Media communication and production

What is it? A vocational A-level (AVCE) in which you investigate television, radio and print journalism and put what you've learnt into practice by producing videos, audio, newspapers and magazines.

Why do it? For the chance to, for example, make your own advertisements, sports reports or produce your own magazine. The course will also give you an insight into the way the media industry works.

What skills do you need? Most colleges will want you to have four grade Cs at GCSE.

How much practical work is there? It's a vocational qualification so you'll learn all the techniques and technological skills you need to put your ideas into practice. Last year one of the best practical projects was a short video about a puppet called Fat Eric. "It was great," says Philip Holmes, chief examiner in media: communication and production for Edexcel. "The timing, sound effects and editing were spot-on."

Ratio of coursework to exams: 75:25. The exams focus on applying your knowledge to the media industry. For one test, this year's students were given a brief from the charity Alcohol Concern for a video drawing young people's attention to the dangers of underage drinking. In the exam, they had to write up their proposal and treatment for the charity.

Is it hard? "Some students find it difficult to develop an understanding of the media because it's all around them and they've never looked at it critically before," says Philip Holmes.

Who takes it? "It's traditionally a male-orientated subject, but that's changing," says Philip Holmes. "Girls should not be afraid of technology and many of them do very well at the subject."

How cool is it? "It's a great qualification because you get to pose with a camera on your shoulder," says Philip Holmes. "People who do this course can go on to become directors, producers or camera operators. They might even follow in Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park's footsteps and get an Oscar for their work."

Added value: You'll be able to impress your friends with your knowledge of how the media is produced. Just by watching a TV programme or film you'll be able to tell how the makers used lighting, editing and sound to get the effect they wanted.

What subjects go with it? Sociology and psychology.

What degrees does it lead to? A wide range of media studies and production courses. There are many new degrees in new media and web design.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? "Yes. It's a great first step," says Philip Holmes. "The course gives you the understanding of the media and the technical skills to get ahead."

What do the students say? "I made a radio documentary about Eric Clapton as part of the course," says Chris Heath, 19, who is also studying AS Sociology at the East Down Institute in Downpatrick. "An ex-student is a producer on Men Behaving Badly and he taught us for a day, which was great. I'd like to go into radio production."

Which awarding bodies offer it? AQA, Edexcel and OCR.

How widely available is it around the country? It's available in many colleges, and schools are now starting to offer it. Edexcel currently has 200 centres that do the course.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk