MEDIA AND FILM DEGREE COURSES

Typically, you will find courses under the following headings:

Film and Television Studies - academic/ largely theoretical courses
Cultural Studies - academic/largely theoretical courses, strong links with sociology
Communications - academic/largely theoretical courses/strong links with New Media and Cultural/Social Studies
New or interactive media/digital media/multi-media/media technology - practical and theory mix, focus is on interactive/online media and technology
Media/TV/Film/Video Production - largely practical, industry driven courses which include placements and specialised training
Media Arts, Media Design - highly creative content, strong links with Art + design
Journalism/Broadcast Journalism - practical and theoretical mix, industry driven courses with strong focus on specialised training and industrial placements
Advertising/PR/Marketing - academic and theory mix, focus on specialised training and placements. You may be better specialising later on if you are not sure you definitely want to work in this area of the industry

A different approach is recommended for those of you applying for theory courses as opposed to practical.
Theory courses - you have more time to apply, you don't need a showreel, they interview less and are looking for a different set of skills evidenced in your application. They are still very competitive but the process is more standard and less specialised.
Practical courses - usually require a showreel of work and almost always interview applicants. These are very competitive courses and you really should have more film work than just the projects you have completed on your course.