Departmental contact
Mr Lowe – [email protected]
Examining board & Qualification
Eduqas – A LEVEL
Entry requirements
Please see current prospectus for further information
Students say
“Media is a great subject if you are creative and interested in the world of media. The course develops a variety of skills such as analysing and editing. It also allows you to explore areas of the media that you may have a particular interest in.”
WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?
This course is designed to enhance your interest, curiosity, enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of the media and its role in your daily life. The course gives you the chance to develop a real understanding of media platforms, the contemporary media landscape and the hugely influential role of the media in today’s society. It helps if you have an interest in the world of the media, an open and inquisitive mind, creative tendencies and ambition.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
The course introduces you to media ideas and the practice of production. You will develop your skills in:
- Creative production of media texts, for example film, magazines, adverts and websites; using relevant software to produce media products.
- Researching current issues and events in the media: for example the role social media plays in representation of issues like gender.
- Analysis and evaluation: you will develop skills that will enable you to analyse media texts in depth as well as apply theoretical concepts. You will be encouraged to ask questions and evaluate media texts, including your own.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Media Studies key concepts are: media language, representation, industries and audiences. You will study how to apply these key concepts to real-life scenarios as well as learn researching, pre-production and production techniques.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
2 x 2hr 30 min exams (70%) on media products, industries and audiences and media forms and products in depth.
Non exam assessment (30%) creating media products in response to a choice of set briefs.
WHAT ARE MY POST-18 OPTIONS?
This subject will give you an insight into the kinds of careers that exist in the media; it may give you the inspiration to go on to study journalism, communication, marketing, advertising, film/ TV production or other related subjects at university.
It will enhance the skills required for many degree courses in the Arts and Social Sciences due to the focus on close analysis and enquiry.
WHAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
Visits to media institutions such as SKY TV studios/ITV studios, lots of opportunities for media ambassadors to create media, develop awareness of media studies, for example developing sixth form magazine and creating production tutorials and a department YouTube channel.
