The best A Levels to take if you want to study a degree in Media
While media encompasses various disciplines, such as journalism, film, advertising and public relations, having a solid foundation in supporting A Level courses can provide a significant advantage when pursuing a media-related degree. Choosing which degree itself can be an overwhelming decision, so in this blog we will set out the top five A Levels that will give you a head start and prepare you for a successful journey into the world of higher education media studies.
English
English A Levels can help with your creative writing skills, analysing language and evaluating underlying messages. This subject can deepen your understanding of how to assign meaning to words and give language a purpose. Exploring literature from different periods, genres and cultures is included in most English A Levels and the comprehension of these pieces is highly relevant in media studies. Many theories that are studied in English A Levels are also used in media, so you may already have some base knowledge about key concepts that you can develop within a media degree.
Media Studies
Media Studies at A Level will give you an insight into the type of content to expect in a degree — and will also give you a good idea as to whether pursuing a career in the media industry would be suitable for you. At A Level you will have the opportunity to learn and apply skills such as media production, media analysis, media research, filming, photography and design. These practical aspects of the course will give you some hands-on experience in creating media content, analysing texts and conducting research, which are highly valuable skills for progressing to a media degree at university.
Sociology
Sociology is another beneficial A Level to have if you are contemplating a degree in media because it involves theoretical study, a good deal of research and communication — all useful for media students. Sociology provides a basic understanding of the correlation between media and the way society functions and whether mass media has any impact on social structure. The subject will equip you with the tools to analyse media representations, identify biases and question the ways in which power is exercised within the media industry.
Understanding these dynamics will allow you to engage with media critically and contribute to the creation of more inclusive and representative media content.
Psychology
Psychology A Level will help you to grasp the essential criteria of human behaviour and how people interact with both media and social technology. You will use critical analysis, as well as investigative, writing, research and interviewing skills in this subject which will prepare you well for the content of a media degree. By studying A Level Psychology, you gain insights into how media messages shape beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. Understanding the persuasive techniques employed in media, such as advertising and marketing, enables you to critically analyse content and its impact on audience perceptions and actions.
Film Studies
Students of A Level Film Studies develop excellent intellectual, communicative, writing and research skills as well as being able to pursue their appreciation for film as an art form. Studying film history, genres and styles will give you an understanding of the techniques used in visual storytelling, such as cinematography, editing, sound design and production, which could all be useful in progressing to a media degree.
Any combination of the A Levels above — English, Media Studies, Sociology, Psychology and Film Studies — will provide a solid foundation for students aspiring to study media at university. Each of the subjects will develop critical thinking, analytical skills and a broad understanding of what today’s media is and its impact on society.
Each subject will benefit students in a unique way to give them a base from which to progress to future degree study and develop their knowledge further with the aim of creating media content that is interesting and engaging.
However, that said, many universities will consider a very wide range of A Level choices as an entry requirement for a degree in media. So don’t get too bogged down in stressing about which are the best A Levels to take. The above list is a guide, but the best advice is always to take subjects that you enjoy and are good at, which will usually secure you the best grades.
