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Communications Down Under!
Studying Film & Television in Australia
Are you interested in screen production, film, television,
digital media, journalism, public relations, marketing, or
cultural industries? Do you want a job in one of the exciting
and rapidly growing global communications industries? Then
why not study communications in Australia?
 According
to the 1999 Good Universities Guide to Australian Universities,
'communications courses are one of the most popular fields
of study', with 'students attracted by an image of the communications
industry as sassy: where the action is." You can be part
of it too!
Australian universities offer a wide range of cutting edge
undergraduate and graduate courses in many aspects of communications
and media. The emphasis is on balancing practical and hands-on
experience with analytical, presentational and research skills
to maximise the employment potential of graduates. Studying
communications in Australia is fun, rewarding and challenging!
More than 50 universities offer courses in communications,
in response to overwhelming and growing demand by almost 9,000
students (1,000 of whom are international). Courses cover
a range of specialisations, such as advertising, creative
writing, cultural policy/studies, desktop publishing, film
and media studies, marketing, mass communications, media policy,
media production (including film, television, video, digital
media, and radio), performing arts, photojournalism, print
and electronic journalism, public relations, and theatre.
Australian universities have been specializing in this area
since the 1970s, drawing on innovative research, theories
and practical applications from Europe and North America.
More recently, Australian universities have oriented their
courses to reflect the growth of communications in Asia, Africa
and the Pacific.
Australian communications courses are internationally recognized
as leaders in the field, and because they are in demand, entry
is competitive. The universities that are most sought after
include the University of Technology (Sydney), Griffith University
(Brisbane), Curtin University (Perth), Queensland University
of Technology (Brisbane), Swinburne University of Technology
(Melbourne), and University of South Australia (Adelaide).
Student satisfaction with their courses is enhanced by the
opportunity to undertake work experience, make contacts through
industry placements, and become involved with alternative,
community and interest group communication and media. Graduates
enter a wide range of occupations and careers in many industries
and sectors, but due to the nature of the industry, jobs are
often short-term or contractual, rather than full-time employment.
Jobs are found in film and television production, new and
digital media, journalism, government, advocacy, cultural
industries (museums, galleries, libraries), public relations
and marketing, teaching and training, and research and measurement.
Graduates with practical production skills find careers in
all aspects of the industry, including direction, scriptwriting,
camera, lighting, sound, editing, digital compositing and
sound. Journalism graduates find opportunities in mainstream
print and electronic media production and presentation, as
well as in local and specialist media, public relations, government
and corporate sector. Frequently, graduates pursue further
study to hone their skills and specialise further.
Undergraduate degrees, such as Bachelor of Communication,
Bachelor of Screen Production in Digital Media, Bachelor of
Multimedia, or Bachelor of Arts (majoring in communication)
usually take three years full-time, with an optional fourth
Honours year. Graduate Certificates and Diplomas are also
available, as well as a research Master and Doctor of Philosophy.
Courses and majors examine how the communications industries
are structured and operate in a global context. Aspects of
communications production, distribution and consumption are
central concerns of these courses. As well as analysing products,
studies will emphasise the context in which media and communications
operate. Students develop a thorough knowledge of the discipline,
as well as acquiring skills and techniques of investigating,
producing, researching and writing for media.
The Bachelor of Communication focuses on developing a wide
range of skills relevant to working in the media and communication
industries, journalism, interactive media technology, public
relations and marketing, and arts and cultural industries.
Students major in one or more of the following: Journalism,
Screen Production, Film & Media Studies, or Cultural Studies.
Companion recommended majors include Marketing, Drama, Politics,
and Public Relations. The course will typically include hands-on
and industry experience, with graduates trained to suit the
changing needs of the industry and training sectors of the
global communications market.
The Bachelor of Screen Production in Digital Media focuses
on emerging forms of digital screen production, with grounding
in the history, practice and critical analysis of film and
television production. The course will provide hands-on education
in new and established forms of screen production, including
video for the world wide web and desktop, single and multi-camera
video, introduction to 16mm, screenwriting, and the genres
of experimental digital screen production, drama and documentary.
Students can combine a major in Digital Media with a second
major such as Cultural Studies, Cyber Studies, Film and Media
Studies, Journalism, Politics and Public Relations. Such courses
develop skills in teamwork and progressing through all stages
of production.
Author
June Cullen
School Administrative Officer
School of Film, Media & Cultural Studies
Griffith University, Queensland
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