Media Production - UTS vs UWS (1 Viewer)

[JJJrocksmysocks]

Hi,

Im 18 and wanting to follow the path of film and television in my future. Im having great difficulty deciding which path to take regarding my univesity studies. Im presently trying to decide between two universitys - Univseity of Western Sydney (Bach Communication with a Media Production major) or University of Technology (Bach Communication Media Art & Production). I am not sure which field I am specifically wanting to follow as of yet - directing, cinematography, sound, etc - all grab my interest greatly. I was wondering if anyone here has any 1st or 2nd hand experience with these courses above, and could give me their opinions? And do you know anyone who has/is doing the course who I could talk to or email?

It is very hard to gain decent info, as each Uni promotes thier own course. I was hoping to get some personal opinions. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Bobby

 

[pushthebutton]

I'm at UTS doing Media Arts & Production, and to be totally honest, you learn very little film-wise in first-year and everything you shoot is on MiniDV. First year also sucks cause you'll be doing a lot of compulsory theory subjects which are write-offs. However, this is mostly the same at other unis.

If you want really practical experience I would advise going to the film school attached to Sydney Uni (its not a uni degree, only a diploma) since you learn 16mm filmmaking within your first few months, whereas at UTS you have to wait until 2nd year. The Syd Uni Film School (I can't remember it's proper name) a really intense, production-focused course. But then again, I don't know any other uni course that does 16mm apart from UTS.

Two other uni courses I can suggest for film would be one at Macquarie Uni, and I think its called B Digital Media at COFA. I still think UTS is the best out of all the uni courses though. Although the course is loosely structured at UTS they provide you with most of the resources if you want to take the initiative and extend your learning.

UTS has great facilities and equipment for Media Arts - sound studios, editing suites, and a whole lotta equipment.

My advice to you is that if you do end up at UTS try to get as much experience on film sets as possible. Volunteer, and you'll learn a lot about the industry - more than you ever will in first year! Hope this answers your questions

 

[hipsta_jess]

I know of a guy, I'm not entirely sure what the course was called, but I think it was at Macquarie, and despite being insanely intelligent (99+ UAI) and highly skilled/personable/etc, he was incapable of getting a job after he completed his degree, because he was either over-qualified, or under-experienced in that field.

 

[frydreise]

I'm looking at doing this course at UTS too. But can anyone tell me if it's good for editing, producing, sound technician that sort of thing? Or is it focused more on the directing?

 

[kami]

I'm looking at doing this course at UTS too. But can anyone tell me if it's good for editing, producing, sound technician that sort of thing? Or is it focused more on the directing?

I would say it is focused more on the technical aspects than the directing - have a look at the Media Arts (MAP) subject entries here to have a better idea about the technical subjects:
First year MAP subjects: http://www.handbook.uts.edu.au/directory/stm90384.html
Second year MAP subjects: http://www.handbook.uts.edu.au/directory/cbk90024.html
Third year MAP subjects: http://www.handbook.uts.edu.au/directory/cbk90025.html

You'd also be doing a communications core, some cultural studies subjects (which could focus on film, text or music) and some electives where you can study pretty much any subject at UTS or any other uni for that matter - including subjects like screenwriting or extra MAP ones.

 

[msh]

i'm sorry but are they even worth being compared against?

(btw im at uws but obviously im hoping to get a transfer to uts)

 

[kami]

I think the main difference is that we simply have better funding - we can afford to offer a wider range of subjects and hence more specialisation whereas at UWS its much more structured, we also have very up to date equipment to support all of this which I'm not sure UWS has.