Media Studies A Level

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Overview

If you'd like to make the change from school life, you can study A levels in a college environment. Many of our students go on to enjoy a broad range of opportunities after completing their A Levels with us.

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.

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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.

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

Student Comments

Students' perspectives: 'I studied A Levels in English Literature, Film Studies and Media and got three grade As! I am going to study BA (Hons) Journalism at Liverpool John Moores University. I want to thank all my tutors at Bournville for their support and pushing me to achieve more than I ever expected.'

Course options

Age range Start Fees Duration Further Information
16-18 September 2022, Duration: 1 Academic year - 1 Academic year Any course under level 4 for 16-18 year olds is likely to be free.
19-23 (no level 3 qualification) September 2022, Duration: 1 Academic year - 1 Academic year Any course under level 4 for 19-23 year olds without a full level 3 qualification is likely to be free, please contact the college for further information
19-23 (with 1 or more level 3 qualifications) September 2022, Duration: 1 Academic year £2896.00 1 Academic year You may be eligible for an advanced learning loan; please visit our advanced learning loan information page to find out more.
24+ September 2022, Duration: 1 Academic year £2896.00 1 Academic year You may be eligible for an advanced learning loan; please visit our advanced learning loan information page to find out more.