Department of Media and Communications

We live in a time when markets, human relationships, and cultural values are permeated by the media and flows of communication, organised and understood through the work of media and communications professionals, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and activists. From the news, opinion or entertainment we consume, to the information and stories we share, media and communications help us to make sense of who we are, where we are, and our connection with others.

The interdisciplinary beginnings of communications and media studies can be traced back to critical theory, sociology, audience research, literary theory, language studies, economics and political science. Media and communications has grown into an established scholarly area with a special interest in skills for communication (writing, editing, organising, strategic and critical thinking, and different forms of production), but also the questions presented by different forms of media and communication – (radio, TV and video, the press and magazines), online media (the internet, web and mobile phones), organisational and strategic communication.

Established in 2000, the Media and Communications Department at the University of Sydney is a collegial, collaborative and diverse group of teachers and researchers. Our staff are active and highly qualified, drawing on practical and industry experience and connections and knowledge of their respective fields. We’re interested in exploring our changing media culture, bridging theoretical and practical approaches to the media, and enhancing public debate about media and communications issues. As well as exploring the history, theory and practice of different forms media and communication, and their professional and cultural contexts, we are interested in key questions such as: how can we communicate ethically, what it means to communicate in across cultures and in global contexts, and the role of media in society and culture.