WHAT IS CREATIVE INDUSTRIES?

Creative industries refer to a broad range of activities that contain a substantial element of artistic or creative endeavour. These industries combine the creation, production and commercialisation of content which are artistic in nature. The product of these industries is typically protected by copyright and usually takes the form of a good or a service. The seven creative industry sectors addressed in this course include:

• Interactive and Digital Design
• Music and Performing Arts
• Film, Television and Radio
• Writing and Publishing
• Advertising and Marketing
• Media and Communication
• Visual Arts

WHAT IS THIS COURSE?

The Associate Degree in Creative Industries is an award of the University of Western Sydney (UWS) which is grounded in the practical application of business and management theories and models and an exploration of issues facing creative industry practitioners and managers from a global perspective. The course has an overall emphasis on developing knowledge and skills applicable to the multidisciplinary environment that creative industries workplaces require, while core units offered focus on the development, management and delivery of a creative industries project or event.

IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?

If you are an artist or a paraprofessional in the creative industries who wants to evolve and take control of your creative career, then the answer is yes. This course matches your artistic training and experience with the relevant business expertise you need to give you a competitive edge and build your own creative enterprise.  Plus, you will leave armed with a qualification which may enable you to secure senior roles within the creative industries.

WHY DO THIS COURSE?

You will be trained across all areas of creative industries business management by experienced creative industry professionals and benefit from sharing your learning experience with a select group of creative people who understand what you do and know how you think. Networking and collaboration is integral to the curriculum and practical activities undertaken throughout the course will expose you to essential professional practice and enable you to make valuable industry connections.

CAN I WORK WHILE I STUDY?

The Associate Degree in Creative Industries is about professional development not sacrificing your artistic career. The course is full-time but delivered in a flexible mode which includes an intensive day, an evening and morning session that will enable you to continue to work and practice whilst studying. For more information, see FAQs.

COURSE BACKGROUND

In 2009, UWSCollege (a wholly owned entity of UWS) commissioned extensive industry and market research and identified a deficiency in business and management skills amongst a large percentage of emerging and mid-career artists and young personnel from the key creative industry groups.

The research recognised that creative industry professionals require discipline and years of vocational training and/or study to become proficient in their chosen creative field. During these formative study years, many individuals are not able to focus on the business and management skills that are essential to sustain longevity as a professional in the creative industries. 

UWSCollege has devised the Associate Degree in Creative Industries in response to these findings in consultation with UWS and a wide group of professional creative industry advisors.