Progression: HE Research

What is higher education?

Higher education is post-secondary education, wether this be at college or university. Higher education offers qualifications from Level 3 to to Level 8. I am currently studying a Level 3 course, 'Creative Media Practice'

Types of HE options:

  • University
  • Higher Apprenticeships 
  • Scholarships

Courses that would interest me:

I have always enjoyed writing, especially in an online format. I have experience in online journalism through my placement at 'A Love Supreme'. Through conversing with Dan, my mentor, I have considered studying journalism at university. I have also attended at talk with Andrew Glover, a lecturer of journalism from Sunderland University, which further informed me about journalism. When weighing out my options for higher education options I will make sure to look in to courses surrounding journalism. 

I also enjoy filmmaking and videography, which is something I have always been interested in. Film can often be very literary and has a large online community. I enjoy online discourse and frequently contribute to sites such as 'Letterboxd', 'Rotten Tomatoes', and 'Reddit'. This incorporates skills that are useful in both journalism and film. Film journalism is a potential option, which is usually presented in the format of online blogging or column journalism for a publication. Film can be studied as it's own degree, which is something I will consider.

Courses I have considered:

Upon researching several courses from a range different universities, I have selected the courses that I think I would consider studying upon completion of my studies at college. These include:

Film and Philosophy at Dundee University: 

  • UCAS Code: VP53 
  • Start date: September 2022
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Study mode: Full Time
  • Location: Dundee City Campus
From the Dundee University website, Film and Philosophy is described as:

"Combining your philosophy and film studies gives you a wide range of modules to choose from. Philosophy explores our existence using critical thinking and argument. We specialise in continental (European) philosophy and teach key texts from the European tradition. We help you look at how philosophy is important to real-world concerns and contemporary issues by:
  • exploring films and artwork
  • discussing important scientific and technological developments
  • debating controversial ethical issues
  • looking at how texts written 300 years ago can be relevant to political situations today

At Levels 1 and 2 you'll receive a grounding in ancient and modern philosophy and be introduced to fundamental ideas concerning ethics, epistemology (the nature of knowledge), and metaphysics (the nature of reality).

You then specialise at Levels 3 and 4 by drawing on a range of philosophy modules taught by lecturers engaging in interdisciplinary research.

For the film modules we start with a study of film from its origins, exploring key film techniques and genres, before moving on to study classic Hollywood film, international cinemas, and Film Noir. We then expand on this foundational knowledge to look at topics including:
  • art cinema
  • film theory
  • the intersections between film and theatre, and film and literature"
Entry requirements: 

Level 1: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with DDM

Level 2: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with DDD

Journalism at Leeds Beckett University:

Leeds Beckett University has the tariff of 112 UCAS points to enter 1st year Journalism. Using the UCAS tariff calculator, I have worked out I will need approximately DDM. This roughly equates to 128 UCAS points.


Career prospects:

"You will be primed with the strong practical and multimedia skills demanded in today’s newsrooms and exciting opportunities in news, digital content creation and digital agencies will be open to you. You will also benefit from our staff’s close links to regional and national broadcasting, print and online media industries. In the past, our students have completed placements with the BBC, ITV, magazines and national newspapers and have gone on to work for media organisations across the world."

Graduates have been employed in these industry roles:
  • Copywriter
  • Researcher
  • News Editor
Journalism at Teeside University:

I have considered studying journalism at Teeside as it is relatively close to where I am currently situated, in Sunderland. This would significantly reduce living costs whilst studying at university as I could potentially stay home and not have to pay as much for things such as rent and utility bills. 

From the Teeside University website, Journalism at Teeside is described as:

"Our aim is to ensure a high-quality student experience whilst meeting the needs of a rapidly transforming industry at a time of unprecedented global world change. 

Journalists graduating from Teesside are equipped with the necessary storytelling skills to succeed across multiple media platforms. Last year more than 80% of our final-year students received a first-class or 2.1 degree whilst student work is nationally recognised for its excellence. 

Studying journalism at Teesside, you begin by learning the basics of original content creation – how to find a story, discover your individual voice, and expand your interests and knowledge. You understand how stories are reframed for digital and social media, and how to set up your own website and generate revenue.

Whether your passion is sport, fashion, music or traditional news, we aim to ensure that you are industry-ready to take up your chosen career."

Film and Television at Newcastle University:

  • Fees (per year)
  • Home: £9,250
  • International: £21,000
  • Entry requirements
  • A Level: ABB
  • IB: 32 points
  • UCAS Institution name and code: NEWC / N21
From the Newcastle University website, Film and Television is described as:

"Our three-year Film and Media degree focuses on developing your practical skills in documentary film-making alongside an understanding of journalism practice. You’ll also explore media and cultural studies, so you graduate ready for your role in industry.

"Your degree is led by our experienced academics and award-winning film-makers. You will develop a range of professional skills to prepare you for your future, such as:
  • documentary film-making skills
  • writing and multimedia practice for journalism
  • critical reflection and essay-writing skills
  • online communication and media analysis

You will become a sophisticated, creative and confident documentary film-maker, able to contextualise your own film practice within media, journalism and creative industries."

As stated by this description, Film and Television practices writing and multimedia practice for journalism. This is advantageous is it fits the criteria of what skills I want to gather from studying this course.

Using 'The University Table':

Using UCAS to apply:

UCAS is an independent charity providing information, advice, and admissions services. I am to apply for the above stated universities using UCAS. Common practice for UCAS is to write a personal statement. I feel like completing this research has aided in what I should include in my personal statement.

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