professionally with organizational practices. Graduates will develop knowledge of how professional communicators can help organizations build mutually beneficial relationships with publics including citizens, consumers and critics.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are well-rounded communication professionals known for their creativity, innovation, intellectual aptitude, and strategic thinking. Past graduates have found jobs in print, radio, television and online media industries, and in the media relations and corporate communication sectors.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements are as follows:

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

Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance to these programs should enquire here: studyarts@unsw.edu.au.

*it is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.

Credit Transfer

If you are seeking credit transfer you must submit documentary evidence of courses completed at the time of initial enrolment. UNSW Arts and Social Sciences will then determine the number of units of credit to be granted. Credit Transfer will not be granted for courses completed more than ten years previously. The maximum credit transfer for a Masters is 50% of the stream, that is, up to 24 UOC credit transfer for the 1 year stream and 36 UOC credit transfer for the 1.5 year stream.

Award with Excellence

You are eligible for the award of a degree "with Excellence" if you achieve a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 80 in all courses and complete at least 50% of the requirements of your award at UNSW.

Program Structure

MPRA 1.5 year stream (B)

Cognate Courses (24 UOC)
Advanced Disciplinary Courses (18 - 24 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (24 - 30 UOC)

MPRA 1 year stream (A)

Advanced Disciplinary Courses (18 - 24 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (24 - 30 UOC)

ARTS5505 Personalised English Language Enhancement (6 UOC)
This course ARTS5505, can be taken as an additional course but will not count towards your program.

Academic Rules

1.5 year stream (B)

Enrol in the Master of Public Relations and Advertising and complete 72 UOC
Complete 24 UOC of Cognate Courses before enrolling in any Advanced Disciplinary Courses
Complete 18-24 UOC of Advanced Disciplinary Courses
Complete 24-30 UOC of Prescribed Electives

1 year stream (A)

Enrol in the Master of Public Relations and Advertising and complete 48 UOC
Complete 18-24 UOC of Advanced Disciplinary Courses
Complete 24-30 UOC of Prescribed Electives

Fees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website: UNSW Fee Website.

Pathways to further study

Students who successfully complete the MPRA research path may consider Higher Degree Research opportunities in the fields of public relations and advertising.

Area(s) of Specialisation