Media Studies

If you are interested in how the media influences and shapes the way we think about and react to the world we live in, then A level media studies may be of interest to you. You may already have some knowledge of the subject from GCSE but you don't need to have studied it already to do the A level course, though you should have a critical interest in media and good essay writing skills. Media studies A level complements subjects such as English Language or Literature, history and modern languages as well as social science subjects such as politics, psychology and sociology. It's useful for a variety of media related jobs and courses but will also give you a useful set of transferable skills that can be used in a range of careers.

This course is a combination of analysing theory and developing creative media industry skills. You'll explore newspapers, magazines, television, online, social and participatory media as well as focusing on advertising and marketing, film, music video, radio and video games. You will discover the ways media industries operate and target global audiences and explore media products made outside of the UK and US, including non-English language television. You'll study audiences and the ways media impacts viewers, listeners and readers. You'll develop the skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis. You'll engage in critical debate about academic theories of media and become proficient in the use of software and equipment for creating your own media products in either audio, visual, digital publishing or web design formats.

You'll learn through classroom based lectures, talks and discussions and practical hands-on experience of using a range of technologies and programs to produce your own media texts. There will be visits to media related organisations and events and the opportunity to hear from media professionals and higher education representatives.

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course. There are 2 written examination papers lasting 2 hours 15 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. You will also complete coursework to a brief set by the exam board that will count for 30% of your overall grade.

Minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least grade 4 in Maths. Additionally, this course requires Grade 5 in either English Language or Media Studies.

You could move on to to a media studies or related degree such as journalism, marketing, TV/radio/film, advertising or public relations. Apprenticeship opportunities exist in broadcasting, journalism and marketing. Youll have transferable skills including: analysis, visual communication, problem solving, communication, presentation and organisational skills as well as technical know how, such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro that are useful in a range of non-media careers.