Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Public Relations

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Public Relations offers working professionals the opportunity to acquire fundamental knowledge in public relations, enhance their communication skills, complement their work experience, and advance their career. This program is designed to equip graduates of disciplines other than communication with essential skills and competencies that may lead to a variety of job opportunities, including work as a public relations specialist, marketing assistant, account executive, campaign speech writer, media planner, lobbyist, and press agent.

Educational Aims

The aims of the program are to enable students to:

• Develop a systematic understanding of the strategic function of the practice of professional public relations in diverse areas and settings.
• Critically assess an organization's internal and external communication requirements and develop the ability to research, manage, and implement planned communication programs.
• Develop a range of discipline-related transferable skills that will allow them to work in creative and independent ways.
• Adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in the practice of public relations and other communication-related careers.

Program Structure

Students must successfully complete 5 graduate-level courses, representing 15 US credits that are cross-listed with the MA in Strategic Communication and Public Relations.

Required Courses:

• Public Relations Strategy
• Advanced Media Writing and Techniques
• Public Relations and the New Media

Elective Courses (2 from the list):

• Communication for the Tourism Industry
• Communication for the Entertainment Industry
• PR in Public and Non-Profit Organizations
• Crisis Communication Management
• Effective Communication Skills
• Multimedia Applications for Communication Campaigns
• Strategic Corporate Communication
• Political Communication

Flexible Study & Course Duration

The program may be completed in one year (full-time) or up to two years (part-time). Classes run Monday to Thursday from 18:30-21:30. New students are admitted at the start of the fall, winter, and spring terms.

Tuition & Scholarships

The institution aims to attract the highest quality graduate applicants regardless of their ability to finance their education. For this reason, scholarships covering a portion of the cost of tuition are offered to applicants who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. A discount policy is also in effect for organizations and alumni.

Admission to the Program

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

1. Competence to undertake graduate work: a College or University degree.
2. Evidence of Proficiency in the English language: TOEFL, IELTS, Proficiency, or Duolingo English Test (minimum required score 125)
3. Motivation and/or relevant experience to specialize in this area: Evidence of strong motivation to work in communication-related areas will be sought in the interview and the personal statement submitted with the application form.