Media Studies

READING LIST

"Media Studies is an intriguing and eye-opening subject. The lesson format and the topics we cover make the subject very enjoyable and interesting" - Andrew Poole, Pudsey Grammar School

Qualification

A-level 

Assessment

70% Exam, 30% Coursework

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences (35%)

2.25 hour written examination assessing media language, representation, media industries and media contexts. This component relies on the analysis of unseen and set texts covering advertising, marketing, music videos radio newspapers or video games.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth (35%)

2.5 hour written examination focussing on Television, Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media and media in the Online Age. This component consists of three extended response questions combined with three multiple part short response questions.

Component 3: Cross-Media Production (30%)

An Individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board.

Media Studies Specification

What do I need to study this course?

You will need a grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

What will I study?

In the first year you will learn about the key aspects of the theoretical framework of media language and representation through music videos, advertising, and newspapers. You will also study the film, video games and radio industries. In the second year you will examine television drama, mainstream and alternative magazines, and online media. You will use media technologies to plan and produce your practical media coursework, for example, a music or film marketing campaign. This counts for 30% of the total A-level.

What next?

Media Studies is a rapidly developing subject and a strong growth area for career opportunities. The majority of top universities now offer a variety of excellent media courses with great work experience opportunities.

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