B Media or BA in Media and Cultural Studies? (1 Viewer)

[hoomanraviola]

I'm really torn over what to do about my preferences- so any help from anyone would be really great.

Firstly, would anyone be able to tell me the major differences between a BA in Media and Cultural Studies and a Bachelor of Media in writing? Because I know writing is the only thing in the media industry I'm interested in (probably journalism, but Im not completely sure), but I also like the cultural studies part of the previous degree.

Also, do you guys think that macq is the right place for someone who wants to do something with writing in media? I've heard its better for film production etc., which is why I'm tempted to put in UTS journalism first, but I've heard the UTS course is also extremely specific, so Im not sure which is the best option for me.

Any other opinions about doing media in macquarie in general would be awesome

Thanks in advance!

 

[AsyLum]

The major difference between the two is the course structure:

BA M+C is more geared towards completing Cultural Studies units as well as access to most of the SCMP (Sociology, Cultural Studies, Media and Philosophy) subjects as a 'general' sort of degree. It allows for a flexibility to your degree, which allows you to pick and choose which units you want to do.

The B Media (they've incorporated the three different ones into one for next year) is more structured, with the layout following this (Though this may be changed when the new handbook comes out).

Also a change within the Media department is the availability of other forms of media to any media student. Prior to next year, you were 'locked into' your specialisation and couldn't dabble in film or multimedia if you were in writing and vice versa. With the changes, you'll be able to complete production units in any of the three majors and still graduate with a B Media.

The media degrees themselves are quite good, if not completely vocational. If you are looking for completely practical then UTS may be a better choice for you. The courses at MQ teach you to have a more managerial or overlooking role, with the knowledge of both theory and practical behind you, rather than the vocational one.

As a footnote, any position in the media environment is a tough struggle to get, and so don't count on a degree really 'propelling' you into your chosen job, if you want to get into media, you need to start building up a portfolio, contacts and try and get yourself published or whatnot. These are key for any media/communication student.