This exciting program teaches practical skills combined with research and a solid theoretical knowledge of the media industry with a focus on the latest developments in digital and interactive media. Creative practices can include writing, research and reporting, digital story telling, radion production, and film/video production.  

Upon graduation you will be prepared for cross-media roles (think writer, editor, social media co-ordinator, digital content officer, producer, journalist etc) and professional communication work in business, government, community organisations as well as independant or freelance media work.  

The degree suits those who want to prepare for the new fields and occupations created by digitization and networking changes affecting mainstream media and society more generally.

Bachelor of Media students can also now add a number of specialisations to their program including: Marketing, Journalism and Media Production streams: Computer Game Art; Digital Production; Photographic Imaging; Computer Graphic Imaging and Visual Effects; or Graphic Design (this specialisation is not offered in 2013).  Please note that specialisations are not available when Bachelor of Media is studied as a part of a double degree.

Opportunities to undertake an internship with a professional organisation as a part of the program are also available are encouraged.

JOURNALISM
The Bachelor of Media with a Journalism specialisation provides students with the practical skills required to work in an environment that is rapidly changing.

Writing effective news stories remains the core attribute of every journalist. Graduates will learn these skills and also be prepared to enter a workplace that includes a growing range of media platforms for the presentation of stories, including video, websites and social media. Bachelor of Media with a Journalism specialisation graduates will understand how to integrate a wider range of voices in their writing and reporting which is required due to the rapid growth in social media and user-generated content. They will be comfortable with media environments containing new challenges and audience demands.

This program has been developed in collaboration with major media and journalism industry organisations to deliver a study experience that is unique in Australia along with opportunities for learning from respected journalists.

MEDIA PRODUCTION
Study for the Media Production specialisations take place in collaboration with TAFESA at the Centre for Creative Industries in Tea Tree Gully. The Centre for Creative Industries uses a world class digital design hub, purpose built in 2010, with leading edge facilities.

Photographic Imaging
This specialisation provides a thorough knowledge base of photographic and visual communication skills within an elected field of commercial photography. Students work within a world-class photographic studio, including a full cyclorama. Students learn a range of photographic techniques, including advertising, editorial, portraiture, stilllife, architecture, fashion and illustration.
The course has a location and a studio component and will cover: the principles of camera operation; the use of light meters (ambient and flash) on location and in the studio; the foundations of lighting, including the introduction to studio flash, lighting types, quality, styles etc. the fundamentals of design and composition. Students enrolled in the Photographic Imaging specialisation are required to have access to an SLR camera with manual override capabilities. The Creative Industries Centre has a large range of Canon lenses and a small number of Nikon lenses students can borrow.

Computer Game Art
This specialisation delivers the art skills required to design and develop 3D models and textures for a variety of genres that utilise interactive digital technology. These can include the simulation and serious games genres. This course puts particular emphasis on modelling, texturing, concept development and drawing. Students work with software such as Maya and Photoshop.

Digital Production
This specialisation introduces students to the digital production environment such as graphic design and print shop, finished art studio, web design studio or magazine and digital publishing industry. Students initially gain skills in computer applications, design techniques for print and web, finished art processes and digital print. Further study includes planning, design and construction of web sites, digital publications for iPads and other media devices, magazines and books as well as personalised print campaigns.

Computer Graphic Imaging and Visual Effects
This specialisation provides an introduction to the field of visual effects and 3D computer animation for television and cinema. Students are taught the practical and theoretical aspects of the movie and TV making process so they understand where computer generated imagery fits in to the workflow of a production.

In first year, you will take core courses on the impact of new digital technologies on industry and user practices, study how Internet distribution platforms are transforming the way we communicate, 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. The placement, which is highly recommnended, allows students to gain valuable work experience and contribute toward a project for their host organisation

If studying one of the available specialisations including Journalism, Marketing or Media Production you will undertake eight courses in place of your upper level electives to allow for the specialisation.

Essays, tutorial or workshop participation, projects, internship and research project option, exams.

Marketing

Understand marketing's role within and between organisations. Gain a grounding in marketing theory, learn how to prepare marketing reports and plans, undertake a diagnostic case study of an exporting firm, analyse advertisements in a variety of media, and apply market research as part of a group project that focuses on a real business problem.

Journalism

The Bachelor of Media with a Journalism specialisation provides students with the practical skills required to work in an environment that is rapidly changing. Writing effective news stories remains the core attribute of every journalist. Graduates will learn these skills and also be prepared to enter a workplace that includes a growing range of media platforms for the presentation of stories, including video, websites and social media. Bachelor of Media with a Journalism specialisation graduates will understand how to integrate a wider range of voices in their writing and reporting which is required due to the rapid growth in social media and user-generated content. They will be comfortable with media environments containing new challenges and audience demands. This program has been developed in collaboration with major media and journalism industry organisations to deliver a study experience that is unique in Australia along with opportunities for learning from respected journalists.

Media Production including:

Computer Game Art
This specialisation delivers the art skills required to design and develop 3D models and textures for a variety of genres that utilise interactive digital technology. These can include the simulation and serious games genres. This course puts particular emphasis on modelling, texturing, concept development and drawing. Students work with software such as Maya and Photoshop.

Digital Production
This specialisation introduces students to the digital production environment such as graphic design and print shop, finished art studio, web design studio or magazine and digital publishing industry. Students initially gain skills in computer applications, design techniques for print and web, finished art processes and digital print. Further study includes planning, design and construction of web sites, digital publications for iPads and other media devices, magazines and books as well as personalised print campaigns.

Photographic Imaging
This specialisation provides a thorough knowledge base of photographic and visual communication skills within an elected field of commercial photography. Students work within a world-class photographic studio, including a full cyclorama. Students learn a range of photographic techniques, including advertising, editorial, portraiture, still-life, architecture, fashion and illustration. The course has a location and a studio component and will cover: the principles of camera operation; the use of light meters (ambient and flash) on location and in the studio; the foundations of lighting, including the introduction to studio flash, lighting types, quality, styles etc.; the fundamentals of design and composition.

Computer Graphic Imaging and Visual Effects
This specialisation provides an introduction to the field of visual effects and 3D computer animation for television and cinema.  Students are taught the practical and theoretical aspects of the movie and TV making process so they understand where computer generated imagery fits in to the workflow of a production

Graphic Design (Not offered in 2013)
This specialisation enables an in-depth knowledge of commercial practises within the Graphic Design industry. Students are guided through an intense studio-based program using industry standard software. Students are taught high-level technical production and pre-press skills, enabling them to see a project through from initial concept to final publication. Subjects covered include: Design, typography; photo imaging; computing; multimedia; interface design; marketing; advertising; art history; drawing and illustration. This course is not offered in 2013.

Please note: Specialisations are not available with double degrees

Graduates have found successful careers in numerous roles. Potential Careers are listed below.

All Bachelor of Media students have the opportunity to take part in a Media Industry Placement as an elective toward their degree.  It is highly recommended for those who wish to enter the industry directly after completion of their undergraduate degree. 

The placement allows students to gain work experience, and contribute toward a host organisation project.  Students should negotiate their own placements with organisations of their choice, after discussion with the Head of Discipline.  Proposed projects require sign-off by the Media Industry Placement Convenor and Head of School.  It is the responsbility of the student to ensure that the Media Industry Placement does not clash with their other courses.   Students may elect to do the Placement during vacation time if staff are available to supervise them, and the host organisation and the University agree on a mutually acceptable time frame.

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