Media Studies Program
Bachelor of Media Studies
Background
The Bachelor of Media Studies is a three year degree program which allows you to specialise in either print and online journalism, television writing and production or radio writing and production. All students study the social, political and economic role of the media. You will develop critical skills, professionally oriented research, writing, editing and production skills and you will learn about the role of the media in society and the operation and regulation of the media. Also, you will have an opportunity to study the new digital media which are transforming the traditional media landscape. We believe that a combination of writing and production skills in either journalism, television or radio, a broad understanding of the media and the ability to think critically are essential for people who are planning careers in the rapidly evolving media industries.
Career possibilities
Apart from careers in the traditional publishing and broadcasting industries there is a growing awareness of the need to employ graduates with media, communication and journalism skills in many areas of government and industry. While we see the employment prospects in the traditional media industries reducing we believe that employment opportunities are growing in other areas. Our graduates leave with a range of intellectual and practical skills which allow them to work in the rapidly evolving media industries. Our graduates are able to take entry level positions in journalism, public relations, corporate and government communications, television production, radio and television broadcasting, media consultancies and the information and entertainment industries.
Honours and postgraduate possibilities
A fourth, Honours year is available and successful completion of the Honours program can lead to either a Masters by Research, a Masters by Coursework or a PhD. The Honours year involves a traditional written thesis or a combination of a creative work and an accompanying written thesis. A creative thesis can be useful in building a portfolio of work to show prospective employers. For more details see the Honours Page.
Back to List
Internships
We have an internship program which allows students to work in an industry setting and develop links with potential employers. The placement and the academic work associated with an internship is given academic credit. Our students have been placed with newspapers, publishers, television and radio broadcasters, media production organisation, government departments and corporate communications units. The Age, The Herald Sun, Nine MSN, Leader Newspapers, Geelong Advertiser, The Border Mail, ABC News, ABC Online, community radio stations and advertising and public relation companies. International students are able to undertake an internship in their home country. Some of the internships completed by our international students include placements with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Australia and TV2, NHK and Aftenposten in Norway, and the European Parliament in Belgium.
International exchange programs
You are eligible to participate in the Exchange Program. La Trobe University has exchange arrangements with universities world-wide. The Media Studies Program has specific arrangements with Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York and Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh, Scotland. Also, our students have studied at a range of University of California campuses.
Teaching staff
Your teachers will be experienced academic staff with a strong interest in research and teaching. In addition you will be taught by experienced journalists and professionals who are currently working in the media industries. (For more details follow the Academic and Technical Staff link.)
Back to List
Technical facilities
For your formal studies requiring production facilities you will have access to a dedicated online journalism laboratory as well as a fully equipped three-camera television studio, an audio recording studio, portable audio and video recording equipment and digital editing suites. Our editing suites can be accessed 24 hours every day. These facilities are maintained and developed by dedicated technical staff. (For more details follow the Production Facilities link)
Student activities
Students are involved in a wide range of activities outside the classroom. Some work on the student newspaper Rabelais or with the student radio station SUB-FM. Others are involved in community newspapers and radio stations. For some years the student-run La Trobe Media Group has produced Rumpus Room a thirty minute comedy television program for Melbourne's community television station, Channel 31. The group's multimedia performances have been a part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. This project utilizes students with a wide range of journalism, writing and media production skills. Other students have independently produced award winning radio and television programs.
Entry requirements
A study score of at least 25 in VCE units 3 and 4 English or equivalent is required. There are no high school subject requirements and for local students entry is based on your ENTER score. For interstate or international students your high school grades are assessed. There is provision for mature age entry into the program.
Back to List
Application procedures
Local students should apply through VTAC. International students should apply through La Trobe University’s local representative in your country. If you do not know the name of your local representative please contact the International Office.
Selection
Places in this course are in high demand and entry is based on academic merit. Portfolios, media-related subjects studied at high school and work experience are not taken into account for recent high school graduates. Mature age entrants
Transfers
From the Media Studies major: Contact the Media Studies Program Office.
Within La Trobe University: Contact the Media Studies Program Office.
From other Australian tertiary institutions: email Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Office.
From tertiary institutions outside Australia: email the La Trobe University’s local representative in your country or the International Programs Office.
Back to List
Course structure
The course is made up of Core, Stream and Elective units. Stream units commence in second year and each student must choose to follow one stream, Journalism, Radio/Audio. Video/Television.
First Year
All students:
MST1CCO Constructing Communication
MST1MTN Making the News
MST1AAC Audiences and Communication
MST1WFM Writing for the Media
and four other non-Media Studies units.
Second Year
All students:
MST2RTM Researching the Media
MST2RMA Researching Media Audiences
and two Media Studies electives or units taken from another discipline.
Television stream:
MST2SCV Single Camera Video
MST2WFV Writing for Video – non-fiction
Radio Stream:
MST2RSP Radio Sound Production
MST2WFR Writing for Radio
Journalism Stream:
MST2CAJ Computer Assisted Journalism
MST2JPW Journalism Production Workshop
Third Year
All students:
MST3BEJ Broadcast and Electronic Journalism
MST3MIN Media Industries
MST3MPD Media Project Development
and two Media Studies units or units taken from another discipline.
Television Stream:
MST3MPT Advanced Media Production - Television
Radio Stream:
MST3MPR Advanced Media Production - Radio
Journalism Stream:
MST3AJD Advanced Journalism and Design
Elective Units
Bachelor of Media Studies Handbook entry
Back to List
|
