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Media Studies

Course Information

Title: Media Studies

Type: A Level

Entry Requirements: Standard entry requirements.

Course Length: 2 Years

Curriculum Outline: Key Stage 5

About

Media is all of the different forms of mass communication that we are surrounded by every day. Media studies is the study of media products and texts in a lot of detail.

You will learn to deconstruct, decode and analyse media products and texts through in depth study skills which will help you to explore sophisticated meaning within all the key media forms.

Media is complexly simple and simply complex. This alludes to the fact that you can delve as deep as you want within media studies and you can read, decode, decipher and analyse as much meaning and depth as you are willing to uncover.

What will I study

Media Forms
You will learn the deconstruction, analysis and in-depth study skills needed to explore sophisticated meaning within all the key media forms:
  • Broadcast - Television and Film
  • Print - Newspapers, comics and magazines
  • Radio
  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Online, social and participatory media
  • Gaming industry - video games
  • Music video
Four Key Concepts
You will study a range of media products in order to prepare for exams. These products will require thorough study and by using the key concepts you will be analysing them in depth enough to perform well in the two examinations. There are four key concepts:
  • Media Language
  • Media Representations
  • Media Industries
  • Media Audiences
The Close Study Products (CSPs)
It is compulsory to study the products issued by the exam board. Nevertheless, we will also be looking at other examples of media products in order to practise your skills of analysis and evaluation of theoretical approaches. This will be essential in helping you prepare for the Media One and Media Two examinations as at least one media product will be included that is not a CSP.


How will I be assessed?

Media One Examination:
Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section will test the following forms:
  • advertising and marketing
  • music video
Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
  • Radio
  • Newspapers
  • Film (industries only)
Media Two Examination:
Questions will focus on the in-depth media forms of television, magazines and online, social and participatory media/video games.
Non-Exam Assessment: Creating a Cross-Media Product
Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.
Ability to create media products.
You will produce:
  • Radio
  • a statement of intent
  • a cross media production made for a specific audience

Assessment Overview

Media One Examination
84 marks
2 hour written paper
35% of total mark

Media Two Examination
84 marks
2 hour written paper
35% of total mark

Non-Exam Assessment: Creating a Cross-Media Product
60 marks
Assessed by teachers
Moderated by AQA
30% of total mark

Where can media studies lead?

Here's a taste of the different career media care can lead to:

  • Journalism
  • Public relations
  • Publishing
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Media production
  • Media and communication
  • Film journalism
  • Advertising
  • Multimedia specialist
  • Film and television producer
  • Teacher English/Media/ICT/Business
  • Story Board
  • Lighting Technician
  • Animator
  • Effects animator
  • 3D Modeller
  • Graphic Design
  • Film Editor
  • Social Media Manager
  • Writer
  • Music Journalism
  • Data Journalism

What Students Say:

"Media studies at Post 16 brilliantly prepared me for my Media Journalism degree at university."

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