Why should I study Media?
Media Studies is a popular and varied course, encompassing a wide range of texts and materials. You are encouraged to develop your own interests in the subject through both practical and theoretical work, gaining valuable insight into how the media operates and affects our lives. Anyone interested in film, TV, advertising or newspapers and their role in our society will find this course of particular interest.
What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1: Media Representations & Responses
This will provide you with a framework for analysing the media and to explore media representations and audience responses. You will explore this through a variety of media texts.
Unit 2: Media Production Processes
This will allow you to develop media production skills through creating three linked pieces of work. It will involve you designing, producing and evaluating your own media text.
A2 Units
Unit 3: Media Investigation & Production
You will be required to produce 3 pieces of linked work. This will involve an investigation into a media concept, a production which develops from the research and a written evaluation.
Unit 4: Text, Industry and Audience
Three different media industries will be studied in depth to understand the relationship between media texts, the audience who consume them and the industry which create them. You will study three of the following:
Television, radio, film, music, newspapers, magazine (including comics), advertising and computer games.
What are the entry requirements?
Normal college entry requirements. GCSE English grade C would be desirable.
What skills do I need?
- Able to analyse critically
- An ability to write structured responses when needed
- Good practical and technical skills,
- An ability to work as an individual and as a team member,
- A keen interest in contemporary media.
How will I be taught?
Teaching methods in Media Studies are as varied as its content, consisting of individual interviews, small group seminars and whole class teaching and discussion. Staff will employ a range of techniques and materials, often IT-based to focus on developing critical and practical autonomy .
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is by a mixture of written examination and coursework. In both the AS and A2 units, coursework will count for 50% of the final marks.
What will this course prepare me for?
All aspects of media, english, languages, philosophy, drama, arts courses, history, sociology, politics, psychology.
Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.
What materials will I need to purchase?
Not applicable.
Examining Board
WJEC
A Level Media is for you if
You have both a theoretical and creative interest in Media as the subject is assessed by 50% examination and 50% coursework.
A Level Media is not for you if
You are not open to developing both assessed aspects of the course, using theoretical concepts in practical contexts and answering three essay questions in the final examination.
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