You live, you learn. Or at least, that’s how the saying goes – as if life is a series of lessons to be learnt, from how to tie your laces and shine your shoes to how to chat up that pretty young thing in the corner of the bar. Some lessons you’ll learn along the way will be less useful than others, of course… and that’s where a proper education comes in.

As we move into the second half of 2015, now’s your chance to learn from some of Sydney’s finest education providers. Who knows – it could be the first step in the direction of the rest of your life. We asked some local institutions about all they have to offer.

[CREATIVE MEDIA]

Courses on offer: SAE Creative Media Institute offers government-accredited degrees, diplomas and certificates in audio, film, animation, games, design, and web and mobile. Our courses are designed to give students the best advantage in their creative career through hands-on learning, industry internships, interdisciplinary projects and practice-based course delivery.

What makes us different: At SAE we know creative media students benefit from practical, hands-on teaching and learning. We recognised this back in 1976; that’s why we pioneered our project-based, industry-focused and tailored curriculum, and employed the most qualified and experienced staff to teach our students. With 53 campuses in 27 countries, SAE is now a melting pot of students and teachers who create aunique, diverse and global creative community.

SAE is equipped with industry-standard equipment and facilities that prepare students of the real world, from digital and analogue recording studios, premium industry consoles, green screens studios and film theatres to Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets for 3D gaming and cutting-edge design/animation equipment, including Wacom graphic tablets.

Take the next step: SAE is bursting with success stories, including Grammy, BAFTA and Bollywood award winners. In the past year, our alumni have achieved incredible success, securing jobs with leading game developers and animation companies, nominating for major screen awards, securing government funding for documentaries, producing chart-topping albums overseas and taking out the Eurovision Song Contest.

Our graduates go on to work as audio engineers, film and documentary-makers, producers, game developers, technical directors, graphic designers, 3D artists – the list goes on.

What else you need to know: Our new Sydney campus opened in 2014 and features cutting-edge facilities for teaching and learning. SAE offers accredited and fast-tracked learning pathways, so you can be industry-ready with a bachelor degree in just two years. We take applications up to 12 months prior to commencing, and many of our diploma programs are run on campus in the evenings – so you can keep working while you study. Some of our diploma programs are delivered online.

Enrolment dates: Our next intake commences Monday September 21. Our 2016 intake dates are February 15, June 6 and September 21.

Open Day: We’re opening the doors to our brand new, state-of-the-art Sydney campus on Saturday August 8. We’re still buzzing after our 2014 upgrade, so if you haven’t yet had a chance to tour the new campus and world-class facilities, now is the time! Open Day runs from 11am-3pm.

where: Level 1, 11 York St, Sydney
phone: 02 8241 5200
email: [email protected]
web: sae.edu.au

[FILM AND BROADCASTING]

Courses on offer: For 2016, AFTRS is accepting applications for the Bachelor of Arts (Screen) and a swag of practical, industry-focused Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in the specialist craft areas of film, television and radio.

What makes us different: AFTRS is literally the national screen and broadcast school of Australia, set up by the Australian Government over 40 years ago. The facilities and gear at AFTRS are unrivalled by any other university or college in Australia, which has seen AFTRS rated by The Hollywood Reporter in 2012 and again in 2014 as one of the top film schools in the world. All lecturers at AFTRS are working industry professionals and the connections between the school and industry are deep. Many high-achieving alumni return to the school to give masterclasses to current students, the most recent being Alex Proyas (I Robot, The Crow, Knowing Gods Of Egypt) and Jane Campion (Top Of The Lake, Bright Star, The Piano, An Angel At My Table).

Take the next step: AFTRS graduates are working in Australia and around the world across the entire spectrum of the screen and broadcast industries in feature film, television (drama and factual) and radio. A large number of AFTRS graduates have made it to the highest levels of their craft, which has seen them win Academy Awards, BAFTAs and Emmys for their work. Each year there are hundreds of nominations at the local level for the work of AFTRS alumni and also for AFTRS student productions at festivals and guild awards.

What else you need to know: Entry into most AFTRS award courses, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, is by merit selection and is competitive. Required tasks and examples of creative work are often part of the application process.

Enrolment dates: The AFTRS online application portal where you register and submit applications to study at AFTRS will open on Tuesday September 1. All the information required by prospective students is available now on the website: Bachelor of Arts (Screen) – aftrs.edu.au/degrees; Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas– aftrs.edu.au/specialise.

Open Day: Saturday September 5, 10am-3pm

where: Building 130 (inside the Entertainment Quarter, next to Hoyts), Lang Rd, Moore Park
email: [email protected]
web:aftrs.edu.au/opendays

[GRAPHIC DESIGN]

What makes us different: Our innovative approach to design education means students achieve amazing results in a seriously short amount of time. Study graphic design in three months full-time or nine months part-time and graduate with a polished portfolio and website showcasing your best work. We believe designers should teach design. We only employ practising designers who teach in a learning environment that is run like a real design studio – not a stuffy classroom. You’ll learn in varied ways, through engaging deliveries, dynamic presentations, hands-on presentations and group workshops.

Take the next step: At Shillington, you’ll graduate with more than a Certificate IV in Graphic Design and a bunch of good ideas. You’ll graduate with a top-notch portfolio, a working website, and the confidence to back yourself. One success story is Sinead Murphy, owner of Lovelock Studio and winner of the 2014 Desktop Create Award.

What else you need to know: Join us for an info session on August 7. Meet teachers, chat to graduates and view student work. We’ll share our mission, walk you through an actual classroom brief and share graduate success stories. We promise the presentation will last less than an hour and we’ll leave plenty of time for Q&A. It’s the perfect opportunity to get all your questions answered. Spots are filling fast for our next intakes in September and February. Enrol now!

Enrolment dates: Three months full-time: September intake 2015 – classes start September 14. February intake 2016– classes start February 15.

Nine months part-time: February intake 2016 – Monday and Tuesday course or Wednesday and Thursday course. Classes start week of February 15.

Open Day: Our info session is on Friday August 7, starting 6pm sharp

where: L3, 50 Margaret St, Sydney
email: [email protected]
web:shillingtoncollege.com.au

[HSC]

What makes us different: At Bradfield Senior College we help you tailor the HSC to work with your strengths and abilities. We sit down with each student and work out a plan that will fit you now and prepare you for your future. We offer you an adult learning environment where you will feel supported by our team of dedicated educators. At Bradfield it’s about who you are and where you want to go.

Take the next step: Our graduates have become performers, artists, doctors, business owners, managers, lawyers, musicians, accountants and engineers. Although you may have seen several Bradfield alumni on or behind the camera, our vocational and academic courses are perfect for you if you want to go onto further university study.

What else you need to know: Don’t just read about us, come and see what we are about. We have Open Days on August 6 and September 3. Ask questions, take a tour of our facilities, meet your teachers and talk to current Bradfield students about their experiences.

Enrolment dates: October 2015 –Year 12 for those students who have completed Year 11 and want to complete Year 12 at Bradfield. January 2016 for Year 11 students.

Open Day: Thursday August 6, Thursday September 3

where: Building A, 213 Pacific Highway, St Leonards
phone: 02 9942 0399
email: [email protected]
web:bradfieldseniorcollege.com.au

[MUSIC, FILM AND DESIGN]

What makes us different: Investment in facility upgrades and new technology is a key priority. Our longstanding relationships with reputable industry suppliers have enabled us to honour our continual facilities upgrade commitment. Curriculum-wise, the higher education programs offered at JMC Academy are unique in combining essential critical thinking and theoretical principles, with the production-based work and practical experience critical to the industry.

Students are guided through their studies by a network of committed academic professionals. Our lecturers are highly experienced, well-connected, accomplished and above all passionate about equipping their students with everything they need for success.

Staged at popular venues, music and audio students gain experience by playing, performing, mixing and recording to live audiences. Film, animation and game design students, in turn, enjoy the opportunity to exhibit their work in both private and public spaces. Entertainment business students are responsible for the marketing and coordination of many of these opportunities.

Students are able to access a range of effective support systems including orientation, mentoring, counselling and academic assistance programs. Accessibility to lecturers and equipment is essential for an optimum learning experience. Class sizes rarely exceed 25 students to ensure every student receives the attention and learning outcomes expected. In practical classes, however, the ratio could be as low as four students to one teacher.

Take the next step: Beyond the stream of real and exciting work opportunities that often arise throughout the course of study, all students graduate with a professional portfolio of their work suitable for future employment interviews.

What else you need to know:

Our unique program enables students from all departments to work together on collaborative projects, providing them with a diverse opportunity in which to apply their skills.

Enrolment dates: September 2015 and February 2016

Open Day: Saturday August 29, 10:30am-2pm

where: 561 Harris St, Ultimo
phone: 02 8241 8899
web:jmcacademy.edu.au

[MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS]

Courses on offer: Bachelor of Music (Performance) – six trimesters, two years. Masters of Music (Performance) – four trimesters, 1.3 years. Bachelor of Dance – six trimesters, two years. FEE-HELP and part-time available.

What makes us different: The Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) is an innovative independent institution, leading the way for tertiary education in performing arts in Australia. AMPA’s supportive and collaborative community encourages excellence in its students and ultimately equips talented performers with the skills essential to succeeding in today’s highly competitive performing arts industry.

Take the next step: With performance-based study and individual study designs, AMPA equips talented artists with the skills essential to succeed as professionals. Graduates go on to become session musicians, independent dance artists, composers, producers, choreographers and professionals in arts councils. Additionally, graduates are qualified to undertake postgraduate studies in a range of areas including teaching in secondary schools, colleges, arts management, creative industries or further music and dance studies.

What else you need to know: Entry is based on audition, interview and written assessment. No ATAR required. Special consideration may be given by the academic board for life and professional experience.

As a central hub for students, staff and visitors, a campus is an integral part of any higher education institution, and especially so for a community immersed in music and the performing arts. AMPA is pleased to announce that three new sites have been secured to house AMPA in 2016. Visit our website to see the full details.

Enrolment dates: AMPA has three intakes per year (January, May, September), with auditions held all year round. Applications are still open for Intake Three 2015 and 2016. Head over to ampa.edu.au/applynow to book your audition.

Open Day: Friday November 6

where: Head office(relocating in 2016) – 114 Victoria Road, Rozelle; 255 Broadway, Glebe; Unit 4/85-91, O’Riordan St, Alexandria
phone: 02 9555 1666
email: [email protected]
web:ampa.edu.au

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