Since 1988, Macleay College has fostered a vibrant community of students, alumni, experienced lecturers and industry connections. From our roots in Surry Hills to our newest campus in Melbourne, we are the institution of choice for students who are eager to pursue life-changing, hands-on education in advertising and media, digital media, business, accounting, marketing and journalism.
For over 30 years we’ve been connecting graduates to industry success through practical education. Our project-based learning and real-world course content gives you valuable experience and access to industry networks, so you’re prepared to start your career from day one.
Our lecturers are all industry professionals, consistently rated as leaders in their fields. They bring the latest industry knowledge to every course, and with our small class sizes, you get personalised guidance in an intimate learning environment.
By pitching ideas, developing skills and working in teams, you experience first-hand what your new job will be like. We also understand that not all job skills can be taught in the classroom, which is why you get to work in your chosen field with industry leaders through our internship program. Internships are a valuable opportunity to see how you like your field of study. You might find that it’s even better than you’d hoped - or the experience lands you a job before you graduate!
Qualified counsellors are available at our Sydney and Melbourne campuses every week. You can book a private and confidential meeting free of charge if you’re in need of some personal and emotional support. We also offer free workshops on study tips, referencing, essay writing, research, report writing and more, and encourage all students to attend.
Macleay’s lecturers work in areas related to the subjects they teach and deliver their instruction from an industry perspective. We’re proud to engage a stellar line up of journalism, advertising, digital media, business, accounting and marketing professionals who guide you to industry success.
Gaye is a senior executive and accomplished academic lecturer with over 25 years of marketing experience.
Her deep understanding of the marketing environment, developed in dynamic blue-chip FMCG multi-national, Retail, Franchise and Telco environments and the NFP sector, brings a sharp strategic and commercial mind providing valuable insight.
Most recently working for the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) as Director of Capability, supporting the marketing and leadership capability performance of many iconic Australian organisations and global APAC teams.
I’m a film Director, Producer, Editor and Director of Photography. I also run my own agency called Joker Theory Films and have won a few awards including an ASTRA and an ARIA for my music video by Pnau. When not working at my agency and teaching at Macleay, I run workshops in digital and mobile journalism for news organisations like AA and Fairfax.
I have 20+ years experience in advertising, media and marketing and have worked in many of Australia's largest agencies including Saatchis, MediaCom and Mitchells (now DentsuX). I have steered the strategy for some of Australia's most successful brands including GMH Holden, Glasko Smith Kline, Sara Lee and the Woolworths group.
I’m a Central Victorian tree-change photographer, after working for 30 years as a Newspaper Photographer. Recently, I was working as a Chief Photographer at Bendigo Advertiser, mentoring graduate photographers and journalists with daily newspaper operations. Prior to that, I was Chief Photographer for FCN in The Age building. In addition to teaching at Macleay I work as a freelance photographer.
Rachel is an award-winning writer and communications expert who has held editor roles on high profile titles including Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle and Grazia in Australia, Europe, and Arabia. She holds a Master’s in Writing for Media, and teaches Written Communications and Lifestyle Writing in the Communications Faculty.
Dr Manny Aston has over 30 years of higher education teaching experience and holds degrees at Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral levels within the fields of psychology, education, communications and the creative arts. With a background in film and television, Manny is also a published playwright and author of numerous creative and academic texts. His book Study Right has become one of Australia’s best selling ‘How to Study’ guides.
Australian born in the USA, raised in Sydney. I started my career as an Advertising Art Director and then switched to Graphic designer. I’ve worked professionally as a Designer, Singer-songwriter/Performer (Vitabeats), and Higher Ed Academic and Lecturer. Currently a PhD candidate, my thesis is: ‘Renewing cultural identity through Australian song’.
I worked for Nestle, in my home country of France, as an intern and later was offered a job with Nescafé where I stayed for three years. After completing my second Masters in Sydney, I worked for health and construction brands in marketing roles. I started my own business in 2015 and now work with small to large companies helping them develop their marketing strategies.
I am one of Australia's most awarded copywriters, with 3 New York Advertising Awards, 20 Australian Broadcast Awards and over 30 finalists. I have a 3-decade career in writing including time as Creative Director at Reg Grundy Media, Macquarie Broadcasting (2GB), Creative Strategist at Southern Cross Austereo, as well as media liaison/researcher for NSW Parliament. I have taught advertising, marketing and promotions in the tertiary sector, since 1991, including at Macleay since 2011. I have two Masters, in Marketing and Professional Writing, as well as teaching Written Communications and Advertising Copywriting in the Communications Faculty at Macleay.
I am a Subject Leader for Enterprise Innovation at Macleay College with experience in economic development with an emphasis on entrepreneurial and innovative screen business practices. I have completed scripting and production for television documentary programming funded by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), Screen Australia, Foxtel and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC TV).
I hold a PhD in Entrepreneurship and a Master of Entrepreneurship degree from ECIC, a Master of Arts degree from The University of the Arts, London (UAL), and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia.
I am an award-winning conceptual thinker and art director. I've spent 15 years working as a creative around Australia and overseas while creating side hustles and tutoring at the country’s top universities.
I’m an Entrepreneur with over 25 yrs business experience as the Managing director and co-founder of Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics. I lecture and teach Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Business. I have also authored a groundbreaking book in Entrepreneurship called the Itch: The Alchemy of the Soul Along the Entrepreneurial Journey.
Living a life full of Tourism and Events Work Experience across the Asia Pacific Region & Global travel adventures with Event & Tourism companies such as Accor, Outrigger Resorts, Globus Tours & Dockside venue group, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and engaging the next generation of Events & Tourism professionals. Macleay is where I began my Lecturing career many years ago and I’m excited to be back on the team.
I have 30 years experience in publishing and advertising, working with brands like Nestlé, P&G, Aviate Group, MLC, Ensemble Theatre, McDonalds, Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Volkswagen, Streets, Merlin Entertainment and Sony Pictures. In 2015, I started my own design agency called Peppermint Digital. My goal for the business is to work in partnership with PR and AD agencies to deliver cutting-edge design.
I am a marketer, copywriter and content strategist with many years of experience in creating digital and traditional marketing campaigns - including copywriting across print, digital, packaging and outdoor for brands such as the AFR and The Age, Stomping Ground Brewing Co, Holgate Brewhouse and more.
I am an internationally published fine art photographer based in Sydney, Australia and I have been commissioned to create unique visual solutions for campaigns and commercial projects. Represented by Curatorial and Co,
my work has been exhibited internationally with clients including Vogue and Elle magazines, Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures and Sony Studios as well as the Sydney Dance Company and the Australian Ballet. I have received awards for the Illustrators Award in 2012 and 2013 as well as being a finalist in the Josephine Ulirick and Win Schurbert Photography Award 2012, the Moran Prize in 2012 and the Haselhurst Art Prise – Works on Paper 2013.
Paul is a Managing Director and marketing specialist. He has worked in top tier creative, communications and technology companies globally helping clients and brands unlock growth through a customer and digital first mindset.
In a nutshell you can describe me as a teacher, coach, mentor, entrepreneur, academic, podcaster, father and husband. My life motto is “connect, engage, teach” and it drives everything I do. It is the driver behind my extensive, multi-facetted career. The value I bring to my students is the connection between what they study in a classroom and how it really applies in business and how it may impact on their careers.
I am a Creative Director with a wide range of experience across many disciplines including advertising, marketing, new business development, branding, art direction, copy writing, graphic design, TV commercial and corporate video production. I have worked with a number of companies including Amirati Puris Lintas, George Patterson Bates, DDB Needham, Clemenger, Young and Rubicam, Samuelson Talbot, Sanford Partnership, Leo Burnett and The Ball Partnership.
I’m a professional accountant works for ASX listed company for the past 16 years. I am responsible for several project management, system implementation, and continuous improvements within the finance department. I assisted the implementation of a new accounting system (Oracle-Netsuite), automated several processes with a strong focus on efficiencies and cost savings.
I have been a journalist for 35 years, starting my career in Melbourne at the Sun and later The Age. I have worked as a foreign correspondent based in Africa and have been published in the Australian, British, American and South African media, as well as doing radio and TV work. I currently write regularly for the Nine newspapers as well as doing other freelance work for the ABC, SBS and other outlets. I have been teaching at Macleay since 2016.
I focus on providing students with insight into how theory may be applied to improve outcomes in real-world scenarios.
Pitching business ideas to entrepreneurs, recording radio ads in the studio, writing stories in the newsroom. These are just some of the experiences you’ll have on a daily basis. Our curriculum is as hands-on and practical as you can get.
Our courses are built around real-world projects, internships, and industry engagement. Each course will set you up with the essential knowledge, skills and work experience that employers demand.
Macleay lecturers are active professionals in their fields. They bring the latest insights to the classroom to ensure you are job-ready. Many lecturers will introduce you to your future employer or support connections to get you closer to your dream role.
Develop professional and practical skills throughout your course with our industry-recognised placement programs. Build valuable experience in the workplace and ongoing relationships with hundreds of industry partners.
Our diploma programs can be completed in 12 months and require no ATAR. On completion they also allow you to progress straight into your chosen Macleay bachelor degree, and can have you graduating within just two-years (or just one extra year of study)!
Trimester based two-year degrees get you into the workforce sooner, so you can start your career and get ahead faster with relevant, industry-ready knowledge and skills.
Macleay frequently brings guest speakers on campus, offering windows into industry, the latest real-world insights and a chance to grow their networks.
We limit our class sizes to 25 students. That means your lecturers actually get to know you and can help develop your individual strengths.
In the national QILT survey, Macleay outperformed every public university in Australia in learner engagement, teaching quality, student support, skills development and quality of the entire educational experience.