Media Studies A level

Step 1: Apply

Step 2: Interviews and taster events

As part of your application you will be invited to book an interview, to discuss your chosen course, where you will meet with an academic tutor from your chosen area of study for an informal discussion about your course choices, to ensure you have chosen the best course for your future ambitions.

This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss anything about the course that you are unsure about. Please ensure you check your confirmation email for full details, so you do not miss your appointment.

You are initially only able to book an interview for your first choice course, please let us know if you would subsequently like to be able to book interviews for other courses by emailing admissions@paston.ac.uk

Step 3: Offer

This stage provides you with an outcome of your recent interview, which will confirm if you have been made an offer of a place on your chosen course.

All offers are provisional until the point of enrolment and most of our course offers are conditional, meaning there is entry criteria you need to meet before enrolling. This will be outlined in your offer letter.

Sometimes we are unable to offer you a place on your chosen course. If this happens the reasons will be discussed with you at your appointment and we will look at alternative options with you. We will be in contact to confirm the outcome and what to do next. We also have a team of specialist Course Advisers who are more than happy to look at alternative options with you and answer any questions you may have.

Step 4: Enrolment

Enrolment is the final stage before starting your course with us and takes place within the last two weeks of August. We require you to be available to attend your appointment in person at college, so we can complete all the required steps to enrolling you on your chosen course.

We may ask you to bring some documents with you so please read your enrolment invitation carefully.

Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster film, downloading a favourite track from itunes, or talking to friends via social networks, you are immersed in the world of the media. This two year course looks at the role of the media within society. You will study a range of media forms including advertising and marketing, film, magazines, music video, newspapers, online media, radio, television and video games. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of the nature of the media considering the effect of different national contexts, the global reach of media industries and the targeting of audiences on a national and global scale. You will gain a deeper understanding of the history behind some of the changes that have taken place within media. You will develop knowledge of how these changes have led to the evolution of changed media forms, such as the impact of changing and evolving platforms for film, radio, video games, music videos, television dramas and magazines. You will also have the unique opportunity to create a music video and explore media in a digital age that will introduce you to the exciting and changing world of media both domestically, globally and in the contemporary digital world. You will be taught by expert teachers with previous industry experience and will also have the opportunity to network with industry professionals from the BBC and ITV. You will also be able to showcase your work at the annual Paston Film Night and attend subject related trips. We have previously taken students to film sets and the Harry Potter Studio Tour. This course is suitable for critical thinkers and those who can demonstrate an ability to make informed arguments and engage in critical debates. You will also need to be willing to learn new practical skills and develop your understanding and knowledge of digital media products. You will be assessed through two written examinations based on industries and audiences, media products and media forms. You will also complete one non exam assessment that focuses on cross media production.

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 plus 5 at grade 7 and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or Russel Group.

This course provides a suitable foundation for a range of higher education degree courses. Former students are now working for BBC television and radio, Radio Norwich, Disney, North Norfolk Radio, Norwich City Football Club, Heart Radio, Anglia TV, Island Records and Tiger Aspect.