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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.
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.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including grade 4 in English Language and Maths.
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.