Internship structure
The Public Relations program offers two industry-related core courses in the final year of study to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Public Relations as well as to Public Relations majors enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication or Bachelor of Arts / Business.
CMN273 provides 104 hours of workplace attachment with a public relations practitioner in consultancy business or in-house practice. CMN243 offers students the opportunity to work hands-on, during the 13 weeks of their enrolment in the course, with a real client in the conceiving, planning and implementing of a public communication event. In both courses, industry practitioners part-take in the evaluation of student projects for academic credit.
Internships and experiential learning opportunities are available in any of the major discipline areas within the Faculty of Arts, Business and Law:
- Accounting
- Financial Planning
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
- Management and Human Resource Management
- Property Economics and Development
- Public Relations
- Communication
- Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
Previous host organisations
Some examples of organisations that have recently hosted UniSC Public Relations interns include:
- Global public relations consultancies at home and abroad
- Local and international advocacy and non-government organisations
- State government departments
- Regional councils
- Local community organisations
All of these hosts offer students exciting opportunities to develop real-world Public Relations and communications skills.
Eligibility and enrolment
CMN273 is available during both semesters including summer and winter sessions, while CMN243 is offered in Semesters 1 and 2.
To be eligible to enrol in CMN243, Public Relations students are required to complete the prerequisite of 16 courses inclusive of CMN120, CMN231, CMN252 and CMN276.
To be eligible to enrol in CMN273, Public Relations students are required to complete the prerequisite of 16 courses inclusive of CMN120, CMN231, CMN252, CMN276 and CMN243.
Remuneration and insurance
No remuneration or payment is made by the placement organisation to the students or to the University for hosting the student. Students undertaking an approved workplace learning course are covered by the University's insurance policies. For further information refer to insurance information.
Assessment
In both courses, students are required to submit professional briefs and reports as well as pitch internally and externally to both their academic mentor and industry host. In addition, CMN273 requires the submission of a well-written resume and cover letter.
CMN273 and CMN243 provide students the opportunity to re-examine theory in new light and invent new ways of communicating in the public arena. Students develop a range of essential skills sought by employers, develop a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers and establish a work history and create networking contacts.
Contact
For general enquiries about Faculty of Arts, Business and Law work integrated learning opportunities please contact:
Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Email: FABWil@usc.edu.au
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259