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Best A levels to take for a career in journalism

I've just completed my GCSE's and I am hoping to continue my education at my local sixth form. I'm hoping to have a career in journalism, although the tv industry (not acting) would be my preferred option, however i'm trying to be realistic.

I'm considering:
Sociology or media (same column)
English or history (same column)
and Re
or maybe law?
Or, I could do English and History instead of sociology and media but i'm scared the work load would be too much for me to handle. Also, I'm only intending to take three as I also have to do Welsh Bac as I live in North Wales.

Anyway, any advice on what a levels to take would be a big help. Thanks in advance!

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Reply 1
Media is a definite! Second would be English, to help you get on the right path for Uni. Also, could you take Photography?
Also, you don't have to go for your local sixth form, I'd look around at the other options and HE colleges, who may offer diplomas more suited to you. Some may offer diplomas in journalism itself.
Reply 2
I'm given to believe people advise against a degree in journalism, and instead doing a degree in a specific subject then afterwards either going into postgrad journalism or finding work in journalism based on that degree.

That's my understand /at least/. Someone who's done a journalism degree may help more.

English and history would be beneficial due to essay based skills - same for all other options except media, but naturally based on your other career aspiration media would be beneficial for you in this case.
hey! i want to go into journalism/political journalism and im taking:

- english lit/lang (combined a level)
- english lit
- sociology
- politics
- economics

im more going for the political side of things here.

i'd say that english lit and sociology/history would be your best bets! media isnt one of the 'respected' a levels and isnt necessary at a level unless you want to do a degree in media!

english is a must id say

the BBC recommends that to get into journalism, ideally get an undergraduate degree in subject you want to write about and a postgraduate in journalism
(edited 7 years ago)
Do what you enjoy!

I may go for a journalism like career but i plan on doing history in university whilst getting journalism work experience and writing a lot to build a portfolio
Reply 5
Original post by omfgalib
Media is a definite! Second would be English, to help you get on the right path for Uni. Also, could you take Photography?
Also, you don't have to go for your local sixth form, I'd look around at the other options and HE colleges, who may offer diplomas more suited to you. Some may offer diplomas in journalism itself.


Thanks for the reply, but nowhere around here offers photography A level and the only journalism related course is media studies which is a btec.
Reply 6
Original post by Inexorably
I'm given to believe people advise against a degree in journalism, and instead doing a degree in a specific subject then afterwards either going into postgrad journalism or finding work in journalism based on that degree.

That's my understand /at least/. Someone who's done a journalism degree may help more.

English and history would be beneficial due to essay based skills - same for all other options except media, but naturally based on your other career aspiration media would be beneficial for you in this case.


Thanks you for the reply, any idea what undergraduate degree would be best for a career in news journalism - such as everyday events?
Reply 7
Original post by epage
hey! i want to go into journalism/political journalism and im taking:

- english lit/lang (combined a level)
- english lit
- sociology
- politics
- economics

im more going for the political side of things here.

i'd say that english lit and sociology/history would be your best bets! media isnt one of the 'respected' a levels and isnt necessary at a level unless you want to do a degree in media!

english is a must id say

the BBC recommends that to get into journalism, ideally get an undergraduate degree in subject you want to write about and a postgraduate in journalism


Thank you for the reply.
That's what I thought about media as I can only do it in btec as well. However, would a coursework only subject help take the pressure off or is it not worth it?
Reply 8
i want to do history but do I need English lit for the journalism industry?
It's preferable for you to not do a degree in journalism, but to get a degree in what you want to present/report on etc. etc.

Experience/ practical experience is far more important, I've heard.

Build up your resume and practice while at university.

I see little reason to start now tbh.
Original post by Eleri26
I've just completed my GCSE's and I am hoping to continue my education at my local sixth form. I'm hoping to have a career in journalism, although the tv industry (not acting) would be my preferred option, however i'm trying to be realistic.

I'm considering:
Sociology or media (same column)
English or history (same column)
and Re
or maybe law?
Or, I could do English and History instead of sociology and media but i'm scared the work load would be too much for me to handle. Also, I'm only intending to take three as I also have to do Welsh Bac as I live in North Wales.

Anyway, any advice on what a levels to take would be a big help. Thanks in advance!


I would think that media and english are two important subjects. I guess the third would be up to you. Get as much experience as possible also.
Reply 11
Original post by XcitingStuart
It's preferable for you to not do a degree in journalism, but to get a degree in what you want to present/report on etc. etc.

Experience/ practical experience is far more important, I've heard

Build up your resume and practice while at university.

I see little reason to start now tbh.


Thanks for the reply, how do I gain experience? I live in North Wales so there isn't as many opportunities around here. Plus, what degree would be best if I wanted to go into news journalism? In which I reported daily events eg. Would re, history or sociology be the kind of degree to go for?
Original post by XcitingStuart
It's preferable for you to not do a degree in journalism, but to get a degree in what you want to present/report on etc. etc.

Experience/ practical experience is far more important, I've heard.

Build up your resume and practice while at university.

I see little reason to start now tbh.


This part doesn't matter too much right? Im thinking something that you enjoy +gives you writing skills. Since I am thinking about doing History although I want to go into journalism about video games (and of course other stuff to beef up my CV)
Reply 13
Hiya i too want to study journalism at university and i have just left school and i am not sure about one of my a levels so give me your advice as i am only required to take 3 a levels at my local sixth form:

English language.
Media studies.
Art, craft and design (a mixture of photography, textiles, product design etc.)

or

English language.
Media studies.
Film studies.

I am aware that both sets would be alright as the uni im applying to does not give specific a level requirements but which would give me the best advantage ?
I am also hoping to have a career in Journalism. I'm taking Biology, Psychology, English Literature and English Language. I'm going to drop Biology so I will be left with Psychology, English Literature and English Language. I was wondering if these subjects are the right subjects for Journalism.

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I agree with those telling you to choose a subject you want to eventually specialise in. I have 2 friends who are successful journalists. One is an arts journalist (who has a degree in fine art and masters in arts journalism) and the other is a sports journalist with a degree in something sporty (can't remember what).

Journalism is a very difficult and competitive industry. It is important to find your niche and work from there. It requires LOTS of experience to give you momentum.

Good luck!
Reply 16
so do you agree that i should take art, craft and design instead of film studies for the third a level ?
No A-level will equip you for a career in Journalism, nor will most degrees. From my experience in talking to journalists (in science), they advise writing as much as possible (!), being well-read in subjects of interest and doing a degree that you'll be passionate about and do well in.
Reply 18
Original post by nats65
so do you agree that i should take art, craft and design instead of film studies for the third a level ?


Yes, it will probably help you learn more and film studies sounds similar to media studies
Reply 19
Original post by Eleri26
Yes, it will probably help you learn more and film studies sounds similar to media studies

Okay and thank you so much for the advice.

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