Digital and Social Media students

Samuel Tiberi
Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media)
 

 

I am currently in my second year of the Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) degree and am so grateful for all the opportunities UTS gives students to learn and make new friends.

What's it like to be a Digital and Social Media student?

Within the Digital and Social Media major of Communication, I have learnt so much, from the way social media keeps you coming back through the sounds, colours and layouts (think of the three dots in Messenger apps when someone is replying) and the way companies are harnessing data to make life more convenient (and sell you things), such as Disney’s Magic Bands at their theme parks. Plus, there’s never a shortage of guest lecturers willing to share their experiences in the field with you and your peers.

What's life on campus at UTS like?

Whilst you may be tempted to go home after class, UTS has a very broad range of options to meet friends and make the most of your trek into Sydney, whether it's in classes (I recommend speaking to people, even if it’s not your thing!) or through the extensive range of clubs. I am a member of UTS’ ALP Club and this has enabled me to meet amazing people both on and off campus!

What are your aspirations for after university?

I am very excited to see where the course continues to take me. Through UTS, I look forward to being equipped to work in a profession which deals with digital media ideas and practices.

 

Tom Scambler
Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) (Digital and Social Media)

The Digital and Social Media major is one of the most contemporary streams you can select as part of your Communication degree.

What's it like to study at UTS?

The UTS Bachelor of Communication is a broad degree that allows students to pinpoint their areas of interest. The student environment at UTS is extremely friendly, with plenty of co-curricular activities and social clubs that will help you to find new friends and adjust to the university lifestyle after high school. Although the degree is challenging, you can always find friends, other students or UTS staff that are happy to help you achieve your goals.

What have you learned in the Digital and Social Media major?

Communicating through technology is vital in today’s society and is a necessity for a career in the communication industry. Learning in this degree is always ‘hands-on’, especially the assignments, such as the Digital Experience Design Strategy. This assignment, in particular, allowed me to learn how businesses operate online and the techniques they implement to promote themselves. Digital & Social Media is also helpful for students like me with a second major (Journalism) as it expands on the information already covered, giving students a more holistic understanding.

What are your career plans or goals?

At the conclusion of my degree, I hope to move into the journalism industry, specialising in online news production through digital and social media.

 

Xiaoping Feng (Pink)
Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media)

I have found Digital and Social Media to be very useful because it integrates theories and skills into real-world projects for businesses.

What's it like to be an international student at UTS?

As an international student, studying at UTS has been challenging but interesting because this is the first time that I have been taught under a different educational system and culture. At UTS, I often participate in different academic activities and communities, which makes my campus experience colourful and meaningful. With the help of tutors and classmates, I have constantly achieved many goals, such as successfully creating digital products for class.

What's the best thing about the Digital and Social Media major?

I study Digital and Social Media, which is a relatively new major. I have found Digital and Social Media to be very useful because it integrates theories and skills into real-world projects for businesses. In this major, I can really bring my ideas to life, using various digital skills I have learned. Additionally, the careers and job opportunities for this major are broad and positive. As I have learned, mobile apps are evolving into a huge market. Thus, this major is a great beginning, providing a chance for me to learn basic IT skills, understand digital media marketing and digital product design and even work with real-world clients.

What have been your favourite assessments so far?

Whilst studying Digital and Social Media, I have learned plenty of practical skills and knowledge of digital media from different courses, which I can apply in my future career. In particular, one of my favourite assessments was a ‘Code artefact’. For this assessment, I equipped myself with programming skills by coding a small game in Python. For another important assessment, ‘Digital publishing app proposal and prototype’, I learned and practised how to conduct user research and complete a mobile app proposal. Then, I learnt prototyping skills and used them to make an interactive prototype of my personal app, using the tools, Sketch, Proto.io and Adobe XD. These assessments visibly reflect all of the various skills and knowledge I have learnt in this major.

What are your career aspirations? 

These study experiences have greatly strengthened my confidence. Furthermore, the most significant result of studying Digital and Social Media is that I have now started to plan my future, as I would like to be a UI (User Interface) or UX (User Experience) designer when I graduate. I will attempt to seek a job in UI or UX design in China and keep improving my skills and extending my knowledge in this field, as well as integrate it with Chinese culture. Overall, I have benefited a lot from studying this major, particularly through enhancing my practical software and communication skills, which will support my future career.

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