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I’ve never had more aha! moments in my life than when I was a media studies student.
We all know how intertwined technology is with our lives, but its deep influence is often overlooked. Studying media opened my eyes to the world around us in our digital era and its impact on the world.
If you're interested in how media continues to shape our society, a media studies degree may be a great fit for you!
Did you know?
Media studies as an academic field emerged in the 1950s with the rise of television but didn't get popular until the 1980s. Adapting to the changes in media technologies and trends, this is a program that will continuously evolve!
Why study media?
Studying media is beneficial because...
It's relevant and practical. We live in a digital age!
It focuses on the broader aspects of media, providing foundational knowledge.
You have the freedom to explore different topics without committing to a specific specialization.
It can be a stepping stone if you wish to pursue a more technical degree in the future.
It opens doors to wide range of career opportunities within the media industry.
Having an awareness of how the media influences you is valuable knowledge to possess!
Who might be a good fit for a media degree?
You should consider this degree if you...
Are passionate about media but unsure about which area of the industry you wish to pursue.
Are tech-savvy and interested in digital fluency.
Enjoy critical thinking and analyzing media.
Enjoy reading and writing.
Enjoy watching shows that explore the implications of technology on society, such as Black Mirror or Mr. Robot.
Do you relate to any of the above?
Quiz:
Which person below would be the best fit for a media studies program?
Riley has known for a very long time that they want to seriously pursue a career in UX design. They're creative, empathetic, and tech-savvy, and have been researching what programs to take to achieve their dream job.
Cameron excelled in English and communications technology at school. They're passionate about watching films, enjoy keeping their social media up to date, and try to make one post a week on their food blog. They're not yet sure what career path they enjoy, and are open to seeing their options.
Quiz
Select which character would be the best fit for a media studies program
Cameron would be the best fit for a media studies program since they've shown interest in film, social media, and writing, but not entirely certain about which path to take. Riley wouldn't be a great fit since they are certain about a specific career path, so it would make more sense for them to directly choose a UX design program, where they can gain hands-on skills.
What skills will I learn studying media?
Critical thinking
You'll analyze different forms of media and apply media theories and conceptual frameworks.
Research
You'll learn about research methodologies, data collection, and data analysis.
Creativity
You may learn to use equipment in media production, digital media software like Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, and develop skills in storytelling and visual design.
Communication
You'll develop strong writing skills through essays and written-based assessments, and learn to communicate digitally through blog posts and social media.
What will you learn in media studies?
Key topics in a media studies program:
History of media and mass communication methods
Media theories and frameworks
Research methods
Media’s impact on culture
Media’s impact on shaping the public’s opinion and politics
Media’s impact on shaping one’s self identity
Media ethics
Media analysis
Media production
You'll explore the most common forms of media such as:
Print media: newspapers, articles, journals
Social media: Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook
Advertisement media: print ads, video ads, social media ads.
Digital media: websites, blogs, digital magazines
Film/Video: movies, TV shows, documentaries
...and more!
You will also learn the significance of this quote:
The medium is the message.
— Marshall McLuhan
Marshall McLuhan was a famous Canadian media theorist. This is one of his most famous quotes, which "suggests that the medium through which information is transmitted has a more profound impact on society and individuals than the actual content of the message itself."
This quote encourages us to think deeper about how the characteristics of a medium impacts us... which is an overall theme of what you will learn in media studies!
Did you know?
Your assignments may involve writing, analyzing, experimenting with, or researching your favorite films or social media platforms!
What kinds of careers can a media studies degree offer?
The flexibility and adaptability a media studies degree provides allows you branch out to so many different industries and career paths in:
Advertising
Journalism
Film production
Digital media production
Public relations
Media research
Social media marketing
Digital marketing
Education
Law
Social justice sector
And many more!
Did you know?
My media studies degree led me to pursue a career in the educational technology industry!
How can I prepare for a media studies degree?
If you now think that a media studies degree may be a great fit for you, here are some helpful tips on how to prepare:
Research the academic requirements necessary to get into a media studies degree program at various universities or colleges.
Strengthen your reading and writing skills.
Explore different media tools and technologies.
Familiarize yourself with different social media platforms.
Stay up to date with the ever-evolving media landscape.
Volunteer with media organizations to get some hands-on experience.
Take Action
Explore these tips below to help you gain more insight about media studies:
This Byte has been authored by
Juliette Kohanyi
Learning Technology Advisor