Media Studies

• Course Overview
• Assessment & Examination
• Resources
• Prior Knowledge
• Beyond The Course
• Entry Requirements

Course Overview

This A Level Media Studies qualification is based on the theoretical framework for analysing and creating media, which provides you with the tools to develop a critical understanding and appreciation of the media.

The framework consists of four inter-related areas:

• Media language: how the media through their forms, codes, conventions and techniques communicate meanings;
• Representation: how the media portray events, issues, individuals and social groups;
• Media industries: how the media industries' processes of production, distribution and circulation affect media forms and platforms;
• Audiences: how media forms target, reach and address audiences, how audiences interpret and respond to them, and how members of audiences become producers themselves.

Assessment & Examination

The Media course is comprised of three separate elements:

Component 1: Meaning and Representations in the Media - a 2 hour exam worth 30% of the qualification. This component covers all of the following media forms: music videos; video games; advertising; film marketing; newspapers and radio news/current affairs programmes.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth - a 3 hour exam worth 40% of the qualification. This component assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, media industries and audiences.

Component 3: Media Production - a non-exam assessment worth 30% of the qualification. An individual media production comprising a single media product created in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board, applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence.

Resources

You will only need to bring basic stationery and paper to lessons. All equipment for production is provided on a loan basis by the College, on the understanding that equipment will be looked after properly.

Prior Knowledge

There is no expectation that you have any prior knowledge of Media Studies. However, it is expected that you have a keen interest in different areas of media, and keep up to date with different sectors such as television, film, music, radio, newspapers, magazines and online media.

Beyond The Course

This course provides a suitable foundation for the study of Media Studies or a related area on a range of Higher Education degree courses, or for employment in a number of media-related industries.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Level 6 in English.

Entry to Sixth Form also requires:

• GCSE Level 5 in Maths;
• Four other GCSEs at Level 5, in addition to English and Maths.