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Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting: Full-Time

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Fast-track your career in radio and podcasting

The Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is a hands-on and dynamic course for emerging broadcasters, podcasters, and radio producers. Audio storytelling is booming, but not all podcasts and broadcasts were created equal. Through specialised training and collaboration, in class and during live broadcasts, you will learn at an advanced level that the cornerstones of good content are communication, storytelling and knowing your audience.

The program will take your career in radio and podcasting to the next level by preparing you for future roles in radio, podcasting and multi-platform broadcasting. You will learn by doing; working in a supportive environment to engage in challenges to grow your craft, collaboration, creativity and confidence.

AFTRS offers flexible study options for this course: study on-campus or online and choose between 1-4 subjects per semester.

 

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting (full-time); you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

Create compelling content for radio and digital platforms

Discover how to deliver innovative content, fast-tracking your radio and podcasting career in AFTRS’ state-of-the-art digital studios.

Build key industry contacts

You will build key contacts as you work alongside industry professionals and emerge with highly sought-after broadcasting and podcasting skills.

Shape the Australian radio and podcast industry

This program produces creative radio and podcast professionals capable of shaping the future of the Australian radio and podcast industry.

Is the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting: Full-Time right for you?

During the program, you will have the opportunity to collaborate to produce up to four major live broadcasts. You will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of formats. You’ll develop advanced craft practices in announcing, audio production, program producing, writing, news, voiceover, music directing, online and digital content, podcasting, marketing and integration. All students will be offered a professional placement in their final semester.

Your learning will also extend beyond the school environment. Professionals from all radio sectors take part in program instruction, passing on their knowledge and experience.

This program will teach you how to achieve the best possible standards in broadcast and podcasting and develop your confidence in your own creative ability.

Career opportunities

AFTRS’ Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is designed specifically to meet the needs of the Australian radio and podcast industry and is firmly based in practical craft development. The program is structured around analysis of broadcast, podcast, online and multi-platform theory. You will learn about current practices and future trends in radio and podcasting.

Potential careers:

  • Audio Producer
  • Radio and Podcast Announcer
  • Podcast Producer
  • Radio Producer
  • Digital Content Producer
  • Music Director
  • Panel Operator
  • News Presenter
  • Feature Maker
  • Copywriter

Meet Your Lecturers

Natalie Pozdeev

Natalie Pozdeev is a media education specialist, with expertise in practice-based radio, journalism and digital content training. As Program Convenor…

Learn More

Andrea Ho

Andrea Ho is a media professional and an experienced leader, broadcaster and content maker. Andrea started her broadcasting career in…

Learn More

What you will learn

The focus of this program is to prepare radio professionals for their future roles in the radio, podcast and multiplatform broadcasting industries. This program is firmly based in practical craft development, balanced with theoretical frameworks that equip students to think critically and evaluate complex problems in order to reach radio and podcast audiences. Students will gain core knowledge and skills in collaboration, content development processes, including Indigenous culture and protocols, and existing, new and emerging broadcast platforms.

RADIO AND MULTIPLATFORM BROADCASTING INDUSTRIES

Research analyse and evaluate radio, podcast and multi-platform audio industries, locally national and international

HIGH QUALITY LIVE CONTENT

Apply advanced technical and creative skills in radio and podcasting to produce compelling, high-quality live and pre-recorded content for broadcast and online

PROGRAMMING AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Initiate and implement programming and management strategies to create innovative multimedia broadcasts for multiplatform delivery

CURRENT INDUSTRY PRACTICES AND STANDARDS

Work effectively, positively and collaboratively in line with current industry practices and standards

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).

2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:

(a) Proof of citizenship/residency
(b) Highest educational qualification

3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the program for which you are applying.

4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au.

5. ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Applicants will be shortlisted based on their application tasks. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview.

Admission requirements

Places in this program are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. Prerequisites

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required have completed the following:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training

Some examples of equivalent work experience and/or training are as follows:

  • Year 12 completion plus:
    • Relevant industry/work experience including volunteering on a regular program – 24 months minimum experience OR
    • Industry would include community and/or commercial radio OR
    • Regular podcast creation OR
    • Media or sound recording/engineering training and/or experience (24 months minimum)

OR

  • Diploma/Advanced Diploma in a relevant field (eg Screen and Media) plus
    • Relevant industry/work experience including volunteering on a regular program – 12-24 months minimum experience, plus
    • Demonstrated interest in radio and/or podcasting

Prospective students are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, you will need to submit a Degree Equivalence Form.

For more information, please contact the Admissions team at applications@aftrs.edu.au.

2. Selection criteria

  1. Evidence of original creative thinking and ability, enthusiasm, development of ideas and experience in communicating those to a broadcast, online or live audience.
  2. Evidence of ability to complete complex tasks and critical thinking.
  3. Excellent communication skills.
  4. Evidence of interest in and engagement with Radio and Podcasting.
  5. Life experience and an interest in storytelling. Broad general knowledge, cultural knowledge and/or specialist knowledges are advantages.

Refer to the application rubric for more information.

3. Highest Educational Qualifications

You must provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. Proof of citizenship/residency

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

1.    AUDIO TASK

Submit two audio recordings.

  • Tell us your story
    Tell us about yourself and why you want to study at AFTRS in two minutes. You might also include: what makes you unique, your career ambitions, your interests or hobbies, about your family background, the types of stories you’d like to tell, or anything else you want us to know about you.

 

  • Record a segment for radio or podcast
    Choose a radio station or podcast, and record a one-minute segment or talk break for it. The segment can be as creative as you wish. You can also include audio elements like music, sound effects, callers or interview guests if you’d like.

 

Include a text document describing which radio station or podcast you have chosen, and which audience your segment would appeal to.

 

All audio should be submitted as an MP3 file.

Audio can be recorded on any device/s, including smartphones.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR SELECTION CRITERIA ASSESSED
We are listening for your potential to make compelling audio that can connect to your audience, not your technical skills (we can teach you those). Evidence of original creative thinking and ability, enthusiasm, development of ideas and experience in communicating those to a broadcast, online or live audience.

Evidence of ability to complete complex tasks and critical thinking.

Broad general knowledge and life experience, and an interest in current affairs and popular culture.

 

2. WRITTEN TASK

Provide a one to two page resume or CV, including all your relevant experience.

All text should be submitted as a PDF file.

 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR SELECTION CRITERIA ASSESSED
We want to understand what your career aspirations are. We look for your commitment to media or related fields. Evidence of interest in and engagement with Radio and Podcasting.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work successfully in a team.

NOTES ON SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS

  • Do not exceed the task submission length – additional materials will not be reviewed. All materials should be in English or be submitted with an English language translation.
  • Links are not permitted – this prevents materials being altered after submission.
  • All files submitted should have your name, discipline, and 2024 Application, and page number as a header.
  • Documents must be in PDF format. Audio must be in MP3 format. Other file formats will not be considered.
  • Keep any text submissions easy to read by using conventional font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman + Courier for scripts), not smaller than size 10, and adequate margins.
  • You are not permitted to submit any work that has been generated by ChatGPT or any other AI tool and claim it as your own. If you are using any work that is not yours, you must reference it accordingly – this is part of good ethical creative practice as well as a requirement of academic quality. Failure to reference is also considered plagiarism.
  • If you have concerns or questions about use of generative AI tools, please don’t hesitate to contact your Program Convenor in the first instance. This is emerging technology for all of us, and we expect it will continue to grow exponentially in the coming months and years. AFTRS is committed to ensuring ethical and appropriate use of these powerful tools.

—

Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.

Fees and Scholarships

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee shown above is the indicative program tuition fee, expressed as both a total program cost and per annum cost. It is reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This program is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting (full-time); you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

Laptop specifications
  • Intel® PC Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Enterprise 64-bit Editions
    (please find version-specific qualifications in the Windows OS Compatibility Grid below)
  • Windows 10 for Workstations supported on Intel® Xeon processor-equipped machines
  • Pro Tools – Intel® Core i5 processor
  • Pro Tools | Ultimate – Intel® Core i9 or Intel® Xeon processor
  • 16GB RAM (32GB or more recommended)
  • Internet connection for installation
  • 15GB disk space for installation
  • USB 2-port for an ilok
  • Compatible NVIDIA graphics card (see machine-specific Slot Order & Configuration pages linked below for tested NVIDIA card models)
  • Smartphone suitable to take photos and film video
  • Internet access

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).

2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:

(a) Proof of citizenship/residency
(b) Highest educational qualification

3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the program for which you are applying.

4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au.

5. ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Applicants will be shortlisted based on their application tasks. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview.

Admission requirements

Places in this program are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. Prerequisites

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required have completed the following:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training

Some examples of equivalent work experience and/or training are as follows:

  • Year 12 completion plus:
    • Relevant industry/work experience including volunteering on a regular program – 24 months minimum experience OR
    • Industry would include community and/or commercial radio OR
    • Regular podcast creation OR
    • Media or sound recording/engineering training and/or experience (24 months minimum)

OR

  • Diploma/Advanced Diploma in a relevant field (eg Screen and Media) plus
    • Relevant industry/work experience including volunteering on a regular program – 12-24 months minimum experience, plus
    • Demonstrated interest in radio and/or podcasting

Prospective students are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, you will need to submit a Degree Equivalence Form.

For more information, please contact the Admissions team at applications@aftrs.edu.au.

2. Selection criteria

  1. Evidence of original creative thinking and ability, enthusiasm, development of ideas and experience in communicating those to a broadcast, online or live audience.
  2. Evidence of ability to complete complex tasks and critical thinking.
  3. Excellent communication skills.
  4. Evidence of interest in and engagement with Radio and Podcasting.
  5. Life experience and an interest in storytelling. Broad general knowledge, cultural knowledge and/or specialist knowledges are advantages.

Refer to the application rubric for more information.

3. Highest Educational Qualifications

You must provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. Proof of citizenship/residency

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

1.    AUDIO TASK

Submit two audio recordings.

  • Tell us your story
    Tell us about yourself and why you want to study at AFTRS in two minutes. You might also include: what makes you unique, your career ambitions, your interests or hobbies, about your family background, the types of stories you’d like to tell, or anything else you want us to know about you.

 

  • Record a segment for radio or podcast
    Choose a radio station or podcast, and record a one-minute segment or talk break for it. The segment can be as creative as you wish. You can also include audio elements like music, sound effects, callers or interview guests if you’d like.

 

Include a text document describing which radio station or podcast you have chosen, and which audience your segment would appeal to.

 

All audio should be submitted as an MP3 file.

Audio can be recorded on any device/s, including smartphones.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR SELECTION CRITERIA ASSESSED
We are listening for your potential to make compelling audio that can connect to your audience, not your technical skills (we can teach you those). Evidence of original creative thinking and ability, enthusiasm, development of ideas and experience in communicating those to a broadcast, online or live audience.

Evidence of ability to complete complex tasks and critical thinking.

Broad general knowledge and life experience, and an interest in current affairs and popular culture.

 

2. WRITTEN TASK

Provide a one to two page resume or CV, including all your relevant experience.

All text should be submitted as a PDF file.

 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR SELECTION CRITERIA ASSESSED
We want to understand what your career aspirations are. We look for your commitment to media or related fields. Evidence of interest in and engagement with Radio and Podcasting.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work successfully in a team.

NOTES ON SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS

  • Do not exceed the task submission length – additional materials will not be reviewed. All materials should be in English or be submitted with an English language translation.
  • Links are not permitted – this prevents materials being altered after submission.
  • All files submitted should have your name, discipline, and 2024 Application, and page number as a header.
  • Documents must be in PDF format. Audio must be in MP3 format. Other file formats will not be considered.
  • Keep any text submissions easy to read by using conventional font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman + Courier for scripts), not smaller than size 10, and adequate margins.
  • You are not permitted to submit any work that has been generated by ChatGPT or any other AI tool and claim it as your own. If you are using any work that is not yours, you must reference it accordingly – this is part of good ethical creative practice as well as a requirement of academic quality. Failure to reference is also considered plagiarism.
  • If you have concerns or questions about use of generative AI tools, please don’t hesitate to contact your Program Convenor in the first instance. This is emerging technology for all of us, and we expect it will continue to grow exponentially in the coming months and years. AFTRS is committed to ensuring ethical and appropriate use of these powerful tools.

—

Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.

Fees and Scholarships

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee shown above is the indicative program tuition fee, expressed as both a total program cost and per annum cost. It is reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This program is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting (full-time); you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

Laptop specifications
  • Intel® PC Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Enterprise 64-bit Editions
    (please find version-specific qualifications in the Windows OS Compatibility Grid below)
  • Windows 10 for Workstations supported on Intel® Xeon processor-equipped machines
  • Pro Tools – Intel® Core i5 processor
  • Pro Tools | Ultimate – Intel® Core i9 or Intel® Xeon processor
  • 16GB RAM (32GB or more recommended)
  • Internet connection for installation
  • 15GB disk space for installation
  • USB 2-port for an ilok
  • Compatible NVIDIA graphics card (see machine-specific Slot Order & Configuration pages linked below for tested NVIDIA card models)
  • Smartphone suitable to take photos and film video
  • Internet access

AFTRS graduates are

Storytellers

Practitioners

Creators

Cultural leaders

Storytellers who possess the courage and integrity to embrace and reflect Australian perspectives.

Practitioners skilled for the screen and audio industries.

Creators who can effectively communicate ideas, problem-solve and collaborate inclusively.

Cultural leaders able to apply positionality and ethics in their practice.

Storytellers

Storytellers who possess the courage and integrity to embrace and reflect Australian perspectives.

Practitioners

Practitioners skilled for the screen and audio industries.

Creators

Creators who can effectively communicate ideas, problem-solve and collaborate inclusively.

Cultural leaders

Cultural leaders able to apply positionality and ethics in their practice.

DISCLAIMER: Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.

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