Media Studies
At a glance
Awarding Board: Eduqas
Entry Requirements: Six GCSE grades 9-4 including English Language and Mathematics
Subject Specific: Grade 5 in GCSE Media, or in a relevant subject where Media has not been studied at GCSE
Assessment
Coursework plus one 2 hour 15 minute and one 2 hour 30 minute examinations at the end of Year 13.
Practical Coursework (30%)
Paper 1: Media 1 (35%)
Paper 2: Media 2 (35%)
Why choose A Level Media Studies?
The media has never been such an enthralling and fast-paced industry, one which has an immense impact on culture, politics and society. Every media platform and channel is seeing a change in how news is being accessed: social media allows for individuals to make and break news; independent journalists are creating their own blogs and newspaper articles away from their newsroom desk; film and television channels are being hit by streaming services; eSports and Twitch are producing millionaire gamers.
There has never been a better or more crucial time to understand media’s impact on society.
On this course you will have the chance to study the core media concepts, industries and products and acquire the practical skills necessary for the creation of your own media products and explore how they fit into this ever-changing, creative landscape.
What will you study?
The course is divided in two: theory and practical.You will both analyse and produce a range of media products (including film, television, music videos and video games) whilst considering the theories that underpin them and study their social, cultural, political, economic and historical contexts.
You will analyse and compare how different media products construct and communicate meanings through the interaction of media language and audience response. You will learn how the use of words and images create recognisable media products such as TV Drama, different film genres, news and games.
You will have the chance to look closely at media’s role socially and culturally, including issues such as race, gender and social class and develop an understanding of the relationship between media companies and audiences.
Practical work includes creating a production piece by researching, planning, producing and evaluating your work. You will make your own examples of media using video, editing software, desktop publishing and artwork.
How will you study?
An A Level Media Studies class will be a mixture of theory and practical. Typically Media Studies lessons will have 10-15 pupils.
A significant proportion of the A Level course, 30% of your overall grade, is the non-examination assessment component (coursework). You will produce a statement of intent and a cross-media production made for an intended audience.
Where will it take me?
The course is particularly relevant to students interested in careers in the Media and those looking to study English, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Communications or TV and Film Studies at a higher level.
There are many professions within the media industry where this A Level is relevant: Digital Marketer, Media Buyer, Media Planner, Media Researcher, Public Relations Officer, Runner for Broadcasting/Film/Video, Social Media Manager, Television/Film Producer, Television Production Coordinator, Web Content Manager, Advertising, Journalism, Photography, Event Manager, Editor, Editorial Assistant or Writer.
