• Question: In terms of the science side, which A-Levels and GCSE will I take to be a Wildlife TV presenter?

    Asked by Jacko5517 to Rupert on 5 Mar 2017.
    • Photo: Rupert Marshall

      Rupert Marshall answered on 5 Mar 2017:

      TV companies prefer people who know what they are talking about. When I am asked to be on radio or tv it’s because of what I know (or what they think I know!) You can pick up the tricks of presenting later. So make sure you study science in the area you are interested in (physics if you want to be the next Brian Cox, Biology if you want to be the next Alice Roberts). One of my students studied zoology at university and now works on lots of tv shows as a “researcher”: finding interesting stories, working out how to explain difficult ideas simply so the public understands and thinking up ways to show it all on tv: a picture says a thousand words. But good results will always help you whatever you study and you’re more likely to do well if you study something you enjoy. Finally, remember it’s good not to be tooo focussed. A little bit of art helps scientists think in different ways. Hope that helps!

Comments

  • Photo: Cedric

    Cedric commented on :

    Very cool question! I’d say depends on which science discipline you are interested in! Communicating the science is an art, and the science disciplines don’t really teach you have to present the science, you learn along the way. I love dance and games and have found a way to communicate my research via dance and educational games. 🙂

    So follow your passion!