Media Studies degree
I'm doing Media Studies for GCSE and BTEC Musical Theatre (3 a-level equivalent) for A-level but can I still do a Media degree at Uni even without doing it for A-level?
Reply 1
Hi there,
That’s a great question. While entry requirements vary by course and university, Media Studies itself is not usually required; some degrees may instead ask for an essay-based or humanities subject, and many have no subject-specific requirements.
For example, at Liverpool John Moores University we offer a range of Media-related courses with different entry requirements:
You can find out more about these courses here: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/subjects/journalism-media-and-film
If you’re interested in a course that does require a subject you haven’t studied at A-Level, there are still options available, such as applying with a Foundation Year, which is an extra year designed to prepare you for the full degree.
Best of luck with your university applications, and please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.
Megan (LJMU Rep)
That’s a great question. While entry requirements vary by course and university, Media Studies itself is not usually required; some degrees may instead ask for an essay-based or humanities subject, and many have no subject-specific requirements.
For example, at Liverpool John Moores University we offer a range of Media-related courses with different entry requirements:
•
BSc Business with Media Communications – no subject-specific requirements
•
BA English, Media and Cultural Studies – at least one humanities subject required
•
BA Media Production – no subject-specific requirements
•
BA Media, Culture and Communication – at least one humanities subject required
You can find out more about these courses here: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/subjects/journalism-media-and-film
If you’re interested in a course that does require a subject you haven’t studied at A-Level, there are still options available, such as applying with a Foundation Year, which is an extra year designed to prepare you for the full degree.
Best of luck with your university applications, and please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.
Megan (LJMU Rep)
Reply 2
Hi There!
My name is Josh and I am a Film Studies student at LJMU, although I did a media A Level, a lot of people on my course didn't.
Here is some information/ advice of studying a Media course at university without an A Level:
Be Passionate in Your Personal Statement
When applying to university, every student has to write a personal statement about why they are a good fit for the course. The first question you will be asked is "why do you want to study this course or subject?"
This is a great opportunity for you to be passionate about the subject- explain how you did Media Studies at GCSE and you want to continue the subject. You could mention how you are interested in the production side of film or TV and eager to learn more, etc.
The second question you will be asked is "how have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or study". Your Musical Theatre qualification will definitely help with this. You could explain how you are a creative person and you have been inspired by this BTEC to branch out into more forms of creativity. Also explain how by doing Musical Theatre, you have seen first hand experiences of directing for stage, a skill you might want to transfer to behind the camera. Also use your knowledge of Mise-en-scene on the stage and how you might want to learn and develop these skills in a different medium.
At University
I can't speak for other universities, but the Film and Media courses at LJMU act like you have no earlier education of film or media before university, so in the first year of the degrees, everyone is treated equally and students will learn the basics.
For example, if you wanted to study the Media Production course, they would teach beginner modules teaching you how to use the filming kit from scratch.
On the Film Studies degree, they teach two modules over the first year called Production Skills and Post-Production Skills, which teach students all the basic knowledge they need for filmmaking, from coming up with an idea, how to use the cameras, sound kits, lighting sets, etc. And also how to fully edit a short film.
The equipment store room allows you to book out kit whenever you want, not just for assignments. So, if you wanted to take out kit to practice and develop your skills, it is encouraged. As well as this, the technicians are incredible and if you have any questions or if you are unsure about anything, they will sit down with you and talk it through.
I hope this helps. I just wanted to show that you don't need experience studying a Media Studies A Level to study Media at university.
All the best,
From Josh
Official LJMU Student Rep
My name is Josh and I am a Film Studies student at LJMU, although I did a media A Level, a lot of people on my course didn't.
Here is some information/ advice of studying a Media course at university without an A Level:
Be Passionate in Your Personal Statement
When applying to university, every student has to write a personal statement about why they are a good fit for the course. The first question you will be asked is "why do you want to study this course or subject?"
This is a great opportunity for you to be passionate about the subject- explain how you did Media Studies at GCSE and you want to continue the subject. You could mention how you are interested in the production side of film or TV and eager to learn more, etc.
The second question you will be asked is "how have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or study". Your Musical Theatre qualification will definitely help with this. You could explain how you are a creative person and you have been inspired by this BTEC to branch out into more forms of creativity. Also explain how by doing Musical Theatre, you have seen first hand experiences of directing for stage, a skill you might want to transfer to behind the camera. Also use your knowledge of Mise-en-scene on the stage and how you might want to learn and develop these skills in a different medium.
At University
I can't speak for other universities, but the Film and Media courses at LJMU act like you have no earlier education of film or media before university, so in the first year of the degrees, everyone is treated equally and students will learn the basics.
For example, if you wanted to study the Media Production course, they would teach beginner modules teaching you how to use the filming kit from scratch.
On the Film Studies degree, they teach two modules over the first year called Production Skills and Post-Production Skills, which teach students all the basic knowledge they need for filmmaking, from coming up with an idea, how to use the cameras, sound kits, lighting sets, etc. And also how to fully edit a short film.
The equipment store room allows you to book out kit whenever you want, not just for assignments. So, if you wanted to take out kit to practice and develop your skills, it is encouraged. As well as this, the technicians are incredible and if you have any questions or if you are unsure about anything, they will sit down with you and talk it through.
I hope this helps. I just wanted to show that you don't need experience studying a Media Studies A Level to study Media at university.
All the best,
From Josh
Official LJMU Student Rep
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