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A-levels or UAL level 3 extended diploma?

I'm doing my GCSEs this year and have gotten offers from two sixth forms. One is a specialist college for film and TV that does a UAL lvl 3 extended diploma in creative media and technology, and the other sixth form I have chosen to do A-levels in maths, history and film studies (and maybe computer science).

I want to pursue a career in film-making, but I'm worried that taking a btec would affect my chances of getting into a good university. I was also thinking that I should do a more academic degree rather than an arts degree to have better financial security? Or to take a film degree but learn to code and have a day job in coding while doing film on the side and then go full time in film when I can earn a better salary?

I would appreciate some advice. Thanks
Take A-levels if you are unsure about what you want to do in the future, on the other hand task the BTECH if you how what you would like to do. Both give you an equal chance, it’s just one is more aimed towards a certain career path.
I had this problem when I was choosing however I took the vocational route (BTECH) and I’m immensely happy that I did, it’s more interesting as this is my desired career and I feel I’m getting more experience !!!

The choice is yours.
Original post by moonmilk
I'm doing my GCSEs this year and have gotten offers from two sixth forms. One is a specialist college for film and TV that does a UAL lvl 3 extended diploma in creative media and technology, and the other sixth form I have chosen to do A-levels in maths, history and film studies (and maybe computer science).

I want to pursue a career in film-making, but I'm worried that taking a btec would affect my chances of getting into a good university. I was also thinking that I should do a more academic degree rather than an arts degree to have better financial security? Or to take a film degree but learn to code and have a day job in coding while doing film on the side and then go full time in film when I can earn a better salary?

I would appreciate some advice. Thanks


The best film making degrees (where you’ll be trained on industry standard equipment and gain practical experience and contacts in industry as well as skills in securing funding and all the practical sides of film making - essentially the film schools that are CILECT members) will require a showreel for selection. If you take academic A levels then I would recommend looking into producing an artefact EPQ as well to give you more experience and material for your showreel. Also prepare to be rejected (a majority of applicants will be for the best courses) and told to take a one year lens/media based foundation diploma after your A levels.

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