Bachelor of Professional Communication

Central Queensland University

About

Organisations depend on communication professionals to devise and implement strategies to create and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.

Professional communication roles are diverse.

You may be employed in the areas of:

employee relations, reputation and crisis management, journalism, content management, event management, communication strategy, and product development, as examples.

Professional communicators work in community, non-profit, government and corporate sectors.

In this course, you will learn to communicate effectively within an organisational environment.

In core units, you will learn to write for media and corporate genres, create design-based product, and analyse, research and evaluate information.

You can choose to specialise in journalism, digital media production, marketing, management, human resource management, or social enquiry as study areas.

You will work on real-world scenarios and with real clients throughout your course.

Structure

Core Digital Media Production Major Human Resource Management Major Journalism Major Management Major Marketing Major Social Enquiry Major Elective

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Core Structure

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 13 Total credit points: 78

The course consists of 24 units/144 credit points, comprised of at least 8 and no more than 12 level 1 units.

Public Relations

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> COMM11108 Communicating for Social Change -->
--> COMM11110 Introduction to Public Relations -->
--> COMM12018 Advanced Public Relations -->
--> COMM12022 Communication and Global Technologies -->
--> COMM13119 Organisational Communication -->
--> JOUR13001 Public Relations and the Media -->

Communication Practice

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> COMM11003 Career Communications -->
--> COMM11007 Media Writing -->
--> COMM12033 Speech and Script -->
--> JOUR12010 Feature Writing -->
--> DGTL12004 Print Design -->
--> DGTL12005 Contemporary Photomedia -->

Communication Project

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> COMM13110 Journalism Project -->

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Digital Media Production Major

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

By completing the digital media production major, you will be able to apply technology management knowledge and demonstrate advanced technological skill to support communication practice.

Level 1

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> DGTL11005 Web Design -->
--> MMST11003 Visual Design Fundamentals -->
--> MMST11009 Digital Video and Audio -->
--> MMST11010 Illustration and Visualisation -->

Advanced

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> DGTL12006 Visual Communication Design -->
--> DGTL12007 Digital Communications Management -->
--> DGTL12010 Visual Storytelling -->
--> MMST13017 Business of Digital Innovation -->

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Human Resource Management Major

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

By completing this major, you will apply knowledge of issues associated with human resource management with communication skills acquired throughout the course core to work effectively to support people and foster a positive culture within an organisational setting.

Level 1

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> HRMT11010 Organisational Behaviour -->
--> HRMT11011 Human Resource Management -->
--> OCHS11027 OHS Fundamentals -->

Advanced

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> HRMT19012 Performance Management -->
--> HRMT19013 Human Resource Training and Development -->
--> HRMT19014 Human Resources Planning, Recruitment & Selection -->
--> HRMT19016 Contemporary HRM Issues -->
--> HRMT19020 Perspectives on Organisational Change -->

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Journalism Major

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

The journalism major, in addition to completion of core professional communication units, will prepare you for a career in journalism and/or media relations. You will be introduced to journalism within the broader contextual framework of media industries, and will engage in debates about journalistic practice. You will learn to write news and narrative in a range of journalism genres, employing the associated requirements of research and analysis. You will apply legal and ethical frameworks associated with journalistic practice.

Level 1

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> JOUR11005 Introduction to Journalism -->
--> WRIT11025 Creative Nonfiction -->
--> MMST11009 Digital Video and Audio -->

Advanced

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> JOUR12039 News Writing and Reporting -->
--> COMM12016 Media Industries -->
--> COMM13111 Public Relations Project -->
--> DGTL12010 Visual Storytelling -->
--> DGTL12007 Digital Communications Management -->

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Management Major

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

By completing the management major, you will be able to apply general principles of management, including finance, law, human resources, and information systems, in organisational settings. Your ability to manage effectively will be complemented by core communication skills acquired upon completion of the course's core units.

Level 1

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> MGMT11109 Introduction to Business -->
--> HRMT11011 Human Resource Management -->

Advanced

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> COIS12073 Enterprise Systems -->
--> HRMT19021 Principles of Employment Relations -->
--> MGMT19105 Quality Management -->
--> MGMT19126 Operations Management -->
--> HRMT19020 Perspectives on Organisational Change -->
--> MGMT13151 Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Start-ups -->

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Marketing Major

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

Marketing is an integrated communication discipline closely related to public relations. By completing this major, you will demonstrate the ability to implement marketing strategy in a way that complements public relations practice and vice-versa.

Level 1

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> MRKT11028 Digital Marketing -->
--> MRKT11029 Marketing Fundamentals -->

Advanced

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> MRKT19030 Marketing Communications -->
--> MRKT19036 Marketing of Service Products -->
--> MRKT19037 International Marketing -->
--> MRKT19031 Consumer Behaviour -->
--> MRKT13014 New Product Development and Branding -->
--> MRKT19040 Strategic Marketing and Planning -->

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Social Enquiry Major

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

In Social Enquiry, you will examine everyday social life through the systemic study of social structures and interactions. You will adopt both sociological and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Sociology is the study of society with a focus on industrialised societies of the type that emerged out of the French and Industrial revolutions using variables such as race, class and gender. You will develop skills in applying investigative and interpretive tools for the analysis and evaluation of identity, crime and deviance, rural sociology and health. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander studies explains and critiques the contemporary life of Indigenous Australians through an understanding of pre-colonisation, colonisation, resistance and adaption, government policy, identity and the struggle for recognition and autonomy. You will examine a range of contemporary issues including land rights and country, racism, constitutional preambles, and community. You will apply this knowledge to the professional communication discipline.

column1
Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
--> SOCL11055 Sociology of Australian Society -->
--> SOCL11060 Being Bad -->
--> INDG11006 Education and Learning: Colonisation and Decolonisation in the Cultural Interface -->
--> INDG11013 First Nation and Non-Indigenous History: The Interface -->
--> INDG19015 Aboriginal Cultures and Country -->
--> INDG19016 Contemporary Indigenous Issues -->
--> SOCL19065 Rural Communities and Health -->
--> SOCL19069 Social Research Methods -->

Course Structure

--> In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Elective

--> View Full Course Structure -->
column1 column2
Number of units: 3 Total credit points: 18

3 general electives

Maximum number of Level 1 units permitted for this course is 12.

Entry requirements

What do I need to start?

Entry Scores

column1 column2
Rank Threshold SR 65 | ATAR 59.9
Rank Cut-Off OP 17 | SR 65 | ATAR 59.9

Entry Requirements

Prerequisites - English (4, SA)

International students

International students should visit www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Security Requirements

There is a work placement opportunity in third year. Certain organisations may require security checks before accepting students for work placement.

Health Requirements

No information available at this time

Assumed Knowledge

This Course requires an advanced knowledge of English, including a thorough understanding of grammar. Students will be required to complete both written and oral assessments, with a high expectation of English proficiency.

Fees and Charges

  • Domestic Fees -->
  • International Fees -->

Learning outcomes

Core Learning Outcomes

Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes

Digital Media Production Learning Outcomes

  • 1.
  • Explain the coherent body of knowledge, and the underlying principles and concepts, fundamental to, and in the broader context of, the journalism and public relations disciplines, especially as it relates to digital media
  • 2.
  • Apply critical thinking, evaluation, and problem solving skills in the integration and application of theoretical and technical knowledge within the context of journalism and public relations practice, especially as it relates to digital media
  • 3.
  • Exercise professional judgement and identify and respond to ethical and legal issues in a range of professional communication contexts
  • 4.
  • Learn and work independently and collaboratively and reflect upon feedback to identify and enact self improvements
  • 5.
  • Analyse, evaluate, and develop solutions to communication problems in creative and innovative ways
  • 6.
  • Devise effective strategy based on relevant communication theory to solve communication problems and engage stakeholders effectively
  • 7.
  • Solve communication problems using a range of skills grounded in professional communication practice
  • 8.
  • Use technology effectively to communicate with stakeholders, especially as it relates to digital media
column1 column2
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning --> --> -->
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge --> --> -->
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas --> --> -->
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence --> --> -->
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas --> -->
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship --> --> -->
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts --> --> -->
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters --> --> -->

Human Resource Management Learning Outcomes

  • 1.
  • Explain the coherent body of knowledge, and the underlying principles and concepts, fundamental to, and in the broader context of, the journalism and public relations disciplines, especially as it relates to human resource management
  • 2.
  • Apply critical thinking, evaluation, and problem solving skills in the integration and application of theoretical and technical knowledge within the context of journalism and public relations practice, especially as it relates to human resource management
  • 3.
  • Exercise professional judgement and identify and respond to ethical and legal issues in a range of professional communication contexts
  • 4.
  • Learn and work independently and collaboratively and reflect upon feedback to identify and enact self improvements
  • 5.
  • Analyse, evaluate, and develop solutions to communication problems in creative and innovative ways
  • 6.
  • Devise effective strategy based on relevant communication theory to solve communication problems and engage stakeholders effectively, especially in the human resources sector
  • 7.
  • Solve communication problems using a range of skills grounded in professional communication practice
  • 8.
  • Use technology effectively to communicate with stakeholders, especially within a human resources management setting
column1 column2
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning --> --> -->
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge --> --> -->
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas --> --> -->
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence --> --> -->
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas --> -->
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship --> --> -->
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts --> --> -->
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters --> --> -->

Journalism Learning Outcomes

  • 1.
  • Explain the coherent body of knowledge and the underlying principles and concepts, fundamental to and in the broader context of the journalism and public relations disciplines
  • 2.
  • Apply critical thinking, evaluation and problem solving skills in the integration and application of theoretical and technical knowledge within the context of journalism and public relations practice and/or scholarship
  • 3.
  • Exercise professional judgement and identify and respond to ethical and legal issues in journalism contexts
  • 4.
  • Learn and work independently and collaboratively and reflect upon feedback to identify and enact self improvements
  • 5.
  • Analyse, evaluate, and develop solutions to communication problems in creative and innovative ways
  • 6.
  • Devise effective strategy based on relevant communication theory to solve communication problems and engage stakeholders effectively
  • 7.
  • Solve communication problems using a range of methods to write effectively for diverse audiences; create media product; speak articulately; conduct and evaluate research based on interviews and secondary source analysis; and communicate effectively with stakeholders skills grounded in journalism practice
  • 8.
  • Use technology effectively to communicate with stakeholders.
column1 column2
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning --> --> --> -->
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge --> --> -->
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas --> --> -->
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence --> --> -->
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas --> -->
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship --> --> -->
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts --> --> --> -->
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters --> --> -->

Management Learning Outcomes

  • 1.
  • Explain the coherent body of knowledge, and the underlying principles and concepts, fundamental to, and in the broader context of, the journalism and public relations disciplines, especially as it relates to management
  • 2.
  • Apply critical thinking, evaluation, and problem solving skills in the integration and application of theoretical and technical knowledge within the context of journalism and public relations practice, especially as it relates to management
  • 3.
  • Exercise professional judgement and identify and respond to ethical and legal issues in a range of professional communication contexts
  • 4.
  • Learn and work independently and collaboratively and reflect upon feedback to identify and enact self improvements
  • 5.
  • Analyse, evaluate, and develop solutions to communication problems in creative and innovative ways
  • 6.
  • Devise effective strategy based on relevant communication theory to solve communication problems and engage stakeholders effectively
  • 7.
  • Solve communication problems using a range of skills grounded in professional communication practice
  • 8.
  • Use technology effectively to communicate with stakeholders
  • 9.
  • Apply general principles of management in organisational settings.
column1 column2
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning --> --> --> -->
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge --> --> --> -->
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas --> --> --> -->
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence --> --> --> -->
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas --> --> -->
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship --> --> --> -->
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts --> --> --> --> -->
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters --> --> --> -->

Marketing Learning Outcomes

  • 1.
  • Explain the coherent body of knowledge, and the underlying principles and concepts, fundamental to, and in the broader context of, the journalism and public relations disciplines, especially as it relates to marketing
  • 2.
  • Apply critical thinking, evaluation, and problem solving skills in the integration and application of theoretical and technical knowledge within the context of journalism and public relations practice, especially as it relates to marketing
  • 3.
  • Exercise professional judgement and identify and respond to ethical and legal issues in a range of professional communication contexts
  • 4.
  • Learn and work independently and collaboratively and reflect upon feedback to identify and enact self improvements
  • 5.
  • Analyse, evaluate, and develop solutions to communication problems in creative and innovative ways
  • 6.
  • Devise effective strategy based on relevant communication theory to solve communication problems and engage stakeholders effectively
  • 7.
  • Solve communication problems using a range of skills grounded in professional communication practice
  • 8.
  • Use technology effectively to communicate with stakeholders
  • 9.
  • Apply marketing knowledge, principles and concepts to integrated communication practice
column1 column2
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning --> --> --> -->
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge --> --> --> -->
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas --> --> --> -->
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence --> --> --> -->
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas --> -->
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship --> --> --> -->
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts --> --> --> -->
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters --> --> --> -->

Social Enquiry Learning Outcomes

  • 1.
  • Explain the coherent body of knowledge and the underlying principles and concepts, fundamental to and in the broader context of the journalism and public relations disciplines, especially as it relates to social enquiry
  • 2.
  • Apply critical thinking, evaluation and problem solving skills in the integration and application of theoretical and technical knowledge within the context of journalism and public relations practice, especially as it relates to social enquiry
  • 3.
  • Exercise professional judgement and identify and respond to ethical and legal issues in journalism contexts
  • 4.
  • Learn and work independently and collaboratively and reflect upon feedback to identify and enact self improvements
  • 5.
  • Analyse, evaluate, and develop solutions to communication problems in creative and innovative ways
  • 6.
  • Devise effective strategy based on relevant communication theory to solve communication problems and engage stakeholders effectively
  • 7.
  • Use technology effectively to communicate with stakeholders
  • 8.
  • Apply critical thinking to social issues relevant to the professional communication industry
column1 column2
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning --> --> --> -->
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge --> --> --> -->
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas --> --> --> --> --> --> -->
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence --> --> --> --> --> --> -->
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas --> --> --> --> --> --> --> -->
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship --> --> --> --> --> -->
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts --> --> --> --> --> --> -->
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters --> --> --> --> --> -->

Learning Outcomes

Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes

Institution