Why Australia?
Industry connections and hands-on experience
Experience and practical skills are highly valued in the global media and communications industry. Because Australian education providers have strong industry connections, many courses will give you opportunities to practise your skills in real or simulated workplaces.
Events and activities to keep you inspired
Australia has a cultural calendar filled with festivals and events that celebrate writing and literature, film, photography, journalism and much more. You’ll be inspired by the work of industry greats.
A qualification to take you places
A media and communications qualification can open the door to a variety of careers. It can also be your ticket to overseas work. Many Australian qualifications are recognised by international organisations and are valued across the world.
Study options
There are so many media and communications courses to choose from in Australia. Popular options include:
- photography
- creative writing
- film/video/television production
- cinematography
- sound recording
- journalism
- communication/media studies
- multimedia (design).
As new technologies make it possible for more people to share news, information and other content anywhere, at any time, it is becoming more important to have strong technical and communication skills.
Some courses emphasise technical skills, like operating equipment in film or sound production, or creating special effects. Some emphasise improving oral and written communication skills, so you can communicate better with the public through different kinds of media. Many courses cover technical and communication skills so that you build a broader skill set needed in jobs once you graduate.
If you like seeing the results of your creative efforts, have a passion for communicating, or enjoy the more technical side of communicating with the public, then this field of study could be right for you.
Fast facts
Quality education
9 Australian universities are ranked in the world’s top 100 for Communication and Media Studies. (Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
An acclaimed screen production industry
Australia is home to experienced production companies, talented creatives and sophisticated filmmaking infrastructure.
A rich history of moving image
Melbourne’s ACMI museum celebrates Australia’s history of film, TV, video games and other media art.
Career options
Media and communications is wide-ranging and includes a huge variety of jobs across many industries. Your studies could open up multiple careers, and you won’t be locked into just one. Some of your options might include:
- film or television director
- sound technician
- camera operator
- journalist
- photographer
- videographer
- visual communicator / graphic designer
- make-up artist
- writer/author
- publisher
- social media manager
- public relations consultant
- researcher/academic specialising in media
- media advisor.
Because the industry is closely linked with new technologies and the creative industries, it is also evolving rapidly. That means you might find new career options in the near future too.
You could find yourself working in various places, like international news corporations, advertising agencies, publishing houses or even educational settings. Employers across many sectors look for graduates in this field.
Whichever path you follow, a career in media and communications can give you a fast-paced environment to work in, and an exciting future that’s ever-changing and full of variety.
About the industries
The media and communications industry is quickly evolving in Australia and across the world, with new technologies, new ways to communicate, and new jobs being created.
There are around 200,000 people working in the information media and telecommunications industry in Australia. But many media and communications professionals have found their skills are useful in other industries too.
- Journalists and other writers work across industries like information media and telecommunications; professional, scientific and technical services; arts and recreation services; and public administration and safety.
- Most film, television, radio and stage directors work in information media and telecommunications. But they are also employed in industries like professional, scientific and technical services; arts and recreation; and education and training.
While the media and communications industry is likely to stay around the same size in the near future, professionals with media and communications skills are in demand across various industries.
