Bachelor of Media

Media professionals are analysers, creators and communicators.

They understand people, technology and popular culture.

They use words, images and sounds to tell stories and influence audiences.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Media

Areas of Specialisation

Social Media and Digital Promotion (SATAC code 354021)Make every post a winner. In today’s commercial and media landscape, an organisation that isn’t all over social and online media is pretty much, well, ‘all over’. More and more, the digital environment is where we connect—with each other, businesses, news and culture.It’s where opinions are aired, attitudes influenced and loyalties won. Master this domain and the world’s at your fingertips.Our Bachelor of Media (Social Media and Digital Promotion) gives you the skills and insight to capitalise on the incredible career opportunities presented by the global social media phenomenon.In addition to gaining broad knowledge of the media industry and digital storytelling, you will:• develop a firm grasp of effective image- and brand-building principles• build a suite of public relations and marketing communication skills tailored to the digital realm • gain a thorough understanding of how to build and manage media relationships• unpack the screen and sound industries’ unique opportunities and requirements• learn from experienced industry professionals.You’ll also gain invaluable real-world experience through an industry placement.Where could it take you? You might help a product-focused technology provider reposition as a market-driven problem solver through ongoing customer dialogue. You could reinvent a once-publicity-shy consulting firm as a social-savvy thought leader. Or perhaps you’ll get a not-for-profit’s socially conscious message on Gen Z’s agenda. You could even conduct in-depth market research for a fashion giant to inform its global advertising.Immersive Media (SATAC code 354011)Augment your career reality. The immersive media wave is growing, with virtual, augmented and mixed reality set to explode. Exciting opportunities are emerging everywhere—from marketing, entertainment and digital art, to training and education. And then there’s gaming, which now generates over $134 billion annually.Our Bachelor of Media (Immersive Media) gives you the skills and knowledge to ride the VR, AR and MR career wave.In addition to gaining broad knowledge and understanding of the media industry and digital storytelling, you will:• build a suite of VR, AR and MR creative and technical skills• develop a firm grasp of gaming theory, history and production• gain complementary 3D modelling abilities• work with high-quality technology• learn from experienced industry professionals.You’ll also gain invaluable real-world experience through an industry placement.Where could it take you? You might take the creative lead on a Fortnite-like global gaming phenomenon. You could create next-level simulators for our fighter pilots or surgeons. Perhaps you’ll develop unforgettable virtual experiences of the world’s most incredible environments—or even other planets.Visual Design (SATAC code 354041)Design your path to success. Graphic and digital designers play a crucial role in today’s commercial and creative worlds. Their work can be the difference people engaging with information or ignoring it; products flying off shelves or gathering dust; and brands achieving cut-through or fading into irrelevance.They work in multiple media—from print, web and electronic, to video, packaging and interiors. And demand for their services is soaring.Our Bachelor of Media (Visual Design) gives you the skills and knowledge to create eye-catching market-savvy designs across multiple media.In addition to gaining broad knowledge and understanding of the media industry, global design cultures and digital storytelling, you will:• build an extensive suite of creative and technical graphic and web design skills• develop a firm grasp of effective image- and brand-building principles• gain complementary 3D modelling abilities and a foundation in photography or CGI• work with high-quality technology• learn from experienced industry professionals.You’ll also gain invaluable real-world experience through an industry placement.Where could it take you? You might help a cutting-edge local tech start-up take on the world with killer branding and advertising. You could give a top-tier Australian engineering firm the captivating online presence it needs to go global. Perhaps you’ll breathe new life into a premium Barossa winery with stunning new labels and cellar-door displays.Story Production (SATAC code 354031)Touch the world on-screen. Our love of ‘moving pictures’ is deep and enduring—and for good reason. Film, TV and video have a greater capacity to thrill, move, enlighten and inspire than any other medium.This gives those who use it to tell our stories the potential to enrich our lives in countless ways. And with the continuing growth of global streaming services, those content creators are in high demand.Our Bachelor of Media (Story Production) gives you the skills and knowledge to capitalise on this explosion of creative opportunity.In addition to gaining broad knowledge and understanding of the media industry and digital storytelling, you will:• build an extensive suite of creative and technical production skills• learn how to produce compelling content for TV, cinema and online platforms• develop a firm grasp of narrative, scriptwriting and aesthetic principles• work with high-quality technology• learn from experienced industry professionals.You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the art of high-impact sound design. And you’ll gain invaluable real-world experience through an industry placement.Where could it take you? You might announce your talent to the world by producing a beautiful short film or groundbreaking TV pilot. You could become a powerful voice for change by creating a socially conscious web series. Perhaps you’ll help Marvel Studios add amazing new chapters to its cinematic universe. You could even turn your hand to the fast-paced worlds of broadcast news, advertising or corporate video production.Film Studies (SATAC code 354001)See more in every scene. Virtually every human story—emotional, social and cultural, from the glorious to the shameful—has been told on the silver screen. Through film we reflect and resist, celebrate and grow. We imagine new ways and see life from others’ perspectives.It’s one of our most loved and valuable art forms—and our appetite for its analysis and discussion is voracious.Our Bachelor of Media (Film Studies) gives you the skills and knowledge to expertly interpret and critique film from all over the world.In addition to gaining broad insight into the media industry and digital storytelling, you will:• develop deep knowledge of film genres and styles throughout history, with special attention given to highly influential French cinema• be introduced to Asia’s unique contemporary screen culture• grasp the principles of quality scriptwriting and feature-film adaptation• explore the art of high-impact sound design• learn from experienced industry professionals.You’ll also gain invaluable real-world experience through an industry placement.Where could it take you? You might rack up thousands of loyal followers with your own review vlog or podcast. You could become an influential pop-culture analyst for BuzzFeed or Mashable. Perhaps you’ll write the definitive retrospective on your favourite genre’s golden cinematic period.Journalism - SATAC code 334131Nail the brief. Naturally inquisitive? Have a knack for storytelling? Journalists love to explore big issues and get to the bottom of things. They care about what’s happening in the world and are always on the hunt for reliable information. As truth seekers and communicators, journalists have the potential to really influence.Our Bachelor of Media (Journalism) sets you up for success in today’s fast-paced news environment. You will:• build research, interviewing and storytelling skills• study writing and production for print, online and mobile media• learn how to network, make contacts and develop sources• practise judging newsworthiness, quality and accuracy• experiment with multimedia approaches• consider integrity and ethics, time and stress management, professionalism, and self-reflection• write and read the news live on air to audiences of thousands.You’ll also undertake an invaluable industry placement.Where could it take you? You could be a sports correspondent at the next Olympic Games, or interview celebrities and musicians for a lifestyle publication. You might find yourself reporting from conflict zones around the world. Perhaps you’ll investigate political corruption or big business.Marketing - SATAC code 334121The art of persuasion. Advertisements, newsletters, jingles, web campaigns—marketing uses media to give customers confidence in their decisions. It’s crucial to any brand’s recognition, reputation and growth. Marketers are strategists and relationship builders. It’s their job to know what people want and to reach out in innovative ways.Our Bachelor of Media (Marketing) develops business and media skills relevant across all industries. You will:• understand buyer mind sets and behaviour• learn modern marketing theories and research techniques• analyse case studies and different marketing approaches• prepare marketing reports and plans• analyse consumer data to predict current and future trends• practise advising on pricing, advertising, promotion, product mix, and selling and distribution channels.You’ll also undertake an invaluable industry placement.Where could it take you? You’ll emerge ready for all sorts of exciting roles in marketing and media. You could cook up international sales strategies for winemakers. You might manage companies’ creative teams, public relations or social mediaoperations. Perhaps you’ll conduct in-depth market research for fashion giants and use it to make calls on advertising campaigns. Photographic Imaging - SATAC code 334061Capture magic. Like never before, we are living in a visually driven world. Our Bachelor of Media (Photographic Imaging) gives you the skills and knowledge to contribute to visual culture and take your place in the professional realm.We’ve teamed up with the Centre for Creative Industries at the Adelaide College of the Arts to give you the optimal study experience. You will:• build technical skills with photographic and video cameras• access a world-class photographic studio• learn to use software tools for cataloguing, editing, processing and storing images• experiment with manipulating and enhancing images• develop your own personal visual style• practise meeting client briefs• learn a range of photo and video techniques for use in advertising, editorials, portraiture, still-life, architecture, fashion and illustration. You’ll also undertake an invaluable industry placement.Where could it take you? You could shoot for local businesses, fashion magazines or big brands. You might travel the world on nature photography assignments. Perhaps you’ll produce video content for government agencies, make indie documentaries or publish visual essays.Popular Music - SATAC code 334071Tune in to the present. Popular music has wide appeal in society. Those working in the music and media industries understand how dynamic, influential and exhilarating it can be. Our Bachelor of Media (Popular Music) focuses on the presence and production of music in pop culture.The popular music specialisation gives you the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s fast-paced music and media environments. You will:• explore cutting-edge digital technologies used in music production• build a unique digital identity, presence and composition style• access up-to-the minute research in contemporary music history and analysis• develop extensive music and media literacy.You’ll also undertake an invaluable industry placement.Where could it take you? You could establish, promote and manage your own music studio. You might host radio shows on a national station. Perhaps you’ll book bands, run an entertainment venue, compose backing tracks or take to the stage yourself.Sonic Arts - SATAC code 334081Resonate with audiences. Sound is an often overlooked yet crucial part of media production. Can you imagine your favourite film without the swelling soundtrack? Do you think you’d have as much fun gaming if there was nothing coming through your headphones? Our Bachelor of Media (Sonic Arts) focuses on the strategic use of sound in media.The Sonic Arts specialisation gives you the skills and knowledge to express creative ideas through sound. You will:• examine sound’s history and development in film, television and games• learn to record, mix, produce and master in sound engineering and technical studies• experiment with interactive design, digital media, computer music composition, studio recording and live performance• explore the psychological and aesthetic effects of sound.You’ll also undertake an invaluable industry placement.Where could it take you? You could work as a foley artist, creating sound effects and enhancing the overall experience of films in post-production. You might make soundtracks and voiceovers for adventure video games. Perhaps you’ll work for a national radio station or put your skills to use at an experimental music studio. Please note: Majors are not available with double degrees

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Arts website.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

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

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

All Bachelor of Media students have the opportunity to take part in a media industry placement through the elective course Media Industry Transitions. This path is highly recommended for those who wish to enter the industry directly after completion of their undergraduate degree. 

The placement allows students to gain meaningful work experience by contributing toward a host organisation project.  Students are given the opportunity to negotiate their own placements with organisations of their choice, after discussion with the Convenor of Media Industry Transitions. The student needs to ensure that their industry placement does not clash with their other courses.

Potential careers

Market Researcher, Brand Marketer, App Developer, Entertainment Industry, Art Director, Public Relations Officer, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Tourism, Animator, CGI Animator, Concept Artist, Content Writer, Photo Journalist, Digital Content Creator, Digital Strategist, Fashion Photographer, Filmmaker, Social Media Strategist, Sound Engineer, VFX Artist, VR Developer, Web Designer, ...