Graduate Certificate in Communication (Public Sector)
Media & Comms
A course by
SIT
Gain the essential skills to manage communications issues, events, and tasks within the public sector with this specialist graduate certificate for communications professionals looking to work at a higher level in local government.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
SIT2LRN Distance Learning, Invercargill
It will take a total of 17 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Develop media and stakeholder relationships
Graduates can establish and maintain productive relationships with local and national media, community groups, and public sector stakeholders.
Plan and manage communications for events and crises
Graduates can plan proactively for both positive and adverse events affecting local authorities, using appropriate crisis management and PR techniques.
Advise on strategic communication
What You're Signing Up For
The Graduate Certificate in Communication (Public Sector) is designed for experienced communication practitioners aiming to specialise in the public sector, particularly in local government. The programme deepens students' understanding of media relations, organisational communication, change and crisis management, and the use of new and traditional media. Graduates will gain advanced abilities to plan and manage both internal and external communications in public sector contexts and to respond proactively to emerging events and challenges.
Course Content
- The Political Environment: New Zealand local and central government structures; election processes; governance and management roles; the legislative and consultative process.
- Advanced Media Studies: Impact of culture, language, and political correctness on media; analysis of the contemporary media landscape.
- Online and Advanced Technologies: Use and application of current and emerging web technologies for effective messaging in corporate, political and public sector environments.
- Crisis and Emergency Communication: Crisis identification and planning; PR practices for managing crises; evaluating outcomes; ethical and social responsibility considerations.
- Relationships, Influence and Leadership: Influencing decision makers; use of leadership tactics in communications.
What you need to know first
A relevant Bachelor's degree; OR equivalent, relevant, practical professional or educational experience in a related discipline.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Public Sector
Government
Media
Communications
Local Government
Future employment opportunities might be
Communications Advisor in local or central government