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Choosing the right course is a complex and personal decision that involves considering not only what you can learn but also the course structure, available equipment and timing.
In today’s continually transforming creative market, a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience are essential for success in a competitive job market.
Courses preparing students for work in the creative industry attract a wide range of people. While some have just left high school, there are many other reasons to study: upskilling to enhance current work in the industry, re-entering the workforce, wanting to take a career to the next level, supplement a creative practice or make a complete career change.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a place to study. Should you study on campus or online? Is cutting edge equipment important? Does the timing fit your lifestyle? Is the course flexible enough to suit your interests? Whatever your priorities, there will be something out there to meet your needs.
A multi-disciplinary approach
Many degrees encourage students to work across disciplines because of the increased contacts and knowledge it builds for students. Victor Holder, a recent graduate of RMIT’s Masters of Arts degree studied across several departments, which maximised his networking opportunities and, upon graduation, inspired him to start his own business.
UNSW Art & Design also promotes a multi-disciplinary approach in their Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership degree. The program combines different areas of curating, arts administration and management. It departs from other degrees in that it underscores the importance of leadership skills in a rapidly changing cultural landscape, giving graduates a distinct advantage as they progress through the industry.
State of the art facilities
Exploring ideas and breaking new ground requires more than creativity. Students require access to specialist tools and equipment to deliver their best work.
At Deakin University in Victoria, students in the Creative Arts undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are able to develop their creative practices using world-class materials and technologies. For example, those studying photography have access to a range of specialist equipment including a high-powered microscope, an observatory telescope, a walk-in pinhole camera and professional lighting studio.
Industry knowledge
For those launching a new career, knowing their course provider has the skills to help them connect with the industry is essential.
The Northern College of the Arts & Technology (NCAT) offers several options for school leavers and those who want to pursue tertiary study without prior arts training. The Folio Preparation course for Visual Art is designed to ‘skill up’ students preparing them for further study or work in the creative industry. Graduate Wade Jeffree is now working in New York with acclaimed graphic designer and typographer Sefan Sagmeister.
Providing students with a strong foundation and understanding of the film industry is a strong focus at the International Film School, Sydney (IFSS). Andy Richie who studied Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media – Screenwriting, Directing and Producing said that his experience at IFSS was fundamental and set him on a career trajectory which saw him working with legendary director Steven Spielberg earlier this year.
Giving students the business acumen as well as the technical and creative know-how is an essential element underscored by many schools and universities. The International Screen Acting Academy (ISA) is no exception. The ISA emphasises the industry’s move towards new media and equips students with skills in these burgeoning areas. The academy offers three complimentary advanced diplomas in the fields of animation, acting and film, which focus on making students ‘future ready’.
Real world experiences
Relationship management between artists or designers and their clients and working to brief are vital skills for any creative to master. Students at JMC Academy gain practical experience negotiating client, management and creative teams in working on real projects for real clients. Recently, students from different disciplines – including audio engineering, music and songwriting departments – worked together to create and record a radio commercial promoting JMC Academy, which is airing through 2016.
At Shillington College, students study graphic design in a learning environment, which mirrors an actual graphic design studio. Class sizes are kept small, and day-to-day teaching schedules prepare students for the creative workplaces that they will be working in upon graduation.
For those learning the craft of acting at the Actors College of Theatre and Television in Sydney, students perform a variety of roles in a season of six plays at the end of their study. These productions showcase the newfound skills of the graduates and see them apply the performance techniques they have learned in the classroom on stage.
Flexible learning
Many schools and universities now offer students flexible timetables so they can easily incorporate study into their existing family and work life. Students can take advantage of a range of full time, part time and online study options.
Curtin University and Open Universities Australia offer campus-free learning for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. For example the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) and Visual Culture online degree means students can work in their own studio or workspace, at a time that best suits them.
In addition to a full time masters degree, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) will offer a series of part time graduate certificates in 2016, These shorter, flexible courses are designed to give practitioners already working in the field the opportunity to widen and develop new skill sets to further their career in the film and TV and radio industries.
