Media Studies A2

Media Studies AS/A Level
Art, Media, Technology, Perf Art, Music & Dance
Board and Syllabus details
Board: WJEC - Syllabus: AS Level (2291), A Level (3291)
About the subject
Media Studies encourages you to think critically about the messages you receive daily from the mass media. You will need to be prepared to tackle difficult theoretical issues, read up on current media issues and debates, produce quality practical coursework and write coherent and analytical essays.
The syllabus covers television, film, newspapers, magazines, new media, radio and advertising. In their coursework, students can extend these areas to include radio and the music industry if they wish. We spend time looking at media institutions (Who owns the companies and how they are run), the 'texts' they produce, (such as newspapers, tv programmes, films, websites etc) and the audiences who watch or read them.

Learning Styles
The styles of learning encountered in the subject, include detailed textual analysis of media products such as magazines and films. There are also in- depth studies into specific areas of the media such as film, television and the advertising industry. More conceptual areas such as genre and representation will be covered in greater detail during the A2 phase of the course. Independent research will be undertaken through books and the internet, as part of the coursework element of the A2 year. There will be substantial practical coursework elements to both the AS and A2 years.

Subject combinations and progression
Media Studies combines with analytical subjects such as Film Studies, English, History, Politics, Sociology, Law and Psychology as well as visual and performance subjects such as Art, Photography, Performing Arts, Theatre Studies and Dance. Students can progress from Media Studies to a range of courses including specialist production training for those actively seeking work in the media industries.

Subject modules and assessment
A/S
MS1 Representations and Responses
MS2 Media Production Processes
Assessment: 50% examination, 50% coursework.
A/2
MS 3 Media Investigation and Production
MS 4 Text, Industry and Audience
Assessment: 50% examination, 50% coursework.

Entry Requirements
C in English Language.