Questions and Answers about Kwantlen's PR Diploma Program
Q. What kind of program is the Public Relations Diploma Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University?
A. Kwantlen is a public post-secondary instituion supported by the government of the province of British Columbia, The Public Relations Diploma Program is an official full-time, day-school program of kwantlen Polytechnic University in the School of Business. The Public Relations Program is organized into four semesters and carries 60 university credits.
Q. How long has this program been established?
A. The program was created in 1991 and significantly updated in 2002 and again in 2011. The curriculum is updated each year so that content remains current and relevant.
Q. Leght of program?
A. Two university years (September to April with a summer break in between).
Q. What exactly constitutes a “course”?
A. Good question, as it can mean different things depending on where in the world you are from. In Canada, a “course” means a 15-week unit of study comprising approximately 45 hours of instruction, carrying three credits. A Program is a collection of courses that add up to a credential such as a Diploma (60 credits; 20 courses; approx 900 hours over two academic years).
Q. Approximately how many class hours are required for the program?
A. That varies by semester. You can count on about 20 hours a week in classes, labs or group work. Additional hours are required outside of class time for projects. Then, you have to add studying to that schedule. It is a full time load.
Q. What are the tuition costs?
A. The major cost for tuition for the two-year program is 60 credits X the per credit fee. To that you have to add some small administration charges, as outlined on the web address below, and you have an idea of the total tuition and fees for two years. (Divide in half to figure out the yearly rate.)
The specific amounts per year can be found at this web site address: kwantlen.ca/calendar/fees.html. Cost of books and supplies?
A. Instructors decide each year which texts to use. Books are purchased from the Kwantlen bookstore. Students will also need a “memory stick” or “data traveler” to transfer data from their computers at Kwantlen to their home computers. All other software and equipment is provided.
Q. Is the cost of this program comparable to similar courses?
A. Yes, the Kwantlen Public Relations Diploma Program has the same cost structure as all other Kwantlen credit programs.
Q. Does the program qualify for financial aid?
A. Yes. Here is the link for more information about financial aid for Kwantlen students: kwantlen.ca/awards.html
Q. Are there prerequisites for entrance to the program?
A. Because writing is a fundamental component of Public Relations, applicants must have a minimum B in English 12, or a transferable undergraduate level English course with a minimum C.
Once the English requirement is met, applicants are accepted into the program based on the date of application. High school students are accepted provisionally, based on an interim English mark. That acceptance is confirmed once the final exam marks are published.
There are a number of possible tests that an applicant can take to satisfy the English requirement. If you are unsure about meeting the English requirement, please contact the Kwantlen Admissions office for assistance.
Note: A lack of basic writing skills or word processing computer skills will hold the student back, so applicants are urged to upgrade this area before starting the program.
Q. I am a Grade 12 student scheduled to graduate this year. I am currently taking English 12 and will not have my final mark until the end of the semester. How do I go about providing an interim English mark to Kwantlen Admissions?
A. First, you need to go online to the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and register for the Online PSI (Post-Secondary Institutions) Selections Form. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/transcript/transcripts_info.htm. That will allow Kwantlen Admissions to have access to your interim marks online.
Second, you need to ask your high school administration office to send an official interim transcript to Kwantlen by the end of March. It is the student's responsibility to ensure this is done, so you might want to check back with your school's admin office periodically to ensure that the forms have been send t o Kwantlen. Don't just assume this has been taken care of. We have had instances where students thought the forms had been sent but the documents have gotten lost. Kwantlen Admissions has no way of knowing where transcripts for a particular student are if the documents don't show up in their department.
Q. I am a university student who has completed English 1100 at another institution. I have asked my university to forward my transcripts to Kwantlen. Is that all I have to do?
A. We have had instances where transcripts from universities outside of British Columbia did not make it to Kwantlen Admissions. We have no way of knowing what might have happened to them and Kwantlen Admissions cannot track these documents. Students are advised to confirm with their home university’s admissions office that transcripts have indeed been sent to Kwantlen and, if possible, on what date.
Q. How many students are accepted in the class and the average age?
A. Kwantlen accepts 25 students into first year. The age can vary significantly from early 20s to second career people in their 50s. The age range is a positive influence on class discussions and projects.
Q. Approximately what is the balance between post-graduate and high school graduate applicants?
A. It varies from year to year. It tends to balance out about 30% recent graduates from high school or college programs; 30% are those who have worked for a few years before deciding to return to school; and 30% who already have degrees but who want more job-specific, hands-on training to prepare them for a career.
Q. How are the admissions handled?
A. We take the first group of applicants who have met our admission criteria and who have met the deadline for applying to Kwantlen and to the PR Diploma Program.
Q. Are there breaks for summer/Christmas?
A. Yes, Kwantlen breaks for Christmas, Easter, and statutory holidays. The program breaks from April through to September for the summer session. In addition, there are usually two days of a reading break during the Spring semester. For specific dates, see kwantlen.ca/registration/dates.html
Q. Is the equipment up to date? Describe accessibility/types of equipment.
A: Our division went through an extensive technology upgrade in 2005 and again in 2011. We have excellent computer labs, e-classrooms, and work rooms where students can have access to all the software used in public relations. In addition the campus is now wireless.
Q. Is there a practicum? If yes, how many? Please give dates.
A. Yes, there is one, month-long unpaid practicum in March/April of year two.
Q. Who finds the practicum?
A. The students can select any organization they would like to work with and that possibility is explored by the Program Coordinator to ensure it meets Kwantlen standards. Beyond that, Kwantlen is pleased to assist those students who do not have a specific organization in mind. Our experience with practicums is that they are successful for both students and employers.
Q. Do students return to Kwantlen after practicum?
A. Yes, for one final week of classes.
Q. How many graduates are working in this field?
A. We don’t keep a database of alumni so we don’t have exact figures on this. We do know that the current job market for public relations professionals is excellent. Our records indicate over 400 positions in the Lower Mainland in 2010 and again in 2011.
Q. How many get jobs in the industry?
A. We do not keep records of student employment once they leave Kwantlen. Informally, we keep in touch with grads and it is our understanding that the majority of grads are successful in their careers.
Q. What kind of program is the Public Relations Diploma Program of Kwantlen Polytechnic University?
A. Kwantlen is a public post-secondary institution supported by the government of the province of British Columbia. The Public Relations Diploma Program is an official full-time, day-school program of Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the School of Business. The Public Relations Program is organized into four semesters and carries 60 university credits.
Q. How long has this program been established?
A. The program was created in 1991 and significantly updated in 2002 and again in 2011. The curriculum is updated each year so that content remains current and relevant.
Q. Length of program?
A. Two university years (September to April with a summer break in between)
Q. What exactly constitutes a “course”?
A. Good question, as it can mean different things depending on where in the world you are from. In Canada, a “course” means a 15-week unit of study comprising approximately 45 hours of instruction, carrying three credits. A Program is a collection of courses that add up to a credential such as a Diploma (60 credits; 20 courses; approx 900 hours over two academic years.
Q. Approximately how many class hours are required for the program?
A. That varies by semester. You can count on about 20 hours a week in classes, labs or group work. Additional hours are required outside of class time for projects. Then, you have to add studying to that schedule. It is a full time load.
Q. What are the tuition costs?
A. The major cost for tuition for the two-year program is 60 credits X the per credit fee. To that you have to add some small administration charges, as outlined on the web address below, and you have an idea of the total tuition and fees for two years. (Divide in half to figure out the yearly rate.)
The specific amounts per year can be found at this web site address: kwantlen.ca/calendar/fees.html
Q. Cost of books and supplies?
A. Instructors decide each year which texts to use. Books are purchased from the Kwantlen bookstore. Students will also need a “memory stick” or “data traveler” to transfer data from their computers at Kwantlen to their home computers. All other software and equipment is provided.
Q. Is the cost of this program comparable to similar courses?
A. Yes, the Kwantlen Public Relations Diploma Program has the same cost structure as all other Kwantlen credit programs.
Q. Does the program qualify for financial aid?
A. Yes. Here is the link for more information about financial aid for Kwantlen students: kwantlen.ca/awards.html
Q. Are there prerequisites for entrance to the program?
A. Because writing is a fundamental component of Public Relations, applicants must have a minimum B in English 12, or a transferable undergraduate level English course with a minimum C.
Once the English requirement is met, applicants are accepted into the program based on the date of application. High school students are accepted provisionally, based on an interim English mark. That acceptance is confirmed once the final exam marks are published.
There are a number of possible tests that an applicant can take to satisfy the English requirement. If you are unsure about meeting the English requirement, please contact the Kwantlen Admissions office for assistance.
Note: A lack of basic writing skills or word processing computer skills will hold the student back, so applicants are urged to upgrade this area before starting the program.
Q. I am a Grade 12 student scheduled to graduate this year. I am currently taking English 12 and will not have my final mark until the end of the semester. How do I go about providing an interim English mark to Kwantlen Admissions?
A. First, you need to go online to the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and register for the Online PSI (Post-Secondary Institutions) Selections Form. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/transcript/transcripts_info.htm.That will allow Kwantlen Admissions to have access to your interim marks online.
Second, you need to ask your high school administration office to send an official interim transcript to Kwantlen by the end of March. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure this is done, so you might want to check back with your school’s admin office periodically to ensure that the forms have been sent to Kwantlen. Don’t just assume this has been taken care of. We have had instances where students thought the forms had been sent but the documents have gotten lost. Kwantlen Admissions has no way of knowing where transcripts for a particular student are if the documents don’t show up in their department.
Q. I am a university student who has completed English 1100 at another institution. I have asked my university to forward my transcripts to Kwantlen. Is that all I have to do?
A. We have had instances where transcripts from universities outside of British Columbia did not make it to Kwantlen Admissions. We have no way of knowing what might have happened to them and Kwantlen Admissions cannot track these documents. Students are advised to confirm with their home university’s admissions office that transcripts have indeed been sent to Kwantlen and, if possible, on what date.
Q. How many students are accepted in the class and the average age?
A. Kwantlen accepts 25 students into first year. The age can vary significantly from early 20s to second career people in their 50s. The age range is a positive influence on class discussions and projects.
Q. Approximately what is the balance between post-graduate and high school graduate applicants?
A. It varies from year to year. It tends to balance out about 30% recent graduates from high school or college programs; 30% are those who have worked for a few years before deciding to return to school; and 30% who already have degrees but who want more job-specific, hands-on training to prepare them for a career.
Q. How are the admissions handled?
A. We take the first group of applicants who have met our admission criteria and who have met the deadline for applying to Kwantlen and to the PR Diploma Program.
Q. Are there breaks for summer/Christmas?
A. Yes, Kwantlen breaks for Christmas, Easter, and statutory holidays. The program breaks from April through to September for the summer session. In addition, there are usually two days of a reading break during the Spring semester. For specific dates, see kwantlen.ca/registration/dates.html
Q. Is the equipment up to date? Describe accessibility/types of equipment.
A: Our division went through an extensive technology upgrade in 2005 and again in 2011. We have excellent computer labs, e-classrooms, and work rooms where students can have access to all the software used in public relations. In addition the campus is now wireless.
Q. Is there a practicum? If yes, how many? Please give dates.
A. Yes, there is one, month-long unpaid practicum in March/April of year two.
Q. Who finds the practicum?
A. The students can select any organization they would like to work with and that possibility is explored by the Program Coordinator to ensure it meets Kwantlen standards. Beyond that, Kwantlen is pleased to assist those students who do not have a specific organization in mind. Our experience with practicums is that they are successful for both students and employers.
Q. Do students return to Kwantlen after practicum?
A. Yes, for one final week of classes.
Q. How many graduates are working in this field?
A. We don’t keep a database of alumni so we don’t have exact figures on this. We do know that the current job market for public relations professionals is excellent. Our records indicate over 400 positions in the Lower Mainland in 2010 and again in 2011.
Q. How many get jobs in the industry?
A. We do not keep records of student employment once they leave Kwantlen. Informally, we keep in touch with grads and it is our understanding that the majority of grads are successful in their careers.
Q. What kind of job will I get at the end of the program?
A. The Kwantlen PR Diploma Program is recognized in the public relations industry as an excellent preparation for a career in this field. For more specific job descriptions in the field of public relations, consult the NOC 5124 category of jobs on the web site for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada - Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications. The link is: www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/ProfileQuickSearch.aspx?val=5&val1=5124
Q. What kind of ongoing training do I require to keep up to industry standards?
A. The Kwantlen public relations program is extremely comprehensive. Graduates are well trained in all aspects of public relations. Beyond this, grads are encouraged to join a professional association and participate in the professional workshops and events.
Q. Do you have employers I can contact to ask about the quality of the graduates from this school/program?
A. Because the Kwantlen program is a public post-secondary program instead of a training program, we do not communicate formally with employers once our students graduate. However, informally, we have excellent relationships with employers in the province who readily accept our students for practicums and who donate time to the program in the form of guest lectureships and participation in events.
Q. Student/instructor ratio?
A. Class sizes can range depending on the particular class. The upper limit is 35 students to one instructor.
Q. Is the content of the curriculum negotiable? Please describe.
A. The only content that could be negotiable is if a student has completed the course work already either at another institution and applies for transfer credit or wishes to challenge the course through Prior Learning Assessment. With PLA, you still have to pay the cost of the course but may be able to show that you have already done the work through a portfolio, interview, and a worksite assessment.
Q. What professional associations is your school affiliated with?
A. We are associated with the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
Q. Would I be able to observe a class?
A. Yes, as long as the visit was scheduled during the university term, from September to April. You can make an appointment by calling the program coordinator at 604-599-2625.
Q. What kind of study supports do you offer?
A. Kwantlen Polytechnic University has a multitude of services that assist students with all sorts of programs. Here is the link for more information on student services: kwantlen.ca/services.html.
Q. Are classes instructor led or self paced? If both, what is the breakdown?
A. Most classes are instructor led with many group exercises, case studies, presentations, etc. where students get to pace their own learning.
Q. What are the instructors' qualifications/industry experience?
A. All of our instructors are academically qualified with excellent industry experience. Many are contract instructors who are also currently working in public relations.
Q. What type of job placement assistance is there after graduation?
A. Kwantlen Polytechnic University has an extensive support system for student employment. You can find out more at the following URL: kwantlen.ca/ses.html.
The Public Relations Diploma Program does not have formal job placement assistance. Informally, we assist students by providing job leads, workshops on portfolio development, resumes, etc.
Q. Do I need any special equipment?
A. You will need access to a home computer to complete assignments and you will need high-speed home access to the Internet while attending Kwantlen so that you can receive e-mail. We recommend that you get connected with Internet access as soon as you are established in the residence you will use during your Kwantlen academic year. We recommend that you get a computer with the Microsoft Office suite of products. Also, if you do not type, then you should get up to speed as fast as you can by either taking a typing course, or learning from a typing software package. You will also need a memory stick to transfer work back and forth from the labs at Kwantlen to your home computer and an external hard drive or similar system to back up your files to ensure that valuable assignments are not lost.
Final thought
The program is intensive but is also a lot of fun. The classes are small so you get to know your classmates and instructors very well. The program is well respected in the PR industry.
Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of further help.
Terri Smolar
Coordinator Public Relations Diploma Program Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Tel: 604-599-2625
E-mail: terri.smolar@kwantlen.ca
