Studying Media and Communications
Why should I study Media and Communications?
Short Answer: If you’re interested in media, storytelling, content creation, journalism, marketing or public relations, this subject area is right up your alley.
Studying media and communications provides you with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic media landscape, plus can take your career to bold and interesting destinations.
You'll study subjects that will enhance your leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, plus increase your employment prospects. From journalism to media production and digital content creation, media and communication studies prepare you for a wide range of exciting career opportunities.
What will I learn if I study Media and Communications?
Short Answer: You'll gain a broad set of skills tailored to meet the needs of the fast-changing media landscape.
Beyond an exceptional education in media and communications theory – including learning about the structure of media industries, their role in culture, politics and globalisation, and the different legal/ethical issues in the field – you’ll gain real-world experience in media writing, media relations, and radio and podcasting, video and digital media production.
What sort of jobs will I be able to get after studying Media and Communications?
Short Answer: Lots! You’ll have loads of career opportunities after graduation.
Studying media and communications will provide you with a very modern skillset that opens a range of professional fields from journalism to public policy, and international communications to public relations.
Our media and communication grads work across many different industries and roles, including in corporate communications, journalism and reporting (print, online, radio, television), editing, market or media research, producing and programming (radio, TV, podcasts), media advising, content creation, web development, social media management, post-production, marketing and public relations.
How can I study Media and Communications?
Short Answers: You’ve got a few options depending on how in-depth you want to go!
At an undergraduate level, you could choose from:
A Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications)
A major in Media Studies within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.
A major or minor in Digital Cultures, which is available across a broader range of degrees.
Wondering what the difference is between a major and a minor? Check out this handy page.
What's the difference between a major in Media and a major in Digital Cultures?
Short Answer: They're related but have different focuses.
Media Studies is all about mass media. You look at the media’s role in culture/politics and the legal/ethical issues that surround it.
You'll also learn practical skills like news writing, reportage, film/digital production and how to put together public relations and communications plans.
In Digital Cultures, you study how technology and the internet have shaped the way we interact, think and communicate in contemporary society.
The ever-changing way we generate and consume new tech in our daily lives, and the role this plays in cultural practices, is also a big component of this area of study.
What’s the deal with internships?
Short Answer: They play a big part in this field of study. If you undertake one of the bachelor's degrees, you're required to take an internship in your final year.
Over the course of a few months, for a minimum of 20 days, you’ll work alongside media experts, picking up plenty of hands-on experience, valuable contacts and a preview of what professional life looks like before graduation.
Internships are available in a variety of industries, including national and international journalism outlets, public relations and advertising agencies, national television and radio, and major print and online media organisations.
Some of our internship hosts include NBC, Channel 9, ABC, SBS, Publicis Media, Sydney Writers Festival, Sydney Opera House, and Thrive PR.