ItC or Media

[Letitbee]

Can anyone give me a simple explanation of the difference between ITC and Media A levels and the sort of Degree's and or jobs each would lead to ? Would either of them work well with Art and Photography ?

Media studies qualifications at any level (degree/A-level/GCSE) aren't worth the paper they're written on IMO (media background)

None of my dc's schools does ICT beyond GCSE so I don't know how the A-level would compare but generally as a subject it's not regarded as favourably as Computer Science

So personally unless your dc is really keen on the subject I would steer clear

It depends on the qualification and exam board. Some courses focus on different aspects, depending on the teacher/ facilities/ exam board preference etc. I know of Media courses that are very ICT based and ICT courses that are almost computing in content. I would find out some background from the teachers first.

This 'Informed Choices' guide might help

Thanks I really need to look at the course content don't I -Thanks

DD did Media Studies A level and it seemed to be mostly about film, TV, advertising. She had to make a short film as part of the coursework. There was lots of examination of texts, lyrics, scripts etc.

My daughter is a photography degree student currently. She advises to look at the syllabus.

Media is likely to help with the contextual and essay side. Something many artists find more difficult.

ICT however (she did Level 2 OCR Nationals at school) which was a very practical course (what most people would describe as soft) has been the most helpful course she ever did after Maths and English. With Gove's influence though more of these courses are becoming more coding/computer science, in which case they may not be as useful as the course content she followed.

Your question about degrees. She has only had experience of commercial photography degrees. The quality courses with a good reputation are very competitive on entry although the exam choices and grades are not so much of an issue. It is the portfolio and interview which are the crux and if you haven't managed to put together a quality portfolio then they will probably advise you do an art foundation year after A levels and before you start a degree. So, A level choices which enable you to put together a great portfolio would possibly avoid that advice but, for general ability and employability, a more wide-ranging A level choice might be better.

As for jobs, the arts are a difficult one but you do learn a lot of transferrable skills. On her Level 3 BTEC course, some students were already being commissioned for payment during it but you have to be good - very good.