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Level 3
Media Studies A-level
COURSE OVERVIEW
Media Studies encourages you to think critically about the messages you receive daily from the mass media. The syllabus covers film, newspapers, magazines, video games, radio, television and advertising. We look at media institutions -; who owns which companies and how are they run -; the outputs they produce (newspapers, TV, films, websites etc) and the audiences who watch or read them. There is a practical production unit in which students are asked to create media products in video, print or e-media. The course develops skills which are a valuable preparation for a wide range of degree subjects and career choices. Topics studied include:
- Analysis skills: You will learn how to analyse a range of media products including film, television, music, videos, magazines, the internet, newspapers, video games and advertising.
- Theoretical frameworks: You will be taught to understand media texts using the four main theoretical frameworks:
- Media language
- Representation
- Media industries
- Media audiences
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Practical production work: You will be asked to create a media product for the coursework project either in print, video or online. Your product must demonstrate the research, planning, shooting and editing skills you have developed on the course.
A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. These include detailed textual analysis of media products such as magazines and films, and in-depth studies of specific areas of media such as film, TV and advertising. More conceptual areas such as genre and representation are covered in greater detail in the 2nd year. Independent research through books and the internet is part of A Level coursework. There is substantial practical coursework throughout the two years.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including grade 4 in English Language and Maths. An interest in and awareness of what is happening in the media across film, television, print and the internet. You should enjoy research work and the challenge of working independently. You need to be prepared to tackle difficult theoretical issues and read up on current media issues and debates
This is a subject that complements a diverse range of other analytical subjects such as Film Studies, English, History, Law, Criminology and Psychology, or can broaden an interest in Media and the Arts in combination with Fine Art, Photography, Performing Arts, Drama and Dance. Students more interested in the business of technological aspects of the media often take IT or Business Studies alongside. Many students choose to study the media further and go on to take academic degree courses in film, media and cultural studies. Others decide to take more practical degree courses in subjects such as television production, journalism and video editing. If you decide not to continue your study of the media any further, an A Level in Media Studies will still support your application to a huge range of unrelated university courses and career paths. It is very difficult but not impossible to progress straight from an A Level in Media Studies to working in the media. Most media careers will expect you to have studied at a higher level.
The media production coursework unit will be worth 30% of the marks. It will be internally marked and externally moderated. The remainder of the course will be assessed through two examinations sat at the end of the second year, both externally marked.
No additional costs or equipment required. The Media & Film department lends out all necessary practical equipment. However, if you have access to your own digital SLR camera, this would benefit practical work.
• You need to develop the ability to question and criticise the media and to develop your own independent response to texts. • You must be willing to learn the practical and technical skills needed to create original media products. • You will need to produce quality practical coursework and write coherent and analytical essays. • You need to understand and apply media concepts, theories and debates.