Graduate Diploma in Communication (Public Sector)

Study the Graduate Diploma in Communication (Public Sector) to gain the essential skills needed to manage various issues, events, and tasks within the public sector. This qualification is designed for communications professionals with a relevant undergraduate qualification aiming to specialise in local government at a higher level.

Important Notice:

This programme is now closed to new students. Students already enrolled will be allowed to continue in this course going forward, to finish off their qualification. 

If you have any questions, please send an email to info@sit.ac.nz. Please specify the programme of study you are enquiring about in the subject section of your email, so that your query can be quickly directed to the right person.

Enrol Now Ask a question
SIT Online
Campus
SIT Online
Qualification
Graduate Diploma
Level
7
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time

Up to five years part-time

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit (incl. GST). See International.

Course Outline

Important Notice:

This programme is now closed to new students. Students already enrolled will be allowed to continue in this course going forward, to finish off their qualification. 

If you have any questions, please send an email to info@sit.ac.nz. Please specify the programme of study you are enquiring about in the subject section of your email, so that your query can be quickly directed to the right person.

The Graduate Diploma in Communication (Public Sector) aims to provide those people working in middle management at territorial authorities the opportunity to formalise their practical communications skills into a qualification and to gain a sound theoretical base on which to structure regular tasks. They may already be working in the communications field or another area within the council (supported by an undergraduate degree) which requires recognition of higher-level communication knowledge.

Graduates will be media-savvy communication practitioners who know the local government environment and understand how it works. They will be able to plan for internal and external change or crises utilising new media as well as traditional means. They will also be able to take a lead role in engaging with communities, managing events and protecting their organisation through adverse situations. 

You will learn to:

  • Develop and maintain good relationships with local and national media
  • Plan for events, positive or adverse, which may impact on the local authority and its community
  • Advise senior management and Council when required
  • Utilise a variety of communication methods including new media
  • Be able to communicate effectively - internally and externally
  • Be able to keep pace with, and communicate changes in local government

The Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Local Government has now been changed to Public Sector. These changes have been made to reflect changes to both cultural and communication environments and the market place for communication professionals. If you are part way through this qualification, please see the attached transition table to see what papers you need to complete. If you are not sure, please contact the course administrator for assistance.

Course Content

Core Programme Papers

BPC235 Communication Strategy - Public Sector (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of the principles, tools and application of communication strategies for disseminating a political or government agency/department communication, announcement or campaign in the political and public sector.

BPC230 The Political Environment (15 credits)

Students will understand the political framework of local and central government in New Zealand, including election processes, roles and responsibilities. Students will be able to explain and assess the roles of management and governance, the implications of same, and their inter-relationship. Students will also understand the legislative process at a central Government level and the consultative process at a local government level.

BPC240 Communication Law and Ethics (15 credits)

This paper aims to provide students with an understanding of New Zealand law as it relates to mass communications. It will highlight the law as it is developing regarding digital platforms. The paper also aims to give students an understanding of the role of ethical practice in the media and the recourse to regulatory bodies available to the public.

Elective Papers: Choose two from the list below:

BPC328 Advanced Media Studies (15 credits)

This paper provides students with a critical understanding of the effects of culture, language and political correctness on the contemporary media landscape and vice versa.

BPC350 Online and Advanced Technologies (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of the use and application of current and emerging web technologies for publishing effective messages in the corporate, political or public sector working environment.

BPC313 Crisis and Emergency Communication (15 credits)

Students will be able to identify potential crises for organisations, and transfer the threat into an opportunity with pro-active crisis planning and the use of PR practices. They will be able to manage crises for various organisations and develop the necessary knowledge to evaluate the results, assessing ethical issues and social responsibilities.

MGT709 Relationships, Influence and Leadership (15 credits)

This paper presents insights to enable students to recognise their role in influencing decision makers and understand how to use influential tactics.

Compulsory:

BPC302 Research Methodology (15 credits)

Note: This paper should be taken directly prior to taking BPC710 Research Project.

This paper will introduce students to the skills required to complete a degree level dissertation. It will cover advanced research skills; various methodologies available to gather and present primary and secondary information and data; and it will take students through the literature review process in preparation for BPC710 Research Project.

BPC710 Research Project (30 credits)

This paper provides students with an opportunity to conduct advanced research into an aspect of communication theory or practice by integrating the body of knowledge learnt in communication papers.

Career Opportunities

The qualification prepares graduates for employment or employment advancement in communications roles in the public or private sectors.

     
Application Criteria

Entry is open to degree graduates, however those who have been able to demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or educational experience of an appropriate kind, may be granted admission.

English Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand,,Australia,Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment


IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 
TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE) 
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18) 
Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill. 
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests 
NZCEL - Level 4 (Academic)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42 
Language Cert - C1 Expert International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS 
Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than distinction in any band

Are you a domestic or international student?

By submitting this form, I agree to the Privacy Notice and consent to receiving email communications from Southern Institute of Technology and its business divisions about learning options, services, news and events.