Full Time A Level Media Studies (2389)

MODE OF STUDY FT
FE LEVEL 3
DURATION AS 1 year or A Level 2 years
START DATE(S) September 2008
DAY(S)/TIME(S) OFFERED Students can expect to be involved in learning activities across most days of the week between 9.00am and 5.00pm
NUMBER OF TEACHING HOURS 5 hours per week as part of a F/T AS/A2 programme
TOTAL FEE
TOTAL OVERSEAS FEE
ADDITIONAL COSTS There may be some additional expenses for materials.
AWARDING/VALIDATION BODY AQA
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will have met one of the following entry requirements:

5 GCSEs at grades A* - C including English Language at grade C;or
Students who achieved at least a merit in GNVQ or BTEC First Diploma qualifications alongside at least a grade C in English GCSE, will be considered for AS levels on a case by case basis.

Students who have achieved AS qualifications and wish to study their A2s at Croydon Sixth Form College are welcome, provided that
a) they can produce a positive reference from their previous school or college; and
b) the specification they studied for AS Level is compatible with the specification at the College.(Advice on this should be sought from the College at the time of application although there is usually no difficulty).

Students qualify for A2 subjects provided they have achieved at least an E at AS level. The exception is ICT which requires a grade D.

All full-time students are required to take a computer based multiple choice 'initial assessment test' before enrolment in literacy and numeracy. A level 2 pass in literacy is normally required for all subjects. A level 2 numeracy pass is normally required for Science and Maths subjects. For further details call the College Information Centre on T: 0208760 5914.
PROGRAMME CONTENT/STRUCTURE
Media Studies looks at how the media have great influence in the ways they entertain, inform and persuade us. Both theoretical and practical aspects are studied. Topics could include: the production and manufacture of news and the ways in which media products are distributed and consumed across different media platforms - case studies may include Heroes, East Enders and women's magazines. Students will receive training in desktop publishing, digital photography and how to use a computer graphics package, sound recording, camcorder operation, video editing and printing.

The Media syllabus includes the following units:

AS
Unit 1 INVESTIGATING MEDIA

This unit will cover:

media texts, concepts and contexts
platfroms including e-media, brodcasting and print
printed communications
cross media studies form broadcast fiction, film fiction, documentary, lifestyle music, news and sport

Unit 1 is an EXTERNALLY EXAMINED WRITTEN PAPER composed of two sections; four compulsory short answer questions based on one unseen piece of stimulus material and one essay question from a choice of two.

Unit 2 CREATING MEDIA

This unit will cover:

independent research, production and plannig a practical production
technical and creative skills
knowledge of relevant codes and conventions
relevance of platforms and target audiences
production in broadcast, e-media and conventional print print media
evaluation

Unit 2 is an EXTERNALLY SET BRIEF that is INTERNALLY EXAMINED & EXTERNALLY MODERATED that is composed of two linked production pieces (from Unit 1) and a written evaluation of both production pieces.

A2
Unit 3 CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES

This unit will cover:

pre-set topic areas starting with representations in the media and the impact of new/digital media
cross media issues and debates
media theories

Unit 3 is an EXTERNALLY EXAMINED WRITTEN PAPER composed of two sections; three compulsory short answer questions based on unseen stimulus material and one essay question from a choice of two pre-set topics.

Unit 4 MEDIA RESEARCH & PRODUCTION

This unit will cover:

research into a media text or theme
critical investigation
a linked production piece

Unit 4 is an INTERNALLY EXAMINED & EXTERNALLY MODERATED unit that is composed of a critical investigation and a linked production piece.

The College offers a wide range of AS level subjects to choose from - so students can pick, with support from college staff, the combination that best suits their needs. Most students will start by taking between 3 - 4 AS levels before deciding which subjects to continue with in order to gain the full A level. The main things students should think about when deciding which subjects to take are their interests, what they are good at and what they might need for employment or progressing onto Higher Education in the future. Students on the AS/A level programme are supported by a strong tutorial element including careers education and the development of their personal and study skills.
Students will also be able to gain accreditation for Key Skills achievement that will earn UCAS points towards their application for Higher Education.

AS or A2 subjects ( usually just one) may be taken by suitably qualified BTEC students, subject to timetabling constraints.

PROGRESSION/CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES
AS and A levels are a traditional route into University for 16-18 year olds. They are also seen by employers as indicators of a potential employee's intelligence, maturity and self organisation skills.

Most A level students progress into full-time employment or onto Higher Education.

Opportunities to study Higher Education (HE)qualifications at Croydon Higher Education College are available.
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE coursework and examination
Please note that this programme is offered subject to validation.