Master of Public Relations and Advertising
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1-2 Year(s) Full-time
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8281
- CRICOS code 083245C
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $33,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $67,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $101,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Professional experience
-
Mentoring opportunities
-
Latest tech
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
TheÌýUNSW Master of Public Relations & AdvertisingÌýis a two-year full-time postgraduate degree that will shapeÌýyou into a well-rounded communication professional known for your creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking.Ìý
MergingÌýbest practice theoryÌýand academic rigourÌýwith creativity and practical industry skills,Ìýthe Master of Public Relations and Advertising is ideal for industry professionals seeking to gain knowledge and advance their career, as well as career-changers wanting to enter a vibrant and rapidly evolving industry.Ìý Ìý
Key features
Understand the media industry
MentoredÌýbyÌýacademicsÌýwhoÌýare leaders in the industry,Ìýyou’llÌýacquire a versatile range of strategicÌýcommunicationÌýskills, informed by anÌýunderstanding of key trends, discourses, dynamics and patterns in global media and communications.Ìý
TheÌýpractical and creative approach of theÌýprogram will be balanced by criticalÌýengagement with the growing influence ofÌýpublic relationsÌýand advertising,Ìýas you exploreÌýperspectives from cultural studies, media studies, and digital network studies.ÌýMost importantly, you’ll learn about past and current industry landscapes, as well as how to predict trends and shifts in the industry, preparing you to adapt and thrive professionally.Ìý
Electives include industry-relevant subjects including Understanding Digital Cultures, Advertising Analytics, Understanding Contemporary Media, Advertising & Strategy and Writing for Media.Ìý
Connections to facilitate hands-on experience
You’ll be supported and encouraged to undertake industry-focused projects and work-integrated learning opportunities. OurÌýstrong industry connections can help you undertake real-world learningÌýthrough work experienceÌýand establish networks to boost your career.ÌýUNSW is also a leading university for entrepreneurialÌý, giving you the opportunity to nurture unique, start-up aspirations.Ìý
Explore the big issues
The School of Arts and Media also providesÌýopportunities for study with experts inÌýglobalisation, political communicationsÌýand climate change, preparing youÌýto pursue a career that tackles some of today’s biggest challenges. ThisÌýbig-pictureÌýunderstandingÌýwill support your hands-onÌýskills,ÌýempoweringÌýyou to build ethicalÌýmarketing communicationÌýstrategiesÌýthat influence the issues you care about.Ìý
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- We rank in the global top 51-100 for media (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- Practice in state-of-the-art production spaces
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription includedÌýfrom the day you start your degree for the duration of your studies
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success - UNSW won the Australian Financial Review's Most Employable Students Award in 2024.
- Benefit from strongÌýindustry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024)
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
There are three different streams of the Master of Public Relations and Advertising. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to public relations and advertising.
You may be eligible to have your study recognised via If your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the followingÌýadmission requirementsÌýto be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 2 year stream (C)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% or better.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
Relevant disciplines for these programs include:
- Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
- Media, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising
- Marketing
- Business, Economics, Commerce
- Law
- Design
English language requirements
Ìý
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
There are three different streams of the Master of Public Relations and Advertising. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to public relations and advertising.
You may be eligible to have your study recognised viaÌýÌýIf your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the followingÌýadmission requirementsÌýto be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 2 year stream (C)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% or better.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
Relevant disciplines for these programs include:
- Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
- Media, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising
- Marketing
- Business, Economics, Commerce
- Law
- Design
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
This program is structured to acknowledge and recognise the unique skills and experience you bring to your postgraduate education.
If you have relevant previous experience, you may be able to undertake a streamlined degree. If you’re coming to the program with limited professional experience, you’ll undertake the full two-years study, or part-time equivalent.
Full program structure
Depending on your level of experience, the degree can either be undertaken as a streamlined one-year full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent), 1.7-years of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent) or two-years of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent).
Explore the structure of each stream below:
Future careers
You’ll graduate with well-rounded professional communications skills and experience as well as Ìýcreativity, innovation, intellectual aptitude, and strategic thinking that will help you stand out in a crowd.
Potential careers
- Radio
- Television
- Online Media Industries
- Media Relations
- Corporate Communication
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through ourÌýÌýportal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.Ìý.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencementÌýdate. ForÌýmore information visitÌýour .
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visitÌý.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
“My Master of Public Relations and Advertising was incredibly rewarding. It was an opportunity to meet smart people from around the world who shared the same interests as me, learn from advertising execs and work on real-world briefs."
