Graduate Certificate in Communication (Public Sector)

The Graduate Certificate in Communication (Public Sector) gives more experienced communications practitioners the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to manage specific issues, events and tasks which may occur within that environment and draw on the theory which underpins these.

This qualification provides a professional development opportunity for a communications practitioner with a generic or similar undergraduate degree who wishes to specialise in local government working at a higher level.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Communication (PS) 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 the media, local and nationalPlan for events, good 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.

Public Sector

Compulsory:

BPC230 The Political Environment (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 1 and 2 in 2023

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.

Choose three from the list below:

BPC328 Advanced Media Studies (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 3 and 4 in 2023

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)

Paper offered in intakes 1 and 2 in 2023

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)

Paper offered in intakes 1 and 2 in 2023

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.