Have no idea what to do at uni (undergrad) :( - urgent!

Ok so I have NEVER been entirely sure what I wanted to be/do later in life (I still have no idea) I am currently taking Psychology, Eng Lang and Media studies for A-Levels and am predicted AAB. (hopefully AAA).

I know that I want to do something media related BUT it is a very broad - like it ranges from film to animation to photgraphy to TV to radio to communications to special effects etc. Initially, I wanted to apply for generic courses e.g. communication & media studies (loughborough) / film and media (newcastle) /media and culture studies (lancaster) / digital culture (kings college) - quite highly regarded unis.

After doing more research into these courses, I found that they were very theory based, too theory based eg a large majority of the modules were about history of film/feminism/society and culture etc and I was looking for something more creative, practical and hands on.

With this in mind, I researched more media based courses and came across something more technical (math-y/science-y like) called 'digital arts/media' which I find quite fascinating. HOWEVER because I am not the biggest fan of maths and science (never have been) my biggest fear is regretting the course and finding the coding/computing modules too difficult. Although, these types of courses do have creative elements such as photography/animation/SFX/visual effects/storytelling which attracted me to it. However most of the unis that offer these types of courses arent as highly regarded as the previous eg sussex/bournemouth/kent/greenwhich - however, would this matter?

Is it true that creative degrees combined with more technical/mathematical degrees will be more beneficial later on?

Pick anything you like!
You can always change it in the second year and opt for a completely different career no matter what degree you got. Don't worry about it too much!

Hello lemoncow,

I thought you might want to check out Ravensbourne. We are a digital design and media based institution, with a 94.7% employability rate. We offer media foundation course that would be useful if you are not sure on what discipline to specialize in.

The Media Foundation course offer range of different pathways such as film and photography. With the foundation course, you will be able to experiment all the different pathways and it will help you have a better understanding of what courses you would like to go into. Our courses are very practical, with our students working on live briefs and competitions throughout their time with us. Our students are able to borrow out different industry standard equipment to use during their projects, getting them equipt for the industry.

I would recommend coming to an open day, where you will get an insight on what the courses are like and also get the change to speak to tutors as well as students. I hope this was helpful, if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Katy

Ok so I have NEVER been entirely sure what I wanted to be/do later in life (I still have no idea) I am currently taking Psychology, Eng Lang and Media studies for A-Levels and am predicted AAB. (hopefully AAA).

I know that I want to do something media related BUT it is a very broad - like it ranges from film to animation to photgraphy to TV to radio to communications to special effects etc. Initially, I wanted to apply for generic courses e.g. communication & media studies (loughborough) / film and media (newcastle) /media and culture studies (lancaster) / digital culture (kings college) - quite highly regarded unis.

After doing more research into these courses, I found that they were very theory based, too theory based eg a large majority of the modules were about history of film/feminism/society and culture etc and I was looking for something more creative, practical and hands on.

With this in mind, I researched more media based courses and came across something more technical (math-y/science-y like) called 'digital arts/media' which I find quite fascinating. HOWEVER because I am not the biggest fan of maths and science (never have been) my biggest fear is regretting the course and finding the coding/computing modules too difficult. Although, these types of courses do have creative elements such as photography/animation/SFX/visual effects/storytelling which attracted me to it. However most of the unis that offer these types of courses arent as highly regarded as the previous eg sussex/bournemouth/kent/greenwhich - however, would this matter?

Is it true that creative degrees combined with more technical/mathematical degrees will be more beneficial later on?

Ok so I have NEVER been entirely sure what I wanted to be/do later in life (I still have no idea) I am currently taking Psychology, Eng Lang and Media studies for A-Levels and am predicted AAB. (hopefully AAA).

I know that I want to do something media related BUT it is a very broad - like it ranges from film to animation to photgraphy to TV to radio to communications to special effects etc. Initially, I wanted to apply for generic courses e.g. communication & media studies (loughborough) / film and media (newcastle) /media and culture studies (lancaster) / digital culture (kings college) - quite highly regarded unis.

After doing more research into these courses, I found that they were very theory based, too theory based eg a large majority of the modules were about history of film/feminism/society and culture etc and I was looking for something more creative, practical and hands on.

With this in mind, I researched more media based courses and came across something more technical (math-y/science-y like) called 'digital arts/media' which I find quite fascinating. HOWEVER because I am not the biggest fan of maths and science (never have been) my biggest fear is regretting the course and finding the coding/computing modules too difficult. Although, these types of courses do have creative elements such as photography/animation/SFX/visual effects/storytelling which attracted me to it. However most of the unis that offer these types of courses arent as highly regarded as the previous eg sussex/bournemouth/kent/greenwhich - however, would this matter?

Is it true that creative degrees combined with more technical/mathematical degrees will be more beneficial later on?

We have an extremley high employment rate amongst our graduates, all of whom have gone on to work in feature films, documentaries and TV series.

I have basically the same problem as you!! I would like to go to a more prestigious university since my grades can allow me. However, those uni offers more of a theory course and also I'm extremely worried that it is hard to find a job with this degree. I'm an international student and the tuition is super high, it's like pursuing your dream or be in reality and major in something that can probably pay off my uni fees sooner. So complicated!

As a student aiming for AAA, I highly recommend you do not go to a university with low entry standards, or do a degree in a soft subject because you thought it looked more fun. The chances are you will regret it 5 years later once you realise how difficult it is to get a job in this field.

Please ignore the terrible advice like "it doesn't matter what or where you study", or "just do what you enjoy". Your degree is not about having fun, it's about developing you as a person.

Hey Lemoncow,

Have you ever thought of a film school? We have an extremley practical Filmmaking undergraduate degree where you will learn how to direct, produce, edit, camera operate, lighting, sound and work as a film crew.
We are located in the centre of Brighton, an amazing student filmmakers city. We have an extremley high employment rate amongst our graduates, all of whom have gone on to work in feature films, documentaries and TV series.
We have an excellent reputation in the film industry and our students have the BEST time with us.
If you would like, you're more than welcome to check us out at an open event. Or you can find out more about our Filmmaking and Animation courses here:
https://brightonfilmschool.co.uk/
If you have any questions at all about the film industry, progression and portfolio advice or about Brighton Film School, please let me know

Holly

Oh wow I've never seen a uni with a 100% employment rate! Are you sure this is true? Also what type of film/TV companies have these students been employed in and do you know their average salary?
Thanks!

Hey ikr its so frustrating!! What unis/courses are you thinking of applying to and what are you predicted? (you dont have to post them) have you found any good unis offering digital media/media?

Is it true that creative degrees combined with more technical/mathematical degrees will be more beneficial later on?

I don't do A levels, I'm gonna have to go through foundation since I follow a 12 year education system here in Taiwan. They look at high school GPA and English ability. I'm thinking about Bristol's film and media, Newcastle's media or combined honors, and Sussex's media production. I thought these might not be that much theory based looking at their modules.I don't really know though, I'm still researching!! By the way, I relate to you so much, I'm terrible at math and science as well!!!

Entry routes for the media are still very flexible, so it's not like there's one "best" degree to take. You could do something like an English degree at a Russell Group uni, get super involved in the student media scene, and pick up a bunch of media production skills that way while still leaving your options open for other careers.

Ok so I have NEVER been entirely sure what I wanted to be/do later in life (I still have no idea) I am currently taking Psychology, Eng Lang and Media studies for A-Levels and am predicted AAB. (hopefully AAA).

I know that I want to do something media related BUT it is a very broad - like it ranges from film to animation to photgraphy to TV to radio to communications to special effects etc. Initially, I wanted to apply for generic courses e.g. communication & media studies (loughborough) / film and media (newcastle) /media and culture studies (lancaster) / digital culture (kings college) - quite highly regarded unis.

After doing more research into these courses, I found that they were very theory based, too theory based eg a large majority of the modules were about history of film/feminism/society and culture etc and I was looking for something more creative, practical and hands on.

With this in mind, I researched more media based courses and came across something more technical (math-y/science-y like) called 'digital arts/media' which I find quite fascinating. HOWEVER because I am not the biggest fan of maths and science (never have been) my biggest fear is regretting the course and finding the coding/computing modules too difficult. Although, these types of courses do have creative elements such as photography/animation/SFX/visual effects/storytelling which attracted me to it. However most of the unis that offer these types of courses arent as highly regarded as the previous eg sussex/bournemouth/kent/greenwhich - however, would this matter?

Is it true that creative degrees combined with more technical/mathematical degrees will be more beneficial later on?