Diploma in Communications

Level 5
Credits 120
1 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Semester 1
Rotorua

About the Qualification

This qualification produces graduates who are able to work as communications and public relations practitioners, or add communication skills to a media role. Students will develop and implement internal and external communications plans, manage media campaigns for clients, learn to produce well written communications, work with media organisations, develop and disseminate a message, manage issues as they arise and produce publications.

Content

• Focus on non-fiction writing
• Analysing the media
• Law and ethics in the media
• Experience working in the media
• Public relations and mass communication
• Business communications
• Skills in business writing
• Technical text, handbooks and leaflets
• Publication skills for print and the internet
• Shorthand
• Fundamentals of marketing

Highlights/Benefits

On successful completion of this qualification, students will have the skills and knowledge to work in corporations, local authorities, private enterprise or be self employed.

Entry Requirements

Admission and entry requirements for this qualification are in accordance with Waiariki’s Academic Regulations.

Career Opportunities

Besides self employment, there are two common mainstream career paths graduates can consider: working in the private sector (companies or corporations) or the public sector (government departments and Crown institutions).
Private sector (companies & corporates)
• As part of the communications department responsible for internal and external communications of a business
• As part of a communications company or advertising agency creating communications solutions for clients
• As a freelance or contract provider of communication solutions for businesses
Public sector (government departments and Crown institutions)
• As part of the communications department providing internal and external communication solutions
• As a freelance or contract provider of communication solutions (often fixed term contracts)
Self Employment
Running your own communications company and providing communication solutions for acquired clients across private and public sector bodies

Further Study

• Diploma in Bicultural Journalism
• Degrees in communications studies