5 ways studying Social Media at UTS beats learning it online

1. You learn why social media works, not just how to use it

Anyone can learn how to post. What’s harder and far more valuable is understanding why certain content spreads, why platforms reward some behaviours over others, and how digital culture shapes what we see online.

At UTS, social media is treated as more than a tool. You study:

• how algorithms influence visibility and attention
• how online communities form, grow and fracture
• how platforms shape politics, identity and public debate

This kind of thinking helps you move beyond trends and start making smart, strategic decisions; the kind employers actually rely on.

2. A degree still matters, especially in competitive industries

Social media roles are popular. That means competition is real.

While anyone can claim they “get social media”, a UTS degree signals something different: that you can think critically, communicate clearly and work at a professional standard.

Studying social media at uni shows employers that you:

• understand strategy, research and analysis
• can work with deadlines, briefs and feedback
• know how to explain and justify your decisions

It’s not about having a piece of paper. It’s about proving you can operate at a level beyond instinct and guesswork.

3. You build skills that transfer far beyond social media

One of the biggest advantages of studying social media formally is that the skills don’t lock you into one job or platform.

You develop capabilities that apply across communication, media and creative industries, including:

• writing for different audiences and contexts
• analysing data and turning insights into action
• planning campaigns and managing projects
• understanding ethics, reputation and public trust

That means graduates don’t just work in social media. They move into strategic communication, content, public relations, digital strategy, research and more.

When platforms change (and they always do) your skills still hold.

4. You learn how social media shapes society — and how to use it responsibly

Social media isn’t neutral. It influences elections, social movements, mental health, climate conversations and who gets heard in public life.

Studying it at UTS means you don’t ignore those impacts — you engage with them.

You’ll explore:

• misinformation and online harm
• activism and digital communities
• ethical storytelling and representation
• how communication can drive social change

For students who care about the world they’re stepping into, this matters. A lot.

5. You graduate with direction, not just experience

Learning social media online often focuses on short-term wins: views, likes, followers. University study helps you think longer-term.

You graduate with:

• a clear understanding of where social media fits within communication careers
• a portfolio shaped by feedback and strategy
• confidence to step into roles that involve planning, leadership and influence

Instead of chasing trends, you’re equipped to help shape what comes next.

So, is studying social media at uni worth it?

If you want more than just knowing how to post, if you want a career that can adapt, grow and make impact then yes.

A degree helps you turn everyday digital experience into professional expertise. It gives you skills that last longer than any platform, and options that go far beyond one job title.

Explore Digital and Social Media at UTS and see how you can turn creativity, strategy and cultural insight into a future-ready career.