English or Media studies A-levels

If you are looking for an a level that is lighter in content a level media is definitely the way to go it is probably the easiest out of the a levels I do (Sociology and English Language) In terms of what is covered in media its everything in media you can imagine : Films,TV, Music, Print, Games, Newspapers, Adverts, Radio, YouTube and probably more that I can't think of. If you like essay writing that's what media mostly consists of along with some short form questions. You have questions about pre studied texts along with texts you've never seen before.
However, if you are considering Law (I don't think it matters as much with crime) like you said English a level may be a better option as I think it's highly respectedin the field. I only study English Language so I don't think I'd be able to advise you on what combined entails.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me!

Hey thanks for the advice, I was also wondering what it is you do in English language as i’m aware that it is entirely different to doing it as a GCSE, that would be really helpful in making my decision.

I'll break down English Language for you! (I'll break down what I can but I'm only in Year 12) Also content might vary from each different exam board I do Aqa. Maybe it's not as much as you'll do as I know you want to do combined.
Meanings and Representations
This is probably most similar to gcse as basically you get two unseen texts and you basically choose something that is conveyed in text and find language to back it up the depth of analysis reminds me of English Lit (gcse) obviously it'll be more in depth.
The two unseen texts are from different time periods but more less cover the same topics so you'll then be asked to compare them from a context perspective.
Language and Diversity
This is the part that is different from gcse here you'll cover a range of studies done by theorists covering a range of factors that may affect our language use e.g gender, social class, age, ethnicity etc you'll be expected to remember these studies and then debate the usefulness of different studies depending on the question that you'll get
For example you might get: Evaluate the view that social class has the biggest effect on our language use
And you'd be expected to use studies you covered in your lession to debate that view
Language and Change
This is a similar to the Language and Diversity structure where you also get a question that you need to debate based on the theories you have covered in class this time
You cover topics such as: What causes language change, different attitudes to language change and the history of the English language etc
A question you might get is: Evaluate the view that technological advancements have caused a decrease in standards in language
In this part of the exam you choose to answer one of the questions either language diversity or language and change
NEA (Coursework)
For coursework you create a creative writing piece of your choice but rather than doing this as part of the exam you do it separately
For the second part of the coursework
You look at an topic within language and collect data to essentially become a theorist
Coursework is worth like 20% of the a level
Topics I haven't yet covered
Child Language and Development
Article writing (as part of the exam paper)
I know this is a long break down but I hope it helps you make an informed decision. If you have anymore question feel free to ask.

Thank you so much for this, this has genuinely helped me so much in my decision making!! Will definitely take this all into account when finalising my options.