Skip to main content

Public Relations: Diploma

Description

The two-year Public Relations (PR) Diploma Program provides 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.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

  • English 12 with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent), or a transferable undergraduate level English course with a minimum grade of C

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.

Curricular Requirements

The Public Relations Program is a 60-credit diploma organized into four semesters.

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 2150 Reputation Management 3 credits
  PRLN 2310 Issues Management & Crisis Response 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 Creative Services 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 2477.

Credential Awarded

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

At a Glance

School of Business

kpu.ca/business

Public Relations

kpu.ca/business/pr

Program Type:

  • Undergraduate

Credential Granted:

  • Diploma

Offered At:

  • KPU Richmond  Richmond

Start Date(s):

  • Fall Intake (September)  September

Intake Type:

  • Limited Intake  Limited intake

Format:

  • Full-time  Full-time

Minimum Credits Required:

  • 60

Instructional Cycle:

  • Semester-based

Curriculum Effective Date:

  • 01-Sep-2016

Applying to KPU:

Last Updated: 14-Jun-2016

This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca.