*COLLEGE COURSES*: I REALLY Need Help With This!???

*I'm 16 and applying for colleges.





*I am predicted 11 A*- C GCSE grades.





*My career path is Broadcasting Journalism.





*I need to know whether it would be best for me to do A-levels or a BTEC course in Journalism?





*I am currently unable to find colleges in London that do Journalism/ BTEC Journalism courses!





*PLEASE HELP! ANY ideas AT ALL!!!???*





thanx =)

*COLLEGE COURSES*: I REALLY Need Help With This!???
It sort of depends on a few things I think.





What interests you more about Broadcast Journalism the theoretical side or the practical side? (I'd assume it'd be the latter...) A BTEC is a vocational course so it's very practical and hands-on and will give you experience in a few areas and a better idea of what part of broadcast journalism you're most suited to whereas A-levels concentrate more on the theoretical aspects of the subject.





Also are you 100% sure that Broadcast Journalism is what you're destined to do or do you want to give yourself back up options? A BTEC is pretty one-tracked but by doing A-levels you'll be giving yourself better university course options (if you intend on going) because you'll meet the the entry requirements for more courses- although this only really matters if you do any scientific/mathematic A-levels and then go on to uni to do a similar course.





If you are planning on going to university then it might be worth compromising on the college course and doing the A-levels if you can't find any BTEC courses and then being more specific with your uni choices. You've probably checked it already but hotcourses.com will give you the definitive answer on the BTEC courses in London and any alternatives.





Lastly, don't underestimate how important work experience is in Media. You'll enhance your career options immensely by doing as much as possible in conjunction with your studies. It doesn't matter how small, whether it's helping out at a small company or doing hospital radio it all counts.





Good luck!
Reply:Hey -


Sounds like you're predicted fantastic GCSEs so keep up the good work.


I suggest A levels, as it might seem like the ideal career now, but if at any point you suddenly think oh God i don't want to do this, or I really wanna do something else, then it'll keep your options open.


Then you can go do a degree in English at a huge range of unis - again keeping options open, most journalists have an English degree, or you could take a journalism degree.


Good luck with it all - aim high!