He attended Sir Roger Manwood's School, and completed a Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) in English Language and Literature at the University of Wales in 1975.
From 1985 to 1995 he held a number of positions at Murdoch University, ranging from lecturer to Director of the Centre for Research in Culture and Communication.
[1][4] In 1998 Hartley founded[10][better source needed] the International Journal of Cultural Studies, published by Sage Publications Ltd in London.
[8] In December 2012 he was recognised for his academic contributions by being awarded the title of John Curtin Distinguished Professor.
The book co-authored with John Fiske, was the first to analyse television from a cultural perspective and is considered a defining publication in the field.
[29] In 2001 Hartley received the Centenary Medal for "service to Australian society and the humanities in cultural and communication studies".
[1][7][45] Hartley was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2009, for "service to education as an academic and commentator in the areas of journalism, culture and media studies".