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Bachelor of Media and Communication – Public Relations

Learn to manage reputation through strategic communication.

  • Become an expert at designing strategic campaigns, planning events and solving PR challenges
  • Build relationships with media outlets, online communities and industry professionals
  • Learn how to craft press releases, public statements and engaging promotional materials
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Undergraduate

Qualification

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3 years full-time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

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24

Units

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$2,174*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Bachelor of Media and Communication – Public Relations?

The Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Public Relations is an undergraduate qualification that teaches you how to influence and manage public perception, communicate with target audiences and shape how organisations are understood. 

Through this public relations major, you’ll develop practical skills in content creation, targeted messaging and strategic campaign planning for a range of audiences. 

You’ll also build experience through authentic projects, PR planning and work integrated learning opportunities, while exploring areas such as new media, event management, digital marketing and crisis communication. 

This course is professionally accredited by Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA), giving you confidence that what you’re learning reflects what the industry expects. 

Who is this course for? 

This course is for people who are interested in brand reputation and the way public relations uses words, storytelling and communication to shape how organisations are seen and understood. 

How you’ll study

  • Three Teaching Periods per year – with 13 weeks per Teaching Period
  • 8–10 hours per week, per unit expected study load – a manageable study load you can plan around
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period
  • 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content
  • Interactive learning materials – including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content

Course highlights

  • Strategic Public Relations: Learn how to shape messages, build trust, and manage reputation across different organisations, industries, and audiences.
  • PR Writing and Content Creation: Build the skills to write clear, purposeful content for media, public statements, and digital platforms.
  • Campaigns, Events and Engagement: Learn how to plan and deliver campaigns and events that connect with people and support communication goals.
  • Digital and Global Communication: Understand how people communicate across social media, online communities, and global media environments, and how to adapt your message for different audiences.

Professional accreditations

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

4.5/5 Stars

As a PR manager you’ll enter into an industry with a 4.5/5 stars job satisfaction rating. (SEEK 2026)

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2026.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

4.5/5 Stars

As a PR manager you’ll enter into an industry with a 4.5/5 stars job satisfaction rating. (SEEK 2026)

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2026.

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Public Relations you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

  • 5 Core Units
  • 8 Advertising Major Units
  • 11 Elective Units

Each year is split into three Teaching Periods (13 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.

What you'll study:

 

Learning and Communicating Online

Introduction to Media Studies

Communicating with Data

Global Media Industries

Content Creator Lab

Global Public Relations Practice

Introduction to Public Relations Theory and Practice

Public Relations Writing

Media and Communication Industry Project

Events Management

Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication

PR Campaign Planning and Management

Professional Communication Practice

Complete eleven (11) electives to round out your degree. Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests, and career goals by choosing elective units. View our list of available Electives.

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

  • A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
  • Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Public Relations? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.

To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss your options!

Need More Info?

We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarships

Estimated Fee Per Unit
  • The estimated fee per unit is $2,174*.
  • There are 24 units in this course; each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS-HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

Please contact our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with a Bachelor of Media and Communication – Public Relations

PR graduates work across corporate, government, nonprofit, and agency environments. Here are the types of jobs you could pursue and what you might earn during your first few years in the industry (average annual salaries via SEEK 2026):

$70,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Manage and enhance an organisation's public image and reputation through various communication strategies. This involves developing and implementing PR campaigns, crafting and distributing media materials, managing media relations, and organising events to promote positive public perception.

Manage and enhance an organisation's public image and reputation through various communication strategies. This involves developing and implementing PR campaigns, crafting and distributing media materials, managing media relations, and organising events to promote positive public perception.

$85,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Assist with an organisation's communication activities, including developing and implementing communication strategies, creating content, and managing communication channels. Play a crucial role in promoting brands, products, or projects by crafting and distributing engaging content.

Assist with an organisation's communication activities, including developing and implementing communication strategies, creating content, and managing communication channels. Play a crucial role in promoting brands, products, or projects by crafting and distributing engaging content.

$80,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies to enhance a brand's online presence and engagement. This role requires strong communication, analytical, and collaboration skills, as strategists work with various teams and stakeholders.

Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies to enhance a brand's online presence and engagement. This role requires strong communication, analytical, and collaboration skills, as strategists work with various teams and stakeholders.

$115,000 to $135,000 Average Salary

Develop and implement strategies to enhance an organisation's public image and manage communication with stakeholders. They also play a crucial role in crisis communication and reputation management.

Develop and implement strategies to enhance an organisation's public image and manage communication with stakeholders. They also play a crucial role in crisis communication and reputation management.

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How does this degree prepare you for a career in public relations?

  • Industry Projects: Work on realworld PR campaigns, media strategies, and communications projects  building a careerready portfolio that Australian PR employers actually want to see.
  • IndustryRelevant Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of how PR and communications work across corporate, government, nonprofit, and agency environments  from digital content creation and media relations to traditional PR practice  so you can hit the ground running in any sector.
  • Professional PR Skills: Copywriting, campaign planning, client and agency management, and professional communication – these are the capabilities PR employers ask for at interview. You’ll build all of them here.
  • PractitonerLed Learning: Your learning advisors are working PR and communications professionals, bringing real-world expertise directly into your online classroom – so your education stays connected to what Australian employers are actually hiring for. 

Online Study

What's it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions

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Your online classroom: Canvas

Canvas is Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime!

What you’ll use Canvas for:

  • Explore all your units and modules
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates
  • Receive assessments and feedback
  • Track your study progress
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your online campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information 
  • Access library and technical support 
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more 
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Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.

You’ll have access to:

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated
  • 7‑day support – to assist you at any time

Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.