Media Studies
The media play a central role in culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer. The media have real relevance and importance in our lives today, providing us with ways to communicate, with forms of cultural expression and the ability to participate in key aspects of society.
Sixth Form (Year 12-13)
Examination Board: EDUQAS
Course Description
In A Level Media Studies, you will look at a wide range of media products and analyse how the media communicate meanings in a variety of forms. You will debate key critical questions related to the social, cultural, political and economic role of the media and consider the dynamic relationships between media products, media industries and audiences. You will also consider established media forms alongside more contemporary forms, developing an awareness of emerging and evolving media.
You will have the opportunity to develop media production skills in different forms, applying your knowledge and understanding of the theory to media forms and products. You will have the chance to work with industry-standard video, photo editing and desktop publishing software. You will be able to choose between a choice of briefs and forms within which to work, enabling you to explore and pursue your own media interests, whether this is making your own films using a camera or phone, or taking your photography beyond your Tumblr and Instagram pages.
Assessment
Paper 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences (2 hours and 15 minutes, worth 35%)
Paper 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth (2 hours and 30 minutes, worth 35%)
NEA (Coursework) worth 30%: This component assesses one production and its evaluative analysis. Learners produce an individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence.
Entry Requirements
GCSE Film Studies or GCSE Media Studies are helpful but not a requirement. Where students have completed the GCSE Film course, a Grade 5 or higher is required.
Where might it lead?
Media Studies can help open doors to careers in:
- Advertising
- Broadcast Journalist
- Digital Marketer
- Event Manager
- Film Director
- Location Manager
- Marketing
- Market Researcher
- Media Buyer
- Media Planner
- Media Researcher
- Producer
- Production Coordinator
- Public Relations
- Runner – broadcasting/film/video
- Social Media Manager
- UX Designer
- Web Content Manager
- Writer
Student Destinations
Patrick Hemsley
2024 Offers from:
- Bournemouth University – Film
- University of Reading – Film & Television
- University of Salford – Television and Radio Production
- Solent University (Southampton) – Film & Television
- University of South Wales – Film
Elliott Rabinowitz
2024 Offers from:
- University of Glasgow – English Literature/Film & Television Studies
- MetFilm – Practical Filmmaking (3-Year)
- Arts University Plymouth – Film & Screen Arts (Extended Degree)
- University of Warwick – Film and Literature
