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Media and Communication Studies
Don't just consume media, understand it with MACS
Media and Communication Studies
Don't just consume media, understand it with MACS
Media and Communication Studies
Don't just consume media, understand it with MACS
Don't just know the how, know the why
Go beyond viral trends, consumerism, and fake news to see how media drives culture, entertainment, politics, and the digital world around you. Explore topics like AI, social media, misinformation, privacy, and ethics while developing creative and strategic communication skills through hands-on projects and media production.
First build your theoretical foundation in media studies, then use it to make creative work that stands out.
MACS Highlights
Opportunities for MACS students
What does it mean to student media critically?
Critical media studies requires you to study the subject in-depth, analysing and critiquing what you find. It's less about the doing and more about the understanding.
- What makes influencers so powerful?
- Where did memes come from?
- Are fan edits tributes? Or copyright infringement?
- Has streaming killed traditional television and radio?
- Is Generative AI as world-changing as some people claim?
- Twenty years after the launch of Facebook, why did Australia ban social media for youth?
In critical media studies, we ask: Who has the money? Who has the power? Who has the opportunity to make media? What forces shape which media thrives and which media declines? And why should we care?
Stories about MACS students
Hear about students who found a home in Media and Communication Studies at Western
Learning to lead by example as Students' Council president
After struggling to find her footing in her first year, MACSSC president Emilia Sferrazza turned challenges into success.
Pursuing her passion and finding her personal style
With an interest in advertising and a flair for innovation, Khaleya Linton-Smellie is blending critical thinking with creativity.
Combining a love of media, history and politics
Kathleen Brophy gained an interest in government relations and public policy after taking a course in political economy.