This innovative program combines the university’s strong research culture with a theoretical and practical focus on the latest developments in digital and interactive media. Through a strong grounding in media history, theory, analysis and creative practices, you will be prepared for cross-media and professional communication work in business, government and community organisations, as well as independent media work. You will learn to think of yourself as a critical consumer of media product, and an innovative, ethical and professional practitioner for a range of media. There are opportunities to undertake an internship with a professional organisation. This degree suits resourceful and committed students who want to prepare for the new fields and occupations created by digitisation and networking changes affecting mainstream media, and society more generally.

Study Abroad and Exchange Opportunities

The University has student exchange links with over 100 overseas institutions. You can study overseas for one or two semesters which counts as credit towards your degree program at the University of Adelaide. In addition there are no extra tuition fees for this study. What better way to test out newly developed language skills or experience another culture as you learn?

In first year, you will take core courses on the impact of new digital technologies on industry and user practices, a study of how visual images work in contemporary media, the role of broadcast radio and television, and creative digital story techniques. These courses combine media history and theory with the study of professional media practices. Advanced level core courses include media law, media research, global media, online democracy,  professional practices, media and creative theory, and a range of options including a media industry placement.

Job advertisements and recruiting specialists from both the private and public sectors indicate that employers are seeking a wide range of attributes in graduates. Increasing emphasis is placed on generic skills such as good written and verbal communication, critical thinking, the ability to undertake research and the awareness of social and cultural issues in society. These skills are life-long, portable, and applicable to a vast range of tasks and roles. They continually prove invaluable to our graduates both in initially securing employment, and in subsequent career advancement. Many of our graduates cite their research skills and the ability to quickly find, synthesise, organise and effectively present information as critical in their jobs and career success.

Graduates from our programs can gain employment in the following fields: advertising, administration, business, corporate communication, defence, diplomatic service, environmental management and planning, foreign affairs, health administration, humanitarian work, industry liaison, management, marketing, media, policy development, project management, psychology, public relations, publishing, research, social planning, teaching.

Humanities and Social Sciences graduates are everywhere - often in positions that have no obvious link to their degree, and they have nearly always had a diverse range of jobs along the way.

The common thread is that our graduates are adaptable. The skills they gain through their study of the humanities and social sciences are useful in all endeavours. It is the ability to apply these skills in multiple ways that contributes to the ongoing success of our graduates.

An exciting option for your third year is to take part in an internship in the arts, media, parliament or environment with over 50 industry partners. These include State Parliament and a range of public and business sector agencies, where you can use the knowledge from your university study in a practical work environment, building valuable networks and gaining experience that counts towards your degree program and prepares you for your future career.

• Humanities and Social Sciences Program Information Leaflet
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Science
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• University Contact Centre enquiry form