Media Studies seeks to deepen your understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the media, specifically how audiences respond to the different representations. By studying the media at A Level, you will develop your skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection. We will also introduce you to the growing globalisation of the media and help you appreciate its power. We follow the WJEC specification.
“I’m pleased I chose Media as one of my subjects as it has not only allowed me to have an in-depth insight into different forms of media, it has also helped develop my creativity through practical tasks. My favourite part of the course has been making our own piece of media. For example, we created our own opening title sequences and adverts. I enjoyed learning about different aspects of filmmaking such as shot types and editing during this process. The other, non-practical aspects of the course are highly interesting and enjoyable too.”
Millie
Mr Elphick
Head of Media
Media Studies can be an excellent subject to study for those who wish to pursue a career in the media industry including journalism, TV and in Britain’s growing film industry. Because of its emphasis on textual analysis (we watch a lot of film and TV – our ‘texts’), Media sits nicely with other humanities subjects such as English, Philosophy and History. It is also a highly enjoyable ‘stand-alone’ subject for anyone who is interested in the media. Media Studies has been a highly successful department since its inception at the College. Our expectations are of 100% A – Cs and both the text viewing and making instil and reinforce an intellectual rigour which you will carry with you into higher education.
Year 1
1. Investigating the media
This unit covers music videos, advertising, newspapers, radio, social media and film. It is divided into three sections:
- Selling images – advertising and music video
- News in the online age
- Film industries – from Wales to Hollywood
2. Creating a media production
This coursework unit allows you to create your own production – this year the brief is to produce an opening sequence to a horror film, although there is some room for a wider choice. You will also produce an illustrated reflective analysis of your production piece.
Year 2
3. Media in the global age
This examination unit promotes your knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, media industries and audiences. The unit is divided into three sections:
- Television in the global age
- Magazines – changing representations
- Media in the digital age – video games
4. Creating a cross-media production
This coursework unit will involve individual investigative research and development of a media text. You will also produce an illustrated reflective analysis of this production piece.
Assessment
There are two exam papers of 2 hours 30 minutes each.
Paper 1 is on Investigating the media and makes up 24% of the A Level.
Paper 2 is on Media in the global age and makes up 36% of the A Level.
The non-exam assessment on Creating a media production makes up 16% of the A Level.
The non-exam assessment on Creating a cross-media production makes up 24% of the A Level.
Entry Requirements
Minimum 54444 including minimum Level 5 in English Language or Literature GCSE.
Back to all courses