University diploma is stepping stone to SMU’s master degree in Communication Management that prepares practitioners for C-suite positions
SINGAPORE - The Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) and the Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University (SMU) today announced the launch of the Graduate Diploma in Public Relations, which is designed to meet the industry’s demand for higher-level expertise and knowledge in Singapore and the region.
The programme, which starts in February 2012, is Singapore’s first Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and gives graduates credits for SMU’s recently launched MSc in Communication Management.
Ng Wei Joo, the President of IPRS, said: “This course provides what employers look for – the campus rigour of a reputable University, and industry inputs from practitioners. The IPRS and SMU developed it to target mid-level communicators with about three years of practice and want a specialist diploma as a career boost.
“The programme will attract professionals both here and regionally. It is for practitioners who map their career progression carefully and are prepared to invest time and money in the best qualification to help secure a seat at the management table,” Mr Ng added.
The fee for the GDPR is S$25,000 and it consists of 10 compulsory courses, which form part of the 22-course curriculum of the Masters programme. This means Graduates will have completed almost half of the courses in the Masters programme.
Academic Director of the Master programme, Associate Professor Gregor Halff, says: “The graduate diploma is a product of close collaboration between PR industry experts represented by IPRS and SMU. We’re working together continually to raise knowledge and professional standards in the PR profession.”
A survey conducted by the IPRS and SMU on the PR industry and its needs last year confirmed the desire by many practitioners to pursue further education and obtain advanced qualification.
The curriculum for the Graduate Diploma in Public Relations includes topics such as digital media, employee communication and global public relations.
Applicants must have a good academic undergraduate degree. Generally, this means a degree awarded by a recognized University and earned through full-time coursework and prescribed examinations. Also, applicants must have relevant professional experience and be fully proficient in English.
Applications are now accepted for the 2012 cohort. Please visit www.iprs.org.sg.
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About the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS)
The IPRS is established in 1970 as a non-profit organisation and is the only accrediting body for PR practitioners in Singapore. The Institute’s objective is to establish growth for Singapore’s PR industry through knowledge transfer, networking, and exchanging of new ideas. The Institute continually strives to be the leading regional PR organisation to raise professional standards and increase public recognition of the industry.
The IPRS focuses on creating a solid platform for knowledge acquisition and skills training for seasoned practitioners as well as those who aspire to join the profession. It promotes industry excellence in the industry education, customised programmes and short courses that are aligned with best practices. It also organises networking sessions for members to exchange ideas and update each other.
The Institute started with a membership base of 30 but is about 500-strong today and growing. Membership consists of professionals with diverse backgrounds – PR, journalism, advertising, marketing, education and management - and gives strength and dynamism to the Institute.
In 1987, the IPRS introduced the biennial PRISM Awards (Public Relations In the Service of Mankind) to recognise and reward excellence in PR and Communications, in Singapore and the region. The PRISM Awards promote the best application of PR and Communications practices across all sectors of the economy. Please visit www.iprs.org.sg for more information about the IPRS and its activities.
About the Singapore Management University (SMU)
A premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading edge research with global impact and produce broad-based, creative and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. It is known to be a pioneer for its interactive and technologically-enabled pedagogy of seminar-style teaching in small class sizes which remains its unique hallmark. Home to 7,000 students, SMU comprises six schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Information Systems, School of Law and School of Social Sciences, offering a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in business and other disciplines. With an emphasis on generating rigorous, high impact cross-disciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance, SMU faculty collaborates with leading foreign researchers as well as partners in the business community and public sector through its research institutes and centres. Through executive education, the University provides public and customised training for working professionals in meeting the needs of the economy. Close relationships with leading universities, including The Wharton School, Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, allow SMU to draw on their academic and research strengths in various collaborations. The SMU city campus is a state-of-the art facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with the business and wider community. www.smu.edu.sg
For media queries, please contact:
IPRS
Ms Jaslyn Pua
Manager
DID: 6236 2902 Mobile: 8182 2021
Email: jaslyn@iprs.org.sg
Lee Kong Chian School of Business,
SMU Ms Joann Poon Administrative Executive
DID: 6828 0662
Mobile: 9040 9089
Email: joannpoon@smu.edu.sg
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