Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
A Bachelor of Screen Media is a practice-led undergraduate degree that prepares students for careers in film, television, digital content, streaming media, and emerging screen platforms. The course follows the complete production lifecycle — from concept development and screenwriting through to directing, cinematography, sound recording, editing, colour grading, and distribution. Students engage with both the creative and technical sides of the screen industry, developing the ability to produce compelling content for cinema, broadcast television, video-on-demand platforms, social media, podcasts, and interactive digital media. The degree typically spans three years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) and combines hands-on studio production with critical theoretical frameworks covering screen culture, Australian and global film history, media law, intellectual property, and industry business practices.
The course is designed for aspiring filmmakers, content creators, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and storytellers who want to build professional-level skills in one of Australia's most dynamic creative industries. Students work individually and in collaborative teams to produce cross-platform projects, narrative short films, documentaries, podcasts, motion graphics, visual effects work, and television or radio programs — building a portfolio of real-world work from day one. Employers who hire graduates include broadcasters such as the ABC, Nine, Seven, and Ten networks; streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Stan, and Amazon Prime Video; independent production companies; advertising and corporate media agencies; government screen agencies; cultural institutions; and the games and immersive media sector.
Australia's screen industry is experiencing record-breaking growth, with drama production expenditure reaching AUD $2.7 billion in 2024/25 — a 43% increase on the prior year — driven by high-budget features, subscription video-on-demand productions, and a surge in international productions filming on Australian soil. New legislation introduced in 2025 requires major streaming platforms to invest a portion of their Australian revenue into original local content, which is expected to generate sustained demand for skilled screen practitioners across writing, production, post-production, and distribution. The rise of short-form video, branded content, games, and immersive media has also dramatically expanded the breadth of roles available to screen media graduates well beyond traditional film and television.
Despite this growth, there remains a measurable skills gap in the Australian screen workforce, particularly in areas such as virtual production, AI-assisted post-production, VFX, and premium content creation for global streaming platforms. Students who complete a Bachelor of Screen Media graduate with a portfolio of professional work, strong industry networks, and the technical and creative fluency required to compete in a highly competitive but expanding marketplace. For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, the degree also provides foundational knowledge in screen business, funding, and distribution — equipping graduates to develop their own IP and independent projects.
For domestic students, entry to a Bachelor of Screen Media typically requires completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12 or equivalent, such as the VCE, HSC, QCE, or WACE) with a satisfactory ATAR score — entry ATARs commonly range from around 55 to 75 depending on the institution, though some providers assess applicants holistically rather than relying solely on ATAR. A minimum English study score is generally required (for example, a VCE study score of at least 20–25 in English or equivalent). Applicants who do not meet standard Year 12 requirements may qualify through alternative pathways, including completion of a relevant TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma, partial or full completion of a prior higher education award, a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation, or demonstrated work and life experience in creative arts, humanities, or a related field (typically a minimum of five years). Some institutions also offer special entry access schemes (SEAS) for applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For international students, English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement, with most institutions requiring an IELTS overall score of at least 6.0 (with no individual band below 6.0), or an equivalent result in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other accepted tests. Some creative arts-focused institutions place equal or greater weight on an applicant's personal statement, creative portfolio, or interview performance as indicators of suitability and creative potential. Portfolios, where required, may include short films, video reels, photography, creative writing samples, or evidence of prior media production work. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to check the specific requirements of their chosen institution, as entry criteria vary between universities and specialist colleges.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of a Bachelor of Screen Media enter a broad and expanding career landscape spanning traditional broadcast television, cinema, streaming platforms, advertising, corporate media, digital publishing, games, and immersive experiences. Australia's screen industry supports thousands of jobs across production, post-production, distribution, and digital content, with New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland hosting the highest concentration of employers. Graduates may work for free-to-air broadcasters, subscription streaming services, independent production houses, advertising agencies, corporate communications teams, government agencies, cultural institutions, or build freelance and entrepreneurial careers as independent content creators.
Entry Level
Graduate / Assistant
Production Assistant, Runner, Junior Video Editor, Camera Assistant, Assistant Sound Recordist, Junior Content Producer, Post-Production Assistant
Early Career
Coordinator / Operator
Content Producer, Camera Operator, Video Editor, Production Coordinator, Junior Cinematographer, Social Media Video Producer, Documentary Researcher
Mid-Level
Specialist / Practitioner
Director of Photography, Post-Production Supervisor, Screenwriter, Colour Grader, Senior Editor, Producing Associate, Motion Graphics Artist, VFX Artist
Senior Level
Manager / Senior Specialist
Series Producer, Production Manager, Head of Post-Production, Senior Cinematographer, Lead Director, Senior Content Strategist, Executive Producer (TV/Digital)
Leadership
Director / Head / Executive
Creative Director, Head of Production, Executive Producer, General Manager (Production Company), Director of Content, Screen Agency Program Director
Salaries for screen media graduates in Australia vary significantly depending on role, specialisation, employer type, and experience level, with freelance and project-based income also common in this field.
Melbourne
Melbourne is one of Australia's premier screen production hubs, home to a dense cluster of independent production companies, post-production houses, advertising agencies, and animation studios, as well as major broadcasters and the iconic Melbourne International Film Festival. The city's thriving arts culture, affordable studio spaces, and strong screen industry networks make it an excellent base for emerging screen media practitioners.
Sydney
Sydney is Australia's largest screen industry centre, hosting major broadcasters (ABC, Nine, Seven, Ten), the Fox Studios Australia facility, Netflix's Australian content operations, and hundreds of production and post-production companies — making it the country's best-connected city for graduates seeking employment in film and television. The Sydney Film Festival and a vibrant independent film culture further enrich the professional landscape for emerging screen media graduates.
Brisbane
Brisbane and South East Queensland are experiencing significant screen industry growth, with Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast attracting major international film and television productions, and Queensland's generous production incentives driving ongoing investment in infrastructure and crew. The region's expanding studios, animation sector, and government support for local content creation make it an increasingly attractive destination for screen media students.
Perth
Perth is an emerging screen production destination, with a new major studio facility now operational and international productions — including high-profile franchise films — choosing Western Australia for its diverse landscapes, competitive incentives, and growing professional crew base. For screen media graduates, Perth offers a less saturated market with real opportunities to build credits quickly across both local and internationally backed productions.
Adelaide
Adelaide offers screen media students a close-knit and supportive creative industry community, with South Australian Film Corporation backing, strong independent documentary and short film culture, and emerging opportunities in virtual production and digital content. The city's lower cost of living and growing screen sector make it an attractive option for students who want to build experience in a less competitive but professionally active environment.
Canberra
Canberra provides unique opportunities for screen media graduates in documentary, government communications, cultural institution media, and current affairs content, with proximity to major federal agencies, national broadcasters, museums, and cultural organisations that regularly commission screen content. Students in Canberra benefit from a strong public sector demand for high-quality video production and documentary work.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
Join successful graduates
Students Helped
Application Processed
Listed Universities
Listed Courses
