From Instagram influencers to independent magazines, from tik-tok to television, media permeates every aspect of our lives.
In Media Studies, we’ll explore all the ways in which media texts from so called legacy platforms such as newspapers and radio to digital disrupters like KSI communicate meaning. We’ll ask how media shapes our view of the world, and who are the institutions and owners responsible for controlling the media messaging that bombards us almost every minute of every day.
We’ll be following the EDUQAS A-Level Media Studies specification. Over the two years of the course, we’ll explore media texts that range from the 1950s right up to the present day. We’ll explore key concepts such as representation how are different groups represented in the media? as well as the impact of issues such as ownership and regulation.
We’ll be looking at the changing nature of the relationship between media and audiences once thought passive, now empowered by digital technology to answer back and to become creators themselves. As well as exploring a range of theoretical approaches to the subject you’ll be armed with an analytical framework that will allow you to deconstruct media texts across a wide range of forms.
In addition, you’ll master industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop in order to create your own cross media production for coursework.
The media for one. Many of our students opt to continue their studies at University, some pursuing an analytical route, others taking degrees in areas of specialist interest from TV and radio production to fashion or sport journalism.
Marketing in its traditional or more modern digital variant is a perennially popular option. Many of our former students choose to follow the apprenticeship path, and we have seen students go on to pursue successful careers at prestigious institutions such as the BBC and Manchester United Football Club. The sky or possibly even Sky is the limit!
Media Studies is mostly an exam-based subject.
On Paper 1 of the exam you will answer questions on Media Language and Representations, both of which will require you to analyse texts that you will see for the first time in the exam. You will also answer questions on Media Industries and Audiences, based on your study of a number of case studies.
Paper 2 will require you to answer long-form questions on three areas of the media: Television in the global age, Mainstream and Independent Magazines, and Online Media. For each are you will study a pair of texts that will differ in terms of industry or historic context.
The two exams account for 70% of your grade, with the final 30% coming from coursework. For this you will produce a cross-media portfolio of work, for example comprising extracts from a new magazine for a specified audience, together with a podcast or website.
Level: A Level
Examining Board: Eduqas
This is an exciting, contemporary and culturally relevant two-year course. It involves an exploration of modern media and an assessment of its impact on audiences.
As you might imagine, careers in the media match this subject well. Media Studies is favoured by graduates who go on to work in advertising, television, journalism and social media.
Entry Requirements:
General College entry requirements.
GCSE English at grade 4 or above.
Great subjects to partner A Level Media Studies:
English, Photography, Graphics and Sociology are all strong companions to this A Level. However, a number of students choose Media studies to give variety to science and Maths courses.
To discuss with us as to whether Media Studies is for you, please get in touch.