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 Diploma Program has responded to this challenge by providing in-depth training for the next wave of public relations professionals. The Kwantlen 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 Kwantlen 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, 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.
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 Kwantlen 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.
Kwantlen’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.
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.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as admission is based on date of application once the applicant has met entrance requirements.
- First day to apply:
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November 1
- Last day to apply:
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March 31
Because writing is a fundamental component of Public Relations, applicants must have one of the following:
- 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:
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 early 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.
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:
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Develop a broad knowledge base through course work which covers areas such as media and audiences, communications theory, legal and ethical issues, and marketing
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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
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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
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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
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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 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 Kwantlen to the workplace. Students are required to successfully complete all other courses in the PR Diploma Program before taking PRLN 2476, Public Relations Work Experience.
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 (several courses in the Diploma qualify as bridging courses).