2014-15 University Calendar
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar  2014-15  Faculty of Business  Public Relations: Diploma

Public Relations: Diploma

Description

In a rapidly changing world, all kinds of organizations need help with communicating to the media, employees and the public. This includes private corporations, government and non-profit agencies, all of whom rely on trained public relations professionals to use communications strategy, tools and techniques to help build positive relationships with all of their stakeholders.

The Public Relations (PR) Diploma Program has responded to this challenge by providing in-depth training for the next wave of public relations professionals. The KPU program is distinguished not only for providing the technical expertise to successfully work in PR, but also the strategic thinking and communications management that will help KPU grads to succeed and advance quickly within organizations.

The two-year program will appeal to people who are looking for a dynamic, fast-paced career where they will excel in all aspects of communications. Strong writing skills are emphasized in every course.

To keep pace with rapid changes in the industry, KPU provides a solid foundation in communications theory blended with practical, hands-on work experience and a field placement in a public relations environment. The program works closely with the professional public relations community and our faculty is drawn from industry and includes full and part-time instructors who are active public relations professionals.

The KPU PR Diploma Program has negotiated a  block transfer agreement with Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. By this agreement, applicants who meet the requirements for RRU prerequisites, and who have successfully graduated from the KPU PR Diploma Program, will be eligible for admission to RRU with full block transfer, provided all other entrance criteria are met (per the program admission requirements on the RRU website) and space remains available in the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication program.

Student Profile

Some students enter the program with post-secondary experience or university degrees and are seeking specific marketable skills, or are changing career direction. Others are high school students who have identified an interest in writing, communicating, or special event coordination and would like to develop a career that fits their aptitudes and interests. Students accepted into the Public Relations program must have a high level of communication skills, both written and verbal. Depending on their background, advanced standing can be granted for work done or skills learned elsewhere.

Perhaps more than any other skill, public relations professionals are great writers. We are looking for students who have a natural flair for writing and a good command of English grammar.

Career Opportunities

During the last few years, the job market has exploded for those who are skilled in public relations writing, special event coordination, media relations, issues management, publication layout and production, community relations, and marketing.

The KPU PR Program is known for providing a broad-based educational experience that gives students a solid grounding in all aspects of public relations and corporate communications.

KPU's Public Relations Program graduates experience a high rate of employment in a variety of positions within the field. Examples of employment positions attained by recent graduates include Communications Manager, Media Relations Specialist, Special Events Coordinator, Information Officer, and Public Relations Consultant.

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the PR Diploma Program requires strong competency in the English language for both written and oral presentations and publications. Therefore, the following program admission requirements apply.

Note: A lack of basic writing skills or word processing computer skills will hold the student back, so applicants are urged to upgrade this area before starting the program. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an orientation session sometime in May. The purpose of this session is to provide an opportunity to meet faculty, ask questions about the program, and to explore what the program entails. Arrangements will be made to accommodate out-of-town applicants.

Program Requirements

The Public Relations Program is a 60-credit diploma organized into four semesters. During the first year, students concentrate on general knowledge and on developing the basic skills, work habits and attitudes they need to succeed both as students and as PR professionals.

In the second year, students concentrate on further developing what they have learned and applying their public relations skills to a variety of projects for clients, culminating in a one-month work experience in the public relations industry.

During their two years of study, students will:

Successful applicants may take non discipline specific courses (MRKT 1199 and English courses) prior to entering the program and/or during the summer semester in order to lighten their workload during the term.

Industry personnel may contact the Program Coordinator to access individual courses of interest without applying for the complete program. Access is determined by permission of the Coordinator and an availability of space.

Year 1

All of:
  ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing 3 credits
  PRLN 1120 PR Writing Fundamentals 3 credits
  PRLN 1140 Digital Applications for Print Media 3 credits
  PRLN 1141 Visual Design 3 credits
  PRLN 1150 Introduction to Public Relations 3 credits
  PRLN 1210 Media Relations 3 credits
  PRLN 1220 Writing for Media Relations 3 credits
  PRLN 1230 Public Relations Research 1.5 credits
  PRLN 1236 Visual Presentations 3 credits
  PRLN 1250 Digital Applications for Electronic Media 3 credits
  MRKT 1199 Introduction to Marketing 3 credits

Year 2

All of:
  PRLN 2310 Issues Management & Crisis Response 3 credits
  PRLN 2320 Promotional Writing & Design 3 credits
  PRLN 2332 Event Planning & Sponsorship 3 credits
  PRLN 2338 Advanced Visual Design 3 credits
  PRLN 2350 Publicity & Promotion 3 credits
  PRLN 2432 Event Production & Management 3 credits
  PRLN 2441 Organizational Communications 3 credits
  PRLN 2455 Public Relations Consulting 3 credits
  PRLN 2477 PR Practicum 3 credits
  PRLN 2478 Professional Readiness 1.5 credits

Other Information

Work Experience

Students gain hands-on experience during a four-week (full time) work experience in the public relations industry prior to graduation. This work experience provides opportunities for observation and application of previously studied theories and methodologies and assists with the transition of the graduates from KPU to the workplace. Students are required to successfully complete all other courses in the PR Diploma Program, or be able to demonstrate how they will complete any remaining requirements prior to the graduation date of that particular year, before taking PRLN 2476 Public Relations Work Experience.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Public Relations.

Last Updated: Jun 4, 2014

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