Explore the diverse world of media at the University of Adelaide

Media is among the most exciting and diverse fields in today’s increasingly globalised world. Career opportunities have grown exponentially, driven by the Internet and technological advancement. The paths to success are remarkably diverse – from an online journalist producing viral content to a photographer at fashion shows and parties to an animator assigned to a major Hollywood film. A career in media is perfect for the young, ambitious and bold.

For those reasons and more, students from around the world flock to the University of Adelaide to study in its renowned Bachelor of Media program. The university is well-regarded and is ranked among the top one percent of universities worldwide, as well as being a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight – the country’s top universities. Its three-year Bachelor of Media program is extremely flexible, offering seven different specialisations or majors.

First-year students are given a broad overview of the media industry, studying everything from the impact of new digital technologies to the roles of broadcast radio and television. This allows students to develop and discover their interests before specialising in their second and third years.

One of the most popular of these specialisations is Marketing. If you wish to succeed in a rapidly globalizing world and in challenging markets, you have to be attuned to consumer trends and behaviours, and develop the media skills to reach and convince your audiences. At the University of Adelaide, you’ll learn marketing theories, pick up the art and science behind marketing campaigns and reports, and analyse advertisements in a variety of media.

Another very popular specialisation is Journalism, which has come a long way from its print-centric days. The Internet has brought monumental change to the industry, revolutionizing the way content is consumed. The university’s curriculum recognizes this shift, providing training in both new media and old – from newspapers to online portals, from video to social media. It’s perfect for those who love telling stories and are unafraid of exploring new ways to deliver them.

The Graphic Design major appeals to the digital age artist. Often the backbone of advertising efforts, graphic designers work on everything from pamphlets to billboards to social media posts, making sure that communication is both appealing and effective. The major accordingly equips you with the skills you need to produce consistently high-quality work, covering subjects like typography, photo imaging, computing, interface design, drawing and illustration.

Aspiring photographers should opt for the Photographic Imaging major, which prepares them for a professional career in commercial photography. Learning a range of photographic techniques, students will be able to adapt to any circumstance, location, or assignment – whether a glitzy fashion show, a boisterous wedding, or stock photoshoots. This major gives you an overview of camera operation, light meters, lighting types, design and composition, and more.

Gaming enthusiasts should consider the Game Art major, which could see them working on cutting-edge gaming engines for their favourite game companies. Students will learn about 3D models and textures for a variety of genres, picking up critical skills in modelling, texturing, concept development and drawing. Working with software such as Maya and Photoshop, you’ll be at the cutting edge of the image industry.

The Digital Production major introduces you to a wide range of digital production environments, including the graphic design and print shop, the finished art and web design studio, and magazine and the digital publishing industry. You’ll also learn how to plan, design, and build/publish a variety of media, including websites, publications for media devices, magazines, books, and personalised print campaigns.

With the popularity of animated films, the Computer Graphic Imaging and Visual Effects major could be your ticket to Hollywood. Focusing on visual effects and 3D computer animation for film and television, this major teaches students the practical and theoretical aspects of the filming process, allowing them to understand where computer-generated imagery (CGI) can and should fit in. As CGI becomes more and more common in film and TV shows, career prospects are good in the short to medium term.

No matter your choice of specialisation, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for a Media Industry Placement, allowing you to put what you learn into practice in a real-world professional setting. And thanks to the University of Adelaide’s excellent relations with industry, finding an organization suited to your interests and career goals is incredibly easy.

But ultimately, the sheer number of media majors that the University of Adelaide offers is enough to earn it a strong recommendation. The university is rightly reflecting the rapid diversification of the industry and the 21st century economy. There hasn’t been a better time to join the media industry. Take your first step at the University of Adelaide.

This article is sponsored by the University of Adelaide. Established in 1874, it is Australia’s third oldest university and still regarded among its best, being a member of the prestigious Group of Eight universities. It ranks among the top one percent of universities worldwide. It has a rich and illustrious past, having produced numerous Nobel Laureates, over 100 Rhodes Scholars, and over 130 Fulbright Scholars. The university offers over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees across a broad range of academic fields, as well as postgraduate research degrees (PhD and Masters).

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