Are you passionate about audio storytelling? Do you dream of becoming a skilled broadcaster, podcaster, or radio producer? Look no further! The Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is the perfect steppingstone to launch your career in the exciting world of audio content creation. With applications now open for 2024, this hands-on and dynamic course offers specialised training, live broadcast and collaboration opportunities, real-world exposure, professional placements and a state-of-the-art learning environment to help you excel in this thriving industry.
The Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting produces creative professionals with the power to shape the future of the Australian audio industry. This practical program is tailored to the modern-day content creator, teaching you the essential elements of good content within AFTRS’ state-of-the-art studios. The importance of this program is underlined by Ford Ennal, CEO of Commercial Radio and Audio, who states, “Over 12.2 million Australians listen to commercial radio each week. In our cities and regions radio is our companion, providing information in times of crises, bringing communities together with local content and of course providing news, Australian and international music and entertainment. Radio is a dynamic, ever evolving industry and a career in commercial radio is guaranteed excitement and challenge as well as a lot of fun.
“AFTRS has provided some of the best talent in the field and continues to do so. Its radio courses are second to none. Alumni like Smallzy, Tim Blackwell and Grace Garde exemplify the broad range of skills developed at AFTRS and get to step into the industry fully prepared. Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) are proud to support the future of the radio at AFTRS with the CRA Regional Radio Scholarship that provides financial support and a four-week industry internship. With one in four of listeners streaming commercial radio, it is part of our lives no matter where we listen. So the producers, announcers, digital content directors, music directors and more that AFTRS produces, all have a part to play in commercial radio’s future.”
Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in four major broadcasts, collaborating with your peers at exciting locations, including the famous Show Radio at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and experimenting with various formats such as popular podcast CRAZE. These broadcasts give you the opportunity to put theory into practice, learn how to effectively engage with audiences, work as a team and gain invaluable real-world experience. 2018 graduate Pariya Taherzadeh said, “I loved doing all the live broadcasts. I learnt so much in such a little amount of time and I’m a hands-on type of learner, so being able to get in and learn producing skills was so useful to my career.” Tune in to some of the amazing work from our Class of 2022 to get a taste of what you could create at AFTRS.
At AFTRS, your learning extends beyond the classroom (or in this case, the studio). Embedded into the program is a professional placement in your last semester, allowing you to learn side-by-side the industry and start building a strong, long-lasting network of contacts. Professionals from all radio and audio sectors take part in program instruction, passing on their first-hand knowledge and experience. After graduating from AFTRS in 2012, Nick Hose found himself hosting lunch on hit music station Hot 100 Darwin, as a result of wowing management while on placement.
The Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is proud to produce creative, highly-skilled audio graduate with a near 100% employment rate. Our students and alumni have had the opportunity to work across major radio networks, including Australian Radio Network (ARN), Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), NOVA Entertainment, ABC, SBS and Mamamia. As 2021 graduate and current Power FM Muswellbrook (ARN) presenter Sam Maloney told Radio Today, “My time with AFTRS was amazing as it taught me to push myself from my comfort zone. I am so glad I studied at AFTRS because it’s given me the tools I need to work within the radio industry.”
There are many opportunities that AFTRS provides to help you join our next cohort of audio storytellers. This course offers Flexible Study, online and on-campus. Each semester, students may choose between one and four subjects. The course can be completed in one year; however, students have a total of six years to complete their studies. AFTRS also offers a range of scholarships designed to support talented individuals who demonstrate a strong passion for audio content creation. From industry partner scholarships to our Equity and First Nations scholarships, these opportunities not only provide assistance with the cost of higher education but ensure that we continue to work with students from a diverse range of backgrounds. You can view our full list of available scholarships here.
Sound like the right course for you? Come and find out more about AFTRS and explore our campus at Open Day on Saturday, August 12. This is an invaluable opportunity to hear from Program Convenor Natalie Pozdeev, faculty members, current students, and industry professionals. You can gain insights into our courses, ask questions, and get a taste of what it’s like to be part of the AFTRS community. Save the date and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in the creative industries.
