Media Studies A Level
Overview
We're really pleased to say that this course had 100% pass rate in 2018.
A Level pathways are designed to prepare you for higher education. You are expected to choose three A Levels. Subjects that compliment Media Studies are English and Film Studies, though you could choose from a wide range of Social Science and Humanities subjects.
Course description
This course is based on 4 main areas of study: media concepts, media platforms (e.g. TV/film, digital/web-based media, newspapers/magazines), media debates (e.g. Reality TV, Regulation and censorship) and practical production.
You will develop your understanding and appreciation of the media and also create a media product e.g. a video, magazine or website.
You will also be expected to complete a work placement as part of your programme of study; study skills and employability skills will be developed with the help of your personal tutor.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation and with health and safety of our students as a priority, we have redesigned this course to include a mixture of classroom-based and online learning.
What areas will I study?
AS units available:
- Module 1 - Investigating Media In this unit you will learn about the key concepts of representation, institutions, media language including narrative, and media audiences. Assessment will be a written paper of 2 hours.
Examination: 50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A Level marks, 2 hours
- Module 2 - Creating Media For this unit you will create two media products. This may involve video production as part of a group, creating pages for a newspaper or magazine or creating web pages for an internet site.
Coursework: The creation of two linked production pieces 50% of AS marks, 25% of the total A Level marks A2 units available:
- Module 3 - Critical Perspectives This unit will enable you to develop your approach to analysing the role of the media in today's society by referring to the wider contexts which affect and influence media content. You will consider media debates such as media technology and the digital revolution and the effect of globalisation on the media. Assessment will be a written paper of 2 hours.
Examination: 25% of the total A Level marks, 2 hours
- Module 4 - Media: Research and Production This involves researching a topic of your choice and producing an extended written report. This will be followed by creating a media product which is linked to the topic you have investigated.
Examination: 25% of the total A Level marks, 2 hours Coursework: 25% of the total A Level marks
AS Examination 1571 A2 Examination 2571