Examination Board: Eduqas

Content

You will study a range of media products from Broadcasting, Print and Digital Media, and you will investigate the contemporary media landscape and the changing contexts within which media texts are produced and consumed. In this ever-growing, ever- changing landscape, you will become a critical media consumer and analyst of media texts.  You analyse and learn a range of media products: 1950s marketing posters, music videos, film marketing campaigns, newspapers, vlogs and television series (UK and European). You learn about the theoretical frameworks: industry, audience, media language and representation, as well as a very wide range of other theory, including postmodernism, narrative theory and feminism. Given the demands of the course, a GCSE English Language grade 4 is advisable. If you have studied GCSE Media Studies, a grade 5.5 is also advisable, however, a willingness to learn and a keen interest in the media is of primary importance. Essays are a vital ingredient to A- level media practice: be ready to write knowledgeably and clearly.

Assessment:

70% Examination

30% Coursework

The exam will consist of a range of questions exploring case studies and debates about media content.

Coursework will be to construct a print, broadcast or/and an e- media product according to a brief. You will need to demonstrate planning and evaluative skills.

What kind of skills do Media students develop?

• A critical awareness of media issues and debates in a rich media landscape.
• The ability to identify and comment on factors that shape media texts.
• The ability to explain how economic and social factors influence contemporary media practice especially in a web 2.0 world.
• Practical skills such as filming, editing, digital image manipulation and web design.

What can a Media Studies A ‘Level lead to?

Students from this course very frequently go on to university to study media production, advertising industries, film and television production. We have had students go on to digital technology and animation courses to pursue a career in the gaming industry.

Media qualifications can open doors to careers in business, retail, marketing, public relations as well as digital media industries which is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world.

What kind of student should consider this course?

Students who enjoy engaging with the world of media and exploring media texts from a critical and analytical perspective.

Students who like to apply their creative and technical skills to plan and construct media products.

Students who enjoy undertaking research into the way that media texts are produced, constructed and regulated.

What the students say:

“I loved the opportunity to understand the theory behind the TV. Who knew? ”.

“I never imagined that I would be able to create an advertising campaign that looked so professional.”

“Media Studies prepared me for my course in Television Production at university; I always use my course essays to help me with my university studies!”