C10097v3 Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Media Arts and Production)

Overview

This course prepares students for a wide range of roles within the media and cultural sectors. Students study the history, contemporary issues and theory of media and culture while developing advanced technical and conceptual skills in film, video, new media and sound. The professional areas within the degree include film, video, television, multimedia, sound, radio, performance and installation, and the interplay among these media forms.

Highly regarded in the industry, this course has a history of award-winning students and graduates. Lecturers are accomplished media artists and producers.

During the degree students develop ideas, conceptual approaches and creative portfolios using cutting-edge production equipment, facilities and software. It is one of the only undergraduate courses in Australia that teaches 16mm filmmaking.

Course aims

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Media Arts and Production):

• are able to take up industrial and artisan roles in the media arts and production industries which include television and radio broadcasting; the film industry; the convergent media industry; independent media and audio arts; online environments and services; education and community sectors; and the entertainment industries
• have industry entry-level skills through hands-on experience of professional-level technical and conceptual skills within film, video, multimedia, sound, radio and/or intermediary or convergent forms
• have developed the professional skills, as demonstrated in media outcomes, to work as filmmakers, sound and multimedia artists, videomakers, independent producers and directors or in a specialist role as part of a creative team
• have the ability to work as professionals using a combination of technical, critical and creative skills
• have knowledge and skills of a broad range of media arts practices and have specialist skills in at least one media production area
• have a conceptual and practical production experience of different forms, approaches, styles and genres in their particular media specialisation
• are multiskilled and knowledgeable about convergent media practices
• have developed skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork necessary for the collaborative nature of media production work
• are adaptable, flexible and innovative as they cope with and contribute to continuous change within existing professional industries
• are self-reliant as well as being able to collaborate on media arts projects throughout all stages of conception, project development, production, post-production and presentation
• are grounded in the history and theory, contemporary issues and practice of the media arts, with a specific knowledge of the techniques, poetics, aesthetics and politics of the area of their own concentration
• understand the relationship of theory and practice within media arts and the interdisciplinary approaches within the humanities and social sciences as they contribute to the generation and development of ideas, research methods, and critical analyses of media productions
• have an understanding of media arts production and the role of the media in general within the context of the political, cultural, philosophical and artistic workings of society, and
• have the ability to engage in constructive criticism and analysis of media production work.

Career options

Career options include arts or cultural administrator, cinematographer, director, documentary maker, editor, film producer, new media producer, production manager, radio producer, scriptwriter, sound designer and web designer.

Additional assumed knowledge

HSC English and computer literacy.

Additional recognition of prior learning

The Faculty has established recognition of prior learning packages with the following institutions for the courses listed:

• Insearch UTS: Diploma of Communication
• Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore: Diploma in Mass Communication (or Diploma in Film, Sound and Video)
• School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong: Associate of Arts in Media Technology
• TAFE NSW: Diploma in Screen

Course duration and attendance

This course is offered on a three-year, full-time basis.

Course structure

A total of 144 credit points is allocated to the course: 68 credit points for Disciplinary Strand subjects, 44 credit points for Professional Strand subjects and 32 credit points for Elective Studies subjects.

Industrial training/professional practice

Students undertake production projects each semester. They can elect to participate in professional placement and are encouraged to develop their portfolio and publicly display their works throughout their study through events such as the biennial UTS Golden Eye Awards and other festivals and competitions.

Course completion requirements

Course program

The example program below is for a student commencing in Autumn semester.

Honours

Other information

Further information is available from the Faculty Student Centre on: