A2 Media Studies

A2 Media Studies
Level: AS/A2

Awarding Body: WJEC

Course Content:
This subject offers you the opportunity to combine a theoretical understanding of the mass media in society and methods for analysing media texts (e.g. television programmes, films, advertising, and the press) with the development of practical skills for media production. The balance of theory and practical work means that you will learn about how media industries operate research and investigate issues and debates about the role of the media in society, analyse texts from a variety of media, and produce texts of your own.

Before you start this course
It would be helpful if you have studied GCSE Media Studies, but it is not a requirement.

Other subjects which would go well with Media Studies are English Language, English Literature, Theatre Studies, Sociology, Art and Design and Film Studies

With a qualification in Media Studies you could go on to Higher Education or work in the media or a related field.

This subject is made up of FOUR units.

To get a certificate for Advanced Subsidiary GCE, you will need to have studied for and attempted TWO AS units of assessment. To get a certificate for Advanced GCE, you will need to have studied for and attempted TWO AS units, together with TWO A2 units.

The units you will study for AS are:

MS1: Media Representation and Responses

In this unit you will gain an understanding of textual form and analysis, representation, and audience responses. You will explore a range of media including advertisements, DVD covers, CD covers, newspaper front pages, magazines & comics, radio sequences, film and TV extracts, websites, music videos and computer games extracts. You will be assessed by sitting a 2 and a half hour exam. This unit makes up 50% of AS qualification

MS2: Media production Processes

In this unit you will produce a media artifact (usually Print based) from a series of briefs. You will also need to carry out a pre-production topic investigation/research and produce a post-production evaluation report. You will need to plan, construct and evaluate the work with regard to the form and style of the production and its intended audience. This will be marked by your own teacher/tutor and externally moderated by WJEC. This unit makes up 50% of AS qualification.

The two units form the Advanced Subsidiary GCE qualification.

The units you will study for A2 are:

MS3: Media Investigation and Production

This unit will begin with students undertaking an individual research investigation into a specific area of study, with a focus on one of the following concepts; genre, narrative or representation. Students will then develop, plan and construct a media artifact (usually audio-visual based) using their initial research as the basis to their production work. Students will also produce a brief production report at the end of this process. This unit will be marked by your own teacher/tutor and externally moderated by WJEC. This unit makes up 25% of A2 qualification

MS4: Text, Industry & Audience

In this unit you will be required to study three different media industries, ranging from television, radio, film, music, newspaper, magazine (including comics), advertising and computer Games. This unit is synoptic. It is designed to develop your understanding of the connections between different elements of this course and your knowledge and understanding of the relationship between media texts, their audiences and the industries which produce and distribute them. You will also need to show an understanding of the debates that surround media texts, audiences and industries and have a sound knowledge of appropriate critical perspectives in media studies. This unit is assessed by a two and a half hour exam and makes up 25% of the A2 qualification.

These two units complete the Advanced GCE qualification.

Textbooks and Required Reading:

Media Studies AS/A2 aims to encourage critical thinking, theoretical debate and practical interventions into media and popular culture. You will be expected to attend all course sessions and to complete a minimum of five hours private study per week. On enrolment you will be expected to purchase a course textbook, which will provide essential readings for the course. We will also provide a bibliography of recommended background reading.

Assessment:
The Assessment Structure for Media Studies is:
Unit MS1 + Unit MS2 = AS
Unit MS3 + Unit MS4 = A2

Cost:
You will be expected to purchase some of the materials needed for practical production work including blank CDRs, DVDRs, DV cassettes, stationery and a USB memory stick. It is preferable that students have their own digital camera or a smartphone with min 3 mega pixel camera. You will also need to purchase the course textbook. Cost should not exceed £60 for both years.