Next step 2

Next Step 2 Media Studies, Film & Journalism

What do you want?
Write down three media related courses you
think that you would like to study…

…also write down the career or job you think
that this would be useful for you to get into.


What do you expect?
From your first choice write down what a bullet
pointed list of what you would expect to be
taught on the course…

…also write down the skills you would expect
to use / learn / improve on the course.


Possible Courses
ACADEMIC CREATIVE / VOCATIONAL JOURNALISM

•Media Studies •Animation •Sports Journalism

• Communication Studies • TV Production • Broadcast Journalism

• Cultural Studies • Film Production • Magazine Journalism

• Digital Media • Corporate & Commercial • Fashion Journalism

• TV Studies • Interactive Media • Photo-journalism

• Film Studies • Web Design

• Marketing & P.R. • Game Design
• Publishing
• Radio Production
• Scriptwriting


Possible Careers
• Advertising - copywriting & Photo Imaging
• Film Production - Camera, Sound, Set design
• Radio Production
• Web Design
• Journalist - Newspapers, Magazines, Broadcasting, Photo
• Post-Production - Editing, Special Effects, CGI
• Game Design
• Animation
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Research • Teacher/Lecturer!
• Corporate Video


H.E. Degrees - usually B.A. Hons
PROS
• In depth
• Variety of skills - analysis, writing, research, practical
• Leads to other things - keeping your options open
• Allows you to specialise - provides choice
• An elite qualification - employability
• Opportunities for substantial show reel
• Time to meet people with similar goals, objectives


CONS (but not for everyone)
• Too much variety - if you’re not an ‘all rounder’
• Largely Academic - how are you finding Level 3 qualifications?
• 3 Years (not always a bad thing - see pros)
• Expensive (but inevitable)
• Do not guarantee ‘hands on’ practical experience - your job to research this!


Case Study - Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
This is just one of MANY universities that offers a wide variety of Undergraduate media related
courses.
It has not been picked as a case study as an endorsement because it would be impossible to
endorse any course to several students - YOU are the only person that will know what YOU
want. This will take time to reflect on your interests and ambitions and even more time to
research.
The case studies will hopefully help you start finding the needle (course for you) in the haystack
(the zillions of media courses available).
LJMU has been chosen because it is local, well established and has a variety of courses from within
the: Liverpool Screen School

You will also find a number of Media, Cultural and Communication Studies courses within the:
School of Humanities and Social Sciences


Case Study - Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
Look at the Course Factfiles - they are long and this is the sort of thing you should expect to be
reading. I decided to not sweeten the pill by summarising these - there is lots of reading ahead of
you - then again, it is the next three years of your life!

Answer the following questions - fill out the table on the sheet and share your answers…
5. What qualification do you get at the end?
6. How many years (levels) do you study for?
7. Give a couple of examples of things you study at each level
8. Does the course seem more practical or more theoretical?
9. What skills do you think you would need to succeed?
10. What grades/points do you need to get in?
11. Are there any conditions attached - e.g. interview, excluded subjects, portfolio of work needed?
12. What could you do to improve your chances of getting in?


Finding courses: Start with the best
Whilst most newspapers rate
universities against each other in
league tables - The Guardian has
always specialised in all things
media and can generally be
considered a reliable resource.
With so many universities
offering so Media Courses a
league table is a good place to
start.
But remember - it is no
substitute for finding a course
that is right for YOU!


Vocational Courses - usually B-Tec
PROS
• No need for UCAS
• Hands on experience straight away
• Cheaper (usually - depending on college / academy)
• Possible job opportunities and contacts with companies during course
• Some colleges are so elite that the name is worth the qualification alone


CONS
• Not as much depth as a degree
• Qualification level is at the same level as you are studying now - Level 3
• More people are getting degrees - how competitive can you be?
• May limit you - is it better to keep your options open?
• Some colleges are not as well recognised as others

If you are looking to do a B-Tec you should consider a
‘National Diploma’ NOT a ‘First Diploma’


There are some excellent film schools in England - we have a
proud tradition of quality Film, TV and Radio production. Some
schools such as the National Film & Television School and the
London Film School are world renowned for their quality of
training career possibilities and alumni.

However…
Whilst many of them may just accept a show reel (albeit a very
good one), many will expect a degree.
You must find out exactly what they require and the standards
they expect.
Pretty much all of them are based in London - which is no bad
thing is it geez?!


Vocational Courses - usually B-tec
Case Study - Liverpool Media Academy
This is a city centre based college typical of the kind that offers quality B-Tecs. In their own words:
“Liverpool Media Academy is one of the leading media and performing arts training centres in the
North West.All of our courses are designed and delivered by industry professionals and are very
hands on with projects being linked to industry with our media and performing arts partners,
enabling our students to gain realistic work related situations on a regular basis.”
Liverpool Media Academy seems like an exciting venture - and their prospectus is very inviting.
There seems to be a lot of potential for immediate ‘hands on’ filmmaking and possible networking
with the industry.
But remember that many schools and colleges also offer B-Tecs now, it is not seen by many as a
degree equivalent and does not give you as many options at the end if you decide against working in
the industry.
Will you have the desire to put in the extra work to be competitive with those around you?
THINK: What would you do afterwards?
ACT: Contact possible employers or film schools and find out whether they consider a B-Tec as
valuable as a degree or whether a show-reel is more valuable than a qualification.


Finding courses: What is SkillSet?
In their words…

“Skillset is the industry body which supports skills and
training for people and businesses to ensure the UK
creative industries maintain their world class position.”

This is a great website for finding courses and discovering
the SkillSet logo when looking for other Media courses is
also an endorsment of their quality.
The courses page of the website is divided in to the
following sections:
• Advertising • Fashion & Textiles • Publishing
• Animation • Film • Radio
• Computer Games • Interactive Media • TV
• Facilities • Photo Imaging


Journalism - NCTJ vs Degrees
In a nutshell…

Many different degrees - newspaper, broadcasting, sports, fashion etc. These
degrees prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a journalist in
a specific field.
But due to the wide variety of courses you need to find the one that suits
YOU!
The NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) accredits courses
and qualifications -The Preliminary Certificate in Journalism and the Certificate
in Journalism.
Sometimes a newspaper, magazine etc will pay for these qualifications.
Sometimes a degree is not necessary to become a journalist - however it will
never count against you…
…in fact a degree in another subject may be a way into Journalism…


Journalism - NCTJ vs Degrees
For example…

A degree in Law might be a suitable expertise to report on legal
issues. A degree in politics or history may give you a specialism that
others do not have.
It largely depends on your ability to write, a portfolio of work and the
needs of the organisation (newspaper, magazine etc).
Contact the organisation and find out what their requirements are. If
you are unsure but know that Journalism is something you want to do
then consider a degree - but be aware that a separate NCTJ
qualification may be needed in the future.
The best place to find a course is at the NCTJ’s comprehensive
website.
But also to read their brochures about careers in Journalism.


What Next?
Now - find 3 courses in the field that is most relevant to you using
the websites.
Note down the following information:
3. What qualification do you get at the end?
4. How many years (levels) do you study for?
5. Give a couple of examples of things you study at each level
6. Does the course seem more practical or more theoretical?
7. What skills do you think you would need to succeed?
8. What grades/points do you need to get in?
9. Are there any conditions attached - e.g. interview, excluded subjects, portfolio
of work needed?
10. What could you do to improve your chances of getting in?


What Next (after today)?
Make some decisions…
• Practical or theoretical course (or both)
• Do you need a portfolio or show-reel
• What do you want to do after - does your course give you options?
• Do you want options?
• Will you get the grades needed for the course?
• What have you done so far that will improve your chances. i.e. what can
you put on your Personal Statement that looks good.
• What can you do before you apply that will make your Personal Statement
look good.
• Are you passionate about the subject you have chosen - if so, can you
articulate that in your Personal Statement?
• Call or email admissions officers about ANY queries


nicholas.saward@sssfc.ac.uk

matthew.oregan@sssfc.ac.uk

Next step 2

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