Media - AS/A2 Level

Media - AS/A2 Level
Exam Board: AQA NCS course code: AS-ASMEDAP
Aim This subject aims to provide comprehensive and integrated coverage of media theory and practice with special emphasis on emerging technologies. The syllabus will provide opportunities for candidates to investigate personal media interests and includes a choice of cross-media studies. Students are encouraged to investigate media platforms throughout the programme using production tasks, presentation and discussion. There is considerable reading required and so students will be expected to have gained a grade B for English Language and Literature prior to joining the programme.
Content Year 1 - AS level
Unit 1: Investigating Media
Students will investigate a wide range of media texts to familiarise themselves with the language of media. Students will then apply media concepts to a range of products in order to reach an understanding of how meaning and responses are created. There is a written paper of 1 hour and 30 minutes based upon stimulus material and an essay question.

Unit 2: Creating Media
In this unit candidates will produce two linked media artefacts taken from two of three media platforms that are studied in unit 2. Students will produce a film text and printed advertisement.

Year 2 - A level
Unit 3: Critical Perspectives
This unit will allow students to demonstrate their holistic understanding of media studies. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts but also to develop their approach to the role of the media in a wider context (social/
political/historical/economic). Representation and new news are two key areas of this unit. Assessment of this unit includes stimulus material (1 hour) and a question from a pre-set area (1 hour).

Unit 4: Media Research and Production
Candidates will continue to build upon the knowledge gained during their AS studies to investigate a media theme/text in more depth and develop a production piece to reflect their understanding of their research. Assessment is through an individual investigation of 2,000 words.

Progression/career opportunities
The successful completion of this course will allow students to progress on to a range of Higher Education programmes or enter a career in a number of industries including journalism, film, broadcasting, market research, design, photography and marketing.

Screening
Students will also be screened (in the College) and must achieve literacy and numeracy at the level appropriate to the course.