What Next? Media and Film Studies

Media, Film UCAS and Beyond....

Media and University

• The next few slides will talk about different media courses at university

• You may be considering doing media or something media-related at university ( many of our students do!) and may like some advice to get you started on finding the right course for you

• Even if this is not part of your plans at this stage, it is always worth being aware what’s on offer

HE and Careers in The Media• There are 2 routes you can take into Media

Studies …

1)A general Media Studies degree (BA/BAHons)( theory/ practical or a combination of both)

Communications and Cultural studies are often combined with this (sociology)

2) OR specialise in a chosen field

Specialised Courses• Journalism (Broadcast/Sport/Magazine)• Photo- journalism• TV /Film/Radio Production (practical based degree)• Visual Arts ( Arts based course – interview and portfolio or Foundation in

Art required)• Creative Writing ( writing for TV/Film – screenwriting)• Animation and design• Graphic Design• Advertising• PR • Games Design• Webpage design • Business etc…

AND you can do combined degrees! E.g. English and Film, Spanish and Film, Media and Business Studies are some of the most common.

The Media Industry

• There are serious skills shortages in areas like digital technology and multiplatform capability, broadcast engineering, business and commercial know-how, visual effects and craft-orientated jobs.

• Graduates now make up 73 per cent of the workforce and more than half (53 per cent) of all degrees held are media related.

Media/Film Blog

• http://medfilmwhatnext.blogspot.com/

Recommended Local Courses• Journalism – UCLAN

• Media Production (Film etc..) - Salford University, - Leeds Met Uni,- Leeds University - Leeds Trinity ,- Birmingham, - Manchester Met University.

Further Afield • Cardiff University• Sheffield University• Warwick• Leeds• Newcastle • Loughborough• Goldsmiths ( London)• Stirling• Napier (Edinburgh)• Bournemouth (GCI and animation) • Kings College London

• GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE

Experience• Places for good Media and Film related degrees are competitive –

some experience that makes you stand out from the crowd and shows a commitment to the subject beyond the classroom is a must!

• What Can I Do? - Join the college newspaper- The creative writing group- Film Academy / Film Club- Work experience – write to local newspapers, radio stations (The Bee)

media companies- Exploit your contacts!- Write a blog!- Write online reviews e.g. films- Create a portfolio of short films etc…

Apprenticeships

• BBC Jobs North

Your UCAS Form

Whether you intend to do something media related or not, you will all have to write a small section on Media Studies in your UCAS Personal Statement.

Aims of Session

• To think through what you could say

• To write a draft paragraph on Media Studies

Purpose of Paragraph

Before you write, be aware of what you are trying to achieve:

•To “sell” yourself as an interesting academic prospect – to make you stand out as an individual applicant

•To show how Media Studies has helped prepare you for your chosen course of study – angle I to what you will be doing at uni

•To showcase your mature writing skills

What Topics Have We Covered at AS Media

• Introduction to Media Language (Induction

• TV Drama

• The Music Industry

• The Foundation Portfolio (coursework)

What Topics Have We Covered in AS Film

• Introduction to Film Language, Genre and Narrative (Induction)

• British and Hollywood Film

• British Film and Genre - Horror

• US Comparison Study - WOTW

• The Creative Project and Micro analysis essay (coursework)

What Skills Have We Developed?Academic Skills:

• Analysis • Essay Writing • Researching • Preparing and Presenting a Talk• Evaluation Skills• Note-taking• Presenting Information

What Skills Have We Developed?

Practical Skills :

• Market Research• Planning • Using Digital Technology – cameras, editing

software Creating a realistic product• Audience Testing

What Skills Have We Developed?Personal Skills :

• Independent Learning • Problem-solving • Organisation • Time Management • Communication Skills• ICT Skills – blogs, PowerPoint, Slideshare,

Youtube....• Group Work

Year 13 Media Studies ...• What are you looking forward to most in the A2 part of

the course?

• What further skills are you hoping to develop?– Wider range of practical skills (video and print)– More creativity/ experimentation in practical projects –

trying new techniques – eg?– Creating a brand image carried across products– Sharper engagement in critical debate – developing and

supporting points of view with more independence– More independent learning skills – a lot more

individualised research

Year 13 Film Studies• You will expand you knowledge and understanding of film through analysis of

World Cinema – New Waves ( Korean and Dogme.)

• You will study the issue of spectatorship– exploring how audiences respond to films – theory and debate ideas.

• Wider range of practical skills (video and print)- More creativity/ experimentation in film/ screenwriting projects – trying new techniques – eg?

• Sharper engagement in critical debate – developing and supporting points of view with more independence.

• More independent learning skills – a lot more individualised research – particularly with the Small Scale Research Projects coursework.

Writing Your Paragraph• It only needs to be short, so you don’t need to

cover everything – pick what features you think most relate to your chosen course of study

• If you hope to apply for a media-related course, you will probably wish to write a little more than if you are not and will comment on media related skills

• If not applying for a media-related course, focus on elements of the course that relate closest to the courses you are applying for – the transferable skills.

Tips and Advice• Be precise and specific to be individual – add an example

or two as you go• Focus on what interests you in this subject, what skills you

feel you have learned and how these will benefit your future studies

• If you have chosen a media related degree course, you will need to state why you have chosen this course. You could also state what job you hope to pursue at the end of the course and why.

• If you have chosen a non-media degree, try to state how you think what you have learnt in this subject will help you in your chosen course.

• Write clearly and accurately. Check spelling, punctuation and grammar.

• It should not sound like you talking to your friends but like something written – reasonably formal.

After Writing….

• Read each sentence slowly to make sure it makes sense – get a friend to check it.

• Scrutinise each word for spelling accuracy.• Read it again and ask if it would persuade you

to make you an offer – ask for a second opinion!

• Get your subject teacher to check it!