Media Studies

Why Should You Take This Course?

The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer. The nature of the contemporary media, ongoing technological developments and more opportunities to interact with the media suggest their centrality in contemporary life can only increase jobs available in this industry, which already employs large numbers of people. This A Level offers the opportunity to develop an informed understanding of these key issues, using a comprehensive theoretical framework and key theories to support critical exploration, analysis and debate.

Course content
Learners study a range of media forms in terms of a theoretical framework in Year 1, which consists of media language, representation, media industries and audiences. The following are studied: newspapers, magazines, television, online, social and participatory media, advertising and marketing, film, music video, radio and video games. The coursework unit includes an individual media production based on two forms in response to a brief set by the exam board.
The second year includes a study of media forms and products in depth including: television in the global age, magazines, mainstream and alternative media and media in the online age. The coursework unit includes an individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of brief set by the exam board.

How will I be assessed?
The course is 70% exam and 30% coursework.

Are there any special expenses?
There are trips available to students for which you will be asked to pay.

What could I do next?
Media Studies leads to a wide range of humanities and arts courses at university and might prove useful as a steppingstone to a media career or as a route into teaching.

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How to apply for this course

Apply for this course