Media Arts and Production students
nathaniel barlow

Nathaniel Barlow
Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts and Production)

 

The MAP course is unique in that you are part of a cohort of like-minded people whose skills and interests can complement and expand your own. I don’t think you’ll have the opportunity again in your life or career to experiment and explore your skills and interests in such a safe environment.

Why did you choose to study Media Arts & Production at UTS?

I initially studied a similar course at film school in 2015 and ’16, but after some time working and travelling I felt that I needed to undertake further study. The MAP course seemed like the perfect way to expand my media skills and training, and the broader Comms study complimented my interests in film, the media, and storytelling in both fictional and factual formats. I was attracted to UTS specifically because it seemed like the place to go for studying Comms. I liked the proximity to the ABC and the vibrancy of the facilities and staff.

What’s the best thing about studying Media Arts & Production at UTS? 

The best thing, for me at least, is that the environment of the MAP course is built on collaboration and experimentation. While practical training is imperative and important (and we have done plenty of this) what I found special was the chance to experiment with form or techniques that I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to do. I like that the cohort works like a team, and if you spend time in the labs and immerse yourself in the productions going on around you (something difficult for less-outgoing types like myself) you’ll get the chance to not only hone and discover your skills, but to establish relationships with a number of like-minded and well-trained media practitioners. So to answer the question; people I guess?

What has been your favourite assessment during your course?

My favourite assessments so far were in my second year. With COVID, we essentially had to suspend our MAP study for the first semester of 2020 as we couldn’t ensure social distancing or learn remotely, so after an almost 8 month break of very little MAP content I was excited to be able to take both Aesthetics and Fictions in the second semester. These complimented each other well, as the former was an opportunity to independently explore artistic concepts and create a work imbued with meaning, and the latter was a chance to collaborate on a short scene with a crew of my peers. I link these together and appreciated the chance to do them simultaneously because they represent both sides of media production to me, the collaborative practical side (the shoot), and the (often solo but also collaborative) theoretical side, where you can let your mind and ideas wander and experiment to create something unique. While I’m unashamedly fonder of the latter, being able to create works that relied on these complimentary skills was invaluable.

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying Media Arts & Production at UTS?

It’s a great choice. I deliberated with my options when I first left school and studied a Diploma course in Screen Studies. And while I enjoyed this, I think coming to Uni first would have been better, as my studies here have been more well-rounded and given me a broader sense of the media landscape and my role in it as a practitioner.

My key piece of advice though would be to immerse yourself. The MAP course is unique in that you are part of a cohort of like-minded people whose skills and interests can complement and expand your own. I don’t think you’ll have the opportunity again in your life or career to experiment and explore your skills and interests in such a safe environment. I’ve found that by just putting myself out there, offering my services on different shoots (someone always needs a hand) or simply being in the labs, the experience has been made far richer.

Headshot of Daniel, standing in front of a white wall

Daniel Snell
Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts & Production) (Public Communication)

 

Communication at UTS is different from other universities in the way that you gain practical experience in the industry whilst learning up to date methodologies from tutors who are working in the industry themselves.

What's it like to be a student at UTS?

One of the best things about being a student at UTS is the social side of the university. Being involved in societies around campus has allowed me to gain lifelong friends whilst giving me the opportunity to further my career development. My belief is that whilst studying in communications, it's equally important to network with the people around you who will ultimately become your co-workers in the future. Being an executive in multiple societies has enabled me to apply my learned skills into practice, whilst learning industry skills that aren't necessarily covered in the degree.

What's the best thing about studying Media Arts & Production at UTS?

The best thing about studying Media Arts & Production (MAP) at UTS is the practical assessments that have helped to build my portfolio. I have finished every semester with at least 2 or 3 pieces of work that I have been able to add to a professional portfolio for employment when I graduate.

What has been your favourite subject so far?

My favourite subject so far has been Aesthetics. It's allowed me to creatively explore and implement new methods of animation, as well as shooting and editing techniques. I have been given the opportunity to explore an area of interest to me beyond the boundaries of a creative brief. This has resulted in me shooting an artistic piece underwater, whilst utilising earlier workshops to compose an underlying soundtrack.

What advice would you give to students considering studying Communication at UTS?

Communication at UTS is different from other universities in the way that you gain practical experience in the industry whilst learning up to date methodologies from tutors who are working in the industry themselves. The field of Communication is often viewed as a competitive industry that is hard to break into, however, I disagree with that mentality. I think if you get involved in the UTS community and work hard at refining the skills required for whatever career you wish to pursue, that hard work will often be recognised by your peers and potential future employers. I would definitely advise getting involved in the social side of university by joining a few societies that pique your interests because you'll meet so many amazing like-minded people and gain countless opportunities for future work.

What are your aspirations for after university? 

Currently, I'm working as a Marketing Assistant for a top Innovation consultant in Sydney whilst doing freelance creative work on the side. Once I graduate, I would like to pursue work in Communication in the Not For Profit sector.

Learn more about this course

 

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UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.