WHAT BACKGROUND DO I NEED?

A strong and critical interest in the media is essential for doing well in A level Media Studies but it is not necessary to have studied Media at GCSE. It is an essay-based subject and suits students who have flourished in subjects like English Literature or History. Because the content of A level Media Studies is firmly embedded within cultural, socio-political and economic life, it sits well alongside and supports work in subjects like English Literature, History, Sociology, Film Studies and Politics, though you must of course ensure that your sixth-form programme is broad enough to meet entrance requirements at the universities you apply for later on.

For the student with ambitions to follow a more creative career A level Media Studies combines well with BTEC Creative Media courses. As a rule, students who have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSE’s 9-4 (equivalent to A*-C) will fare better in this increasingly academic subject.