This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for
2004-2005 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the
Calendar for updated information.
The on-line version of the University College Calendar is the Official version.
In the event of conflict between the printed version and the online version, the
on-line version will prevail.
Effective date of this course calendar information, unless otherwise indicated, is Sept. 1, 2004 to Aug. 31, 2005.
Public Relations
Offered at Richmond
Full-time
Start date: September
Limited Enrolment
Program is currently undergoing revisions; please contact the department for
further information
Description
The influence of savvy advocacy groups, the demand to build
customer loyalty and be socially responsible, coupled with the sheer
speed of systemic change in today's business environment, is
challenging public relations professionals to be interpreters of
stakeholders' wants and needs, while being strategic advisors to all
levels of management.
The Public Relations Diploma Program has responded to this
challenge by training the next wave of public relations professionals
who will be known not only for their technical expertise, but also
for their skill as problem-solvers and strategic thinkers who apply
the theory and practice of communications and create a corporate
culture based on teamwork and collegial approaches.
The two-year program will appeal to people who are looking for
advanced public relations training in strategic analysis, issues
management, communications planning, PR writing, media
relations, speech writing, multimedia and web design, stakeholder
relations, and ethics. Strong writing skills are emphasized in every
course.
To keep pace with rapid changes in the industry, Kwantlen
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.
Career Opportunities
The Public Relations Diploma Program and Kwantlen University
College prepares future communications professionals for public
relations management careers in business, government agencies,
public relations consultancies, professional associations, and
nonprofit organizations.
Graduates work in a variety of communications positions,
including communications research and planning, issues
management, public relations writing, media relations, special
events planning, advertising, government relations and public
affairs, and multimedia communications.
Kwantlen's Public Relations program has incurred a high rate of
employment of its graduates in a variety of positions within the
field. Examples of employment positions attained by recent
graduates include Communications Manager, Media Relations
Specialist, Account Coordinator, and Public Relations Consultant.
Student Profile
Many applicants are mature students who are making a career
change others and some are recent high school graduates. Some
students enter the program with post-secondary experience or
university degrees and are seeking specific marketable skills, or are
changing career direction. Students accepted into the Public
Relations program must have a high level of communication skills,
both written and verbal. Depending on their background, advance
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 flare
for writing and a good command of English grammar.
Admission Requirements
Important Dates:
First day to apply: November 1
Last day to apply: March 31
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as
admission is based on date of application once the applicant has
met entrance requirements.
Because writing is a fundamental component of Public Relations,
applicants must have a B in English 12, or Kwantlen English
Placement Test (EPT) for placement into ENGL 1100 or
completion of a University Transfer (UT) English with a C or
higher or complete a Language Proficiency Index (LPI) with level 5
with an Essay score of 30.
Applicants must also provide the following by the application
deadline:
résumé
documentation of at least three interviews with three people currently working as public relations or corporate communications professionals.
a 500-word statement that details what they learned in their interviews and tells why they are interested in a career in public relations.
Interview with members of the faculty
These criteria are required to ensure that the aspirations of
applicants are realistic in light of the demands of the workplace and
of the program. Applicants will be evaluated based on these criteria.
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. When the paperwork is
complete, applicants will be invited to attend an orientation session
in late April or May at Kwantlen's Richmond Campus, where the
program is based. 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.
Content
The Public Relations program is organized into four semesters and
carries 60 college credits. 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
professionals.
In the second year, students concentrate on further developing
what they have learned and applying it in a variety of projects for
clients and an off-campus work experience practicum.
During their two years of study, students will:
develop a broad knowledge base through course work which covers areas such as media and audiences, communications theory, legal and ethical issues, and marketing.
be introduced to basic concepts common to all forms of mass communications through a series of first- and second-year courses that focus on the place of communications in Canadian society.
be provided with training in specific skill areas such as the use of computers, editing, interviewing, news and feature writing, photography, visual design and project management.
develop sound work habits such as effective time management, working with others and insistences on quality through the structuring of appropriate objectives and standards in the courses.
develop appropriate attitudes through exposure to the legal, ethical and societal constraints under which they will be expected to function.
Students gain hands-on experience during a weekly practicum and a
four-week (full-time) work experience in the Public Relations
industry, prior to graduation. These work experiences provide
opportunities for observation and application of previously studied
theories and methodologies and assist with the transition of the
graduates from college to the workplace.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be
awarded a Diploma in Public Relations. Graduates may also wish to
pursue a degree in Kwantlen's Bachelor of Applied Journalism or
Bachelor of Business in Entrepreneurial Leadership (bridging
courses apply). Several courses in the Diploma qualify as bridging
courses.
Advisory Committee
Patricia Bowles, Communications Consultant
James Hoggan, James Hoggan and Associates
Gordon Keast, President, Chalice communications Inc.
Jane MacCarthy, ME JANE Marketing Communications
Lesley Macgregor, Director of External Affairs, Institute of Chartered Accountants of B.C.
Don Maclachlan, Associate Director Of Communication, Citizen's Assembly for Electoral Reform
Jeff Domansky, President, Peak Communicators
Kelly Millin, Marketing Director, Real Solutions
Tarina Palmer, Regional Communications Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Stephen Rybak, Public Affairs Corporate Communications
Eli Sopow, Senior Issues & Communications Strategist to the Deputy Commissioner, Pacific Region, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Doug Strachan, Manager, Communication Services, Surrey School District
Carol Sutton, President, CJS Communications Inc.
Public Relations Faculty
Page not found | Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Skip to main content
