Full Time Media Studies AS/A2

Media Studies AS/A2
The media play an increasingly important role in our lives; we rely on them for entertainment, information and communication. This course allows you to find out what goes on behind the scenes of media production, as well as looking at the ways in which the media try to influence you. You will investigate the ways in which television, film and publishing industries work, learn to analyse media texts, and produce practical media projects using media.

You will have access to state of the art specialist equipment to support practical work, including web-design software, digital cameras, video equipment and edit suites.

What will I study?
Throughout the course you will develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and assessment in each year is 50% examination and 50% practical.

AS: In the first year you will explore a variety of media texts and how they are used by audiences. You will use case studies to discover how e-media, video and pring are used for film promotion. You will be taught practical skills leading up to the production of a trailer and website for an imagined film.

A2: In the second year you will study the impact of the exciting and controversial world of new digital media, as well as how groups are represented in the media. You will research an area of the media as the basis for your own production in that form.

How will I be assessed?
AS: 1 written exam at the end of year one, which involves analysis of an 'unseen' moving image/digital/print text and a question on producers and audiences from cross-media study, plus a coursework project of a website and a video trailer for a film.

A2: 1 written exam at the end of year two, based on contemporary media issues and debates. You will also create a production project.

What can I do next?
The range of practical and analytical skills developed during the course make A level Media Studies an excellent preparation for Higher Education courses in any area. If you want to specialise there is a wide range of practical and theoretical Media courses available, leading to employment opportunities in public relations, journalism, advertising, radio, film, television and digital media.