The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) has announced a first: the Hausmann School of Public Relations (HSPR) has been successful in seeking accreditation. It is the first time that PRIA has recognised a vocational program under its stringent accreditation scheme.
The HSPR offering is a Diploma of Business – offered both on-site and online – that predominantly comprises PR units of competence and is delivered in the highly evolved public relations environment of the Hausmann Group, one of the country’s leading PR agencies.
“HSPR is delighted to receive recognition from the PRIA,” said CEO and founder Judi Hausmann.
We have worked hard for two years to bring this specialised training to market. Accreditation with Australia’s peak body for communication management is a great distinction.
HSPR’s unique offering derives from our own deep expertise coupled with extensive consultation with our fellow practitioners and a keen interest in best practice vocational training. This diploma is one of several products we are developing to support future practitioners in their career success,” said Hausmann.
The Public Relations Institute has accredited university degrees since 1991, and has only recently opened its doors to private education providers and the post-secondary sector. “Public Relations is a swiftly evolving profession that requires an ever-broadening skillset. Vocational providers are in a good position to help develop entry level practical skills,” commented Julian Kenny, national education manager at PRIA.
Educational institutions have to present a PR-rich curriculum and staff who are experienced and well-qualified to qualify for accreditation. Thirty degrees in fifteen universities already offer PRIA accredited degrees. The addition of diplomas is intended to complement rather than replace or compete with tertiary programs.
