Arielle Abrau

Master of Communication Studies student
Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design

She would highly recommend the Master of Communication Studies to anyone considering it, says Arielle Abrau.

“I chose to pursue a Master of Communication Studies to begin my journey as a creative academic. I was initially drawn to AUT because the technology available to students widens the scope of what you can create. I particularly enjoyed having access to equipment like a Shure directional microphone and rooms specifically designed for recording sound. This proved useful when I was navigating AI voice cloning technology as I was able to create voice clones using high-quality audio samples for my research.

“The courses within the programme are also extremely diverse, ranging from UX/UI design to brand storytelling. This is great for people who want to expand their knowledge in a variety of fields. Because my background is in design, I found that I was able to expand my existing skillset as well as learn new skills. The course material is very current and applicable to the real world, and I’ve already been able to apply many of the skills I learned to freelance jobs I’ve done.”

For her master’s degree research, she focused on indigenous transgender identity formation; a topic close to her heart and a chance to draw on her own experience of transitioning.

“My master’s degree research contributes to the small but growing body of indigenous transgender research, and champions and preserves indigenous knowledge and transgender stories. The creative output from my research was a short, animated film that used AI voice cloning technology to recreate my voice as a child and teenager to narrate the story. The film was narrated in both English and my mother tongue, Bisaya. As I progressed with my research, voice cloning technology advanced as well. Naturally, this shaped the development of my film, and captured the possibilities of problem solving using unfamiliar and rapidly evolving AI technology within the context of creative practice.”

Supported to thrive
Arielle admits that beginning her thesis was a little daunting, but she says she felt extremely fortunate to have two supervisors who were so experienced and knowledgeable in their respective fields.

“My supervisors guided me throughout my master’s degree journey and nurtured my development as a budding academic. I couldn’t have asked for better supervisors. Elizabeth Hoyle was my primary supervisor and I’m forever grateful for her support and mentorship. Her background in screen production was truly invaluable throughout my creative process. She pushed me creatively to expand my skillset and supported me through learning how to use Adobe After Effects.

“My secondary supervisor was Associate Professor Arezou Zalipour. Having a supervisor who has written and published papers on creative practice was instrumental in undertaking practice-based research. Her expertise and extensive knowledge helped me a lot when writing my exegesis. In fact, her research has been referenced in my methodology chapter. She also gave me the opportunity to work as her research assistant, and to share my film and experiences at one of her postgraduate classes.”

There was one other team whose support she particularly appreciated throughout her studies.

“I spent many late nights at the computer lab at the AUT City Campus while animating my film. Working from home wasn’t an option as I didn’t have adequate equipment to animate short films on Adobe After Effects. I always felt safe on campus as the safety and security team at AUT monitored the area closely and even helped me when I accidentally locked myself out of the computer lab.”

Advice for other students
Arielle – who will graduate with first-class honours in August and is currently busy setting up her own studio business where she plans to create art that engages with social, cultural and political discourse – has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“AUT offers you all the tools to succeed and thrive, whether it be tutorials, academic support or social clubs. I’d highly recommend taking advantage of every option you feel would benefit you, they’re there for a reason. Attend the events and symposiums, network and see what other researchers are doing. For example, I was able to present my research at a rainbow studies symposium. As it was my first time writing a master’s degree level exegesis, I also appreciated the thesis writing workshops, which helped me a lot in understanding how to approach an exegesis and present my research. I truly feel that AUT equips students with the tools to succeed.”

There’s always something to do at AUT, she adds.

“Whether it be a social event, a symposium featuring other students’ research or having academics come in to share their work, there are always opportunities to connect with other students. My time as a postgraduate student didn’t feel as lonely and isolating as I anticipated.”