Course Description

Warning: Watching films and TV, reading magazines and newspapers and using the internet will never be the same again! As well as studying how media texts are made, you will also study how media industries work, and the ways in which audiences consume, use and respond to media texts. There is a large practical component to the course involving the use of a range of equipment and software.

Contact:	Mrs H  La Ferve	Exam Board:	EDUQAS
QAN:	60311496	Subject Code:	Mm

The Course 

The Media Studies A Level is an opportunity to get to grips with a range of media texts and some key critical theories. The practical element is a chance to be creative and gain the skills involved in independent working.

• In component one, you will look at the advertising and marketing of music videos, newspapers, film, radio and video games, thinking about contrasting representations and contexts. There are set products and an unseen element to this component.
• In component two you will also investigate set media products in the form of British and international TV crime dramas, modern and historical magazines and online media. You will look at representation, industrial context and explore a range of critical theories.
• Component three, the NEA, will be completed this year, where you will produce a cross-media production based on a brief issued by the exam board. You will use Media Language to communicate meaning and construct representations.

Notes 

An existing interest and awareness of Media would be beneficial. You must also be willing to complete a good deal of the practical work outside lesson time.

Possible Subject Combinations 

This course fits very well with subjects such as English Language and Literature, where textual analysis is a key skill. It also combines well with Social Science subjects and Music Technology, ICT and Art. 

What do the students say?

“I really enjoyed making the music magazine and am really proud of the professional results I achieved.”

“Media Studies has really changed the way I look at films and television. I am much more critical and aware now!”

Where can Media Studies take me? 

University courses in Media Studies, Journalism and other related courses. The skills of production and analysis that you acquire are transferable and could lead to employment in a broad range of professions including for example, journalism, film and television production or teaching.

Assessment