Studying a graduate diploma helps you develop knowledge and skills in your chosen subject area which will enable you to undertake a new career or further study. Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major in a subject area that is different to your first degree’s major. You may be eligible if you haven’t studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability. Candidates must gain 120 points at 100 level or above, including at least 75 points at 300 level or above, in the Graduate Diploma subjects. Public Relations If you enjoy writing and talking to different people, and love framing ideas in imaginative and engaging ways, then a career in Public Relations may be right for you. Public relations practitioners plan and implement communication campaigns to influence people’s attitudes and behaviour. They are effective networkers who work closely with journalists to manage media publicity, and act as a crucial link between an organisation and its publics, such as the community, customers and corporate shareholders. Public Relations professionals are also involved with crisis and issues management, government relations, lobbying, events, sponsorship and fundraising, and employee relations. Practical, hands-on learning The assignments for this subject are highly practical. You’ll plan and deliver an innovative public relations campaign for a real client, take part in a mock media conference, build a website, use social media, create a range of advertisements, and write media releases for print, broadcast and online media. You'll also learn how to organise events, prepare corporate documents and deliver professional speeches. Our students enjoy visits from a wide range of professional guest speakers in class, who will share their insights about what it's like working in the public relations industry. If you choose to major in Public Relations for your degree, you'll take the exciting core papers Health Communication Campaigns, where you'll compete against other teams to develop a real-life campaign on behalf of a not-for-profit organisation. You'll then present your campaign results to a panel of experts to demonstrate your knowledge of effective public relations strategies. Career opportunities Public relations manager Public relations account executive Communications advisor Internal communications manager Media relations adviser Event manager Community relations manager Sponsorship/fundraising manager Press secretary