Bachelor of Media / Arts

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Media / Arts at UNSW Sydney is a four-year double degree designed for students who want to combine creative media skills with a deeper understanding of culture, society and global issues. It’s an excellent choice for students who want to build practical communication expertise while exploring subjects such as politics, writing, sociology, film or languages, creating a degree that is both flexible and career-focused.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build strong foundations across both media and arts. Students begin with subjects such as Media Cultures, Communication Practices, and Creativity: Theory and Practice, developing essential skills in communication, critical thinking and cultural analysis while exploring how media influences society.

Year 2
In second year, you begin shaping your academic pathway by choosing a media specialisation alongside your arts major or minor. Subjects such as Media Research Methods and Screen and Society help deepen your understanding of audience behaviour, storytelling, media industries and cultural perspectives.

Year 3
By third year, learning becomes more industry-focused and project-driven. Through subjects like Professional Media Practice and Industry Internship, students apply their knowledge in collaborative projects, professional communication settings and real-world creative challenges.

Year 4
In your final year, you bring together everything you’ve learned through advanced electives, major projects and career-focused experiences. This stage allows you to build a professional portfolio while combining media expertise with arts knowledge in a way that reflects your personal career goals.

Focus areas (in a string):

Media production, journalism, public relations, advertising, cinema studies, screen storytelling, cultural studies, creative writing, politics, sociology, global communication

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop strategic communication skills, analyse media and culture critically, conduct independent research, create professional media content, communicate with diverse audiences, collaborate on creative projects, solve real-world communication challenges, apply interdisciplinary thinking

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Industry-focused learning with internships, work-integrated learning, guest industry professionals, studio-based experiences and strong connections with media and creative sectors

Reputation (employability rankings):

UNSW is globally recognised for academic excellence and strong graduate employability, giving students a respected qualification with long-term career value in Australia and internationally

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the Bachelor of Media Arts program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that cultivate practical skills essential for a successful career in the media industry. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students have the opportunity to engage in real-world projects that enhance their learning and creativity. The program emphasizes collaboration, allowing students to work in teams and develop their professional networks while gaining valuable insights from industry experts.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Media Arts program:

- Access to Advanced Facilities: Students can utilize the UNSW Media Lab, equipped with high-end cameras, editing suites, and sound studios to create professional-quality media projects.
- Industry-Standard Software: The program provides access to industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects) and Avid Media Composer, ensuring students are proficient in the tools used in the field.
- Collaborative Projects: Students participate in group projects that simulate real-world media production environments, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Internship Opportunities: The program encourages students to undertake internships with leading media organizations, providing invaluable experience and networking opportunities.
- Field Trips and Workshops: Students have the chance to attend workshops and field trips to media companies, film festivals, and exhibitions, allowing them to gain insights into industry practices and trends.
- Research Laboratories: Access to dedicated research labs enables students to explore innovative media technologies and methodologies, enhancing their academic and creative pursuits.
- Library Resources: The UNSW library offers extensive resources, including a vast collection of media-related books, journals, and digital archives, supporting students' research and project work.
- Collaboration with Institutes: The program collaborates with various media institutes and organizations, providing students with exposure to industry leaders and potential career pathways.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic field of media arts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Media / Arts at UNSW Sydney leave with a powerful mix of creative communication skills, cultural awareness and critical thinking that can open doors across media, creative industries and public-sector organisations. Depending on your chosen specialisations, you could build a career as a content producer, journalist, public relations consultant or digital media strategist, with opportunities both in Australia and internationally. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 70,000 per annum.

Career support through UNSW Employability services, including internships, industry mentoring, career coaching, networking events and portfolio development
Work-integrated learning opportunities that allow students to gain professional experience before graduation through internships and industry-based projects
Strong industry engagement through guest speakers, practitioner-led teaching and collaborations with professionals across media, publishing, communications and creative industries
A globally recognised UNSW qualification that adds long-term value and supports career mobility across different industries
Flexible career pathways across journalism, advertising, film production, public relations, government communication, publishing and digital media
Graduates leave with practical project experience, industry exposure and transferable communication skills that employers highly value
Access to alumni networks, professional connections and career resources that support employment after graduation

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study in media, journalism, communication, film studies, public relations, creative writing or cultural studies. Graduates may also pursue honours or specialised master’s degrees to move into research, academic careers, leadership positions or senior creative roles in media and communication industries.