If you're comparing creative degrees in Melbourne, you may be looking at large universities alongside specialist institutions like Collarts. Names like Monash University and the University of Melbourne come up often, but when it comes to preparing you for a creative career, there are important differences to consider.
It's not just about the qualification you receive. It's about how your degree prepares you for work, how connected you are to industry, and how confident you feel when you graduate.
Here's a clear look at where Collarts stands in comparison to traditional universities when it comes to career readiness and creative practice.
Collarts is a university that focuses entirely on creative industries. That focus shapes everything you do, from project briefs and assessment to daily learning and industry engagement.
At some larger universities, creative subjects are taught alongside broad academic requirements with less focus on practical, industry-relevant skills early in the degree. At Collarts, the emphasis is on applied learning that mirrors real creative work and collaborative industry.
"There's a lot more performance opportunities than other unis and a lot of industry-based opportunities as well."
- Dakota, Music Performance student.
Emphasis on industry connection and applied learning helps explain why Collarts was ranked number 1 again as Australia’s top creative arts provider in QILT 2024. That ranking reflects student outcomes, engagement and graduate confidence in the creative fields, putting Collarts at the front of the sector.
Large universities often rely on lectures and large group assessments, especially in early years. In creative subjects, this format can make it harder to get regular feedback, build a portfolio and practice the craft of creation.
At Collarts, we shift from the large, impersonal university experience to a community where you're seen and supported. With smaller class sizes, you're not just an ID number; teachers know you, offer tailored support, and help cultivate your unique creative voice.
"Compared to other universities there's definitely a vibe with Collarts and the smaller classes are really nice. Coming from a university where you're one in a thousand, it's quite nice to be in a smaller community."
- Seamus, Audio Production student
Our courses in screen and media, music, design, fashion and performance are delivered through studio practice, workshops, labs and real briefs. Students engage in creative problem solving and project work from day one, building a portfolio and professional habits as they progress. This practical experience makes a real difference when students step into industry roles after graduation.
Some students begin their creative studies at a large traditional university before realising the format does not align with their goals. For students who want to be making creative work and building industry connections while they learn, switching can be a pivotal moment.
"Collarts gave me the freedom to actually work on stuff that I want to work on, whereas I feel that a lot of other unis would limit you with equipment or subjects."
- Sim, Digital & Social Media student
That was the case for many students who felt they were not connecting with their early university experience. As one student shared in Not vibing with your uni experience? Change to Collarts, moving to a more industry-focused creative university helped them reconnect with their craft, find creative momentum and build confidence in their work again.
These stories show that choosing the right environment matters when your goal is a creative career.
Collarts degrees are taught by educators who practice in their fields. You learn from people who are currently creating, producing, designing and directing work in the real world.
This means:
You learn current tools and workflows used in industry today
You build awareness of professional expectations
You receive feedback and mentoring from people who know the field firsthand
“Collarts has truly set me up for the future. Being mentored by very talented industry professionals and learning alongside people who share my passion has been inspiring and rewarding. I now feel confident pursuing a creative career!”
- Grace, Acting student
Employers consistently tell us that Collarts graduates arrive ready to collaborate, adapt and contribute from day one. That practical confidence and professionalism is essential in creative industries.
Collarts operates as a university with a clear focus on the creative industries. That means your experience is built around:
Practical learning from the start
Feedback and mentorship on creative work
Industry integration throughout the degree
Portfolio and career readiness
Opportunities to work across disciplines on real projects with peers, partners and real clients
All of these elements help graduates feel prepared and confident when they enter the workforce.
"Collarts is so connected to the industry and because of that, I believe that even after I finish my course, I will be able to get a job."
- Jotham, Digital & Social Media student
There is no single right path for every student. Traditional universities offer broad academic foundations that suit many fields. But if your goal is to build a career in creative industries, the learning environment, industry integration and portfolio development you experience as a student are critical.
Collarts offers creative degrees that are designed with industry in mind. If you want to graduate with experience, connections and creative confidence, choosing a university that aligns with industry practice can give you a real head start.