Why Study Media at the University of Adelaide?

The Bachelor of Media was re-structured in 2007 in line with the new focus described above. It includes more specific contemporary media content, more professional and practical courses, closer links to industry and increased access to production and practical options for students. It is designed to make best use of the Media staff's research expertise and team-teaching excellence. Shaped with an international outlook and demonstrating a local commitment, this course is offered right in the city centre and combines theory and praxis. Wherever possible, teaching staff deploy relevant information and communications' technologies (ICTS) to deliver the teaching program, and to allow students to hone their digital skills in a range of assessment items.  We teach critical and digital competencies from first-year, work-readiness skills in the Media Industry Placement course and the exit course, Professional Practice, and policy awareness in Media Policy Media Law, Media Democracies, and Global Media. 

It's creative, practical, critical, and theoretical

The program covers the histories of technology development, develops awareness of communication and regulatory policy and knowledge of media research methods. It takes account of the industry impact of digitisation and the live Web, and includes analyses of emerging trends in converged global media and mobile media. 

It offers the opportunity to learn media-making skills, both in first-year courses like Introduction to Media : Digital Revolutions, and Story/Technology, and upper-level media courses. Students start their professional media portfolios in the first course they take and are encouraged to keep it up-to-date throughout their studies. They leave the B. Media having completed a course in media research methods, having worked in project partnerships and developed high levels of professional communication skills.

Strong industry focus 

The program has a strong focus on media industries.  We aim to prepare students for the emerging challenges of the digital media environment and for negotiating the complex relationship between media industries and participatory media production and creativity.

 Media Advisory Board

The University is fortunate in being able to draw directly on up-to-the-minute industry expertise from its Media Advisory Board, a group of well-known and respected media industry representatives who meet at least three times a year to provide support, ideas, advice and industry perspectives to the University on how to develop and improve its media program. Board members advise on how the course could better equip graduates for a career in the media, and on areas of interest for potential research projects. Members of the Board have given guest lectures in the teaching program, and assisted in other ways to support the Discipline by being advocates within the business community, and promoting the program to prospective students.

Community engagement 

Discipline of Media staff believe in community engagement and full participation in the life of Adelaide, of South Australia and beyond. Staff serve on State education and Creative Industries development and training committees, and on a range of other community media organisations' committees, such as C31. They give expert advice on their areas of expertise. They encourage B.Media students to participate in their communities by volunteering, through industry placements, through the use of their production skills for worthy projects, and through maintaining alumni links.

Knowledge expectations

Our knowledge expectations of students on completion of studies in media are: the acquisition of highly developed theoretical, critical and practical skills necessary to act effectively in the media industry and the community as a whole; a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the changing media landscape and its implications, and of the roles and uses of media tools and technologies; a good understanding and appreciation of global media cultures and an ethical execution of the media's roles and responsibilities.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities after this degree are determined by students' areas of specialisation ranging from media research, radio, video, creative multimedia, strategic communications, writing, independent media-making, promotion, media and communications policy formation and analysis, higher education, teaching, print and web publication. In line with our commitment  to participate in revitalising Adelaide's creative energy, we encourage students to gain work experience in a variety of media-related organisations.