How to become a content creator: What to study after year 12

Author

Collarts

Reading Time

4 minutes

How to study content creation in Australia after Year 12

If you're currently in Year 12 and thinking about what you might study after school, content creation might already be on your radar.
Maybe you're interested in TikTok trends, YouTube formats, podcast ideas or building your own online presence. Maybe you've started experimenting with photography, video or social media strategy. Whatever form it takes, digital content is now a major creative industry.

But turning that interest into a career usually means learning more than just how to post online. It’s about understanding audiences, developing ideas and creating work that connects with people.

For many students researching how to become a content creator, the next step is exploring courses that combine creativity with practical industry skills.

Pictured above: Work by Collarts Digital and Social Media student Kiri Hawkins 

How do you become a content creator?

There’s no single pathway for how to become a content creator.

Some people begin by building their own platforms. Others start by working with brands, media companies or creative agencies. Many creators eventually do both.

What most successful creators have in common is a combination of skills: storytelling, video production, branding, marketing and understanding how platforms work.

That’s why many students choose to study a content creation degree or social media degree after Year 12. These programs allow you to explore multiple creative disciplines while building practical digital media skills.

As Digital & Social Media alum Daniel explains:

"Studying Digital & Social Media at Collarts will not only prepare you for the industry, but it's a good path finding tool as well."
Collarts photography student taking a portrait photo of a person with blue and purple lights lighting the frame

Do you need a degree to become a content creator?

Not necessarily, but studying a content creation degree or social media course can help you develop skills faster. Courses often cover areas like digital storytelling, video production, social media strategy and audience engagement - all of which are important for building a sustainable career in the creator economy.

What do you learn in a social media course?

A social media course usually combines several creative and strategic areas, including:

  • storytelling and content production (photo, video and design)
  • branding and audience engagement
  • digital marketing
  • UX and UI design
  • platform strategy

For Digital & Social Media student Sim, having the freedom to explore creative ideas was one of the biggest advantages.

"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."

That flexibility allows students to experiment with different formats and platforms while discovering what kind of content they enjoy creating most.

What jobs can you get with a social media degree?

A social media degree can lead to a wide range of creative roles across media, marketing and digital industries.

Graduates often work in areas such as:

  • social media management

  • digital marketing

  • content production

  • brand strategy

  • online community management

  • journalism and digital publishing

Because almost every industry now relies on digital communication, people who study social media in Australia often find opportunities across many sectors.

 

Building a creative portfolio while studying

One of the most valuable parts of studying digital media is the chance to build a portfolio while developing new skills.

Digital & Social Media student Kiri Hawkins (@kiri.hawkins) is already doing exactly that.

The creative mind behind @bunni.media and @bunni.designz, Kiri was drawn to the course because of its broad range of subjects. Being able to explore areas like marketing, UX/UI, photography and videography has helped her experiment with different creative directions while building a strong portfolio.

You can see more of Kiri’s work here. 

Learning through real industry experiences

The digital media industry changes quickly, which means practical learning is essential.

For many students studying a social media course, one of the most exciting moments is seeing their work shared publicly.

Digital & Social Media alum Elise experienced this during her internship with ROAR Music Festival.

"My internship with ROAR music festival through Collarts was the most amazing and rewarding experience - I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who put their words into action!"

"The team empowered us every step of the way, and I loved being able to create social media assets and have the freedom to put my own creativity into it. It’s so cool to be able to look through the official social media page and say, ‘I did that!’"

Where can you study social media in Australia?

Students often choose creative hubs like Melbourne or Sydney, where media, marketing and creative industries are active.

Studying in these cities can expose students to industry connections, internships and collaborative creative communities.

Many courses are also delivered online, like Collarts' 100% online Digital and Social Media course, giving you flexibility to work and study at the same time, wherever you are. 

EXPLORE DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA