Units / APG5381
APG5381 · Effective crisis communications
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Communications
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Crisis communications is an increasingly important and specialised area of expertise in contemporary organisations. In an increasingly global and interconnected world, there are a growing number of crises that can challenge organisations, whether public, private or non-profit, and impact their reputations locally and internationally. In this unit you will gain expertise in approaching and designing communication strategies to manage crises and critical issues. Drawing on case studies and practical research from around the world, you will acquire skills in identifying issues and risks, analysing stakeholders, and developing effective and ethical communication plans to engage with audiences and publics during a crisis.
Areas of study: Strategic communications management
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Caulfield | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus and in a block period (ON-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quiz | Quiz / Test | 20% | — |
| 2 | Case Study | Written | 30% | — |
| 3 | Career development task | Artefact | 50% | — |
Within semester assessment: 100%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- identify and critically evaluate core concepts, including risks, issues, crises and stakeholders in the context of crisis communications;
- identify and critically evaluate the implications of increasing globalization and digital technologies on crisis communications;
- design and develop effective and ethical communications plans to proactively manage crises and mitigate their impact for diverse organisations;
- apply advanced communication, research and analytical skills.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 6 hours |
| Tutorials | 18 hours |
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