AS Media Studies

Media Studies
Media Studies has been taught at Barton Peveril College for a number of years and is a very popular and successful subject. The course is designed to encourage students' academic and practical competencies in relation to the mass media. If you are interested in TV, films, advertising, newspapers or 'new media', Media Studies will explore these topics through academic, practical and independent study modules.

This subject actively encourages students to analyse the information that is made available to audiences on a daily basis. Students are encouraged to explore and discuss where it comes from, how audiences may receive it and the effect these messages may have on peoples perceptions of the world.

It is not a requirement that you have studied Media at GCSE level, but for those who have, the specification is designed to ensure a smooth transition between the two levels.

What will I Learn on this Course?

Students will be encouraged through the study of a variety of topic areas, which includes Film and Broadcast Fiction, Documentary, Advertising and Marketing, British Newspapers, The Production and Manufacture of News, Representations, Genre, New Media and Radio, to:

• Engage with theory, research and ideas relating to the media
• Develop research skills
• Show evidence of independent study
• Communicate effectively both via media technologies, and in written form
• Develop a wider understanding of the historical, social, political and economic contexts which impact upon the media and its practices.

Course Content and Method of Assessment

The AQA Media Specification that we provide requires learners to enhance their academic and practical skills in both years of the qualification and to explore media texts across a number of media platforms.

AS

Unit 1 Investigating Media - to enable learners to investigate the contemporary media landscape by applying media concepts and issues to a range of products including the exploration of media language, representations, institutions and media audiences across print, broadcasting and e-media. Learners will also explore, in detail, topic areas such as broadcast or film fiction, documentary, lifestyle media, the music industry and sport across a range of media platforms. (Assessment by examination)

Unit 2 - Creating Media - learners will produce two linked media products taken from two of the three platforms studied in Unit 1 (print, broadcasting or e-media). Learners will work creatively from set briefs supplied by the examination board for that series (Assessment by coursework).

A2

Unit 3 - Critical Perspectives - study of pre- topics where students will be encouraged to build on the learning from year one to include the discussion of texts, contexts and theoretical approaches to account for the media messages offered to audiences. Learners will look at, in great detail, the topics of representations in the media and explore the impact of new/digital media. (Assessment by examination)

Unit 4 - Media: Research and Production - gives learners the opportunity carry out extensive independent research into an aspect of media that interests them (a theme, an issue, a debate) and then use this research to inform a major piece of practical work.

After the Course

Students with AS or A level Media Studies have access to a wide range of higher education opportunities. You will have learnt and used a variety of transferable skills throughout the course which would be appropriate to further study or employment. These include researching and presenting information in both written and oral form; analysing and interpreting ideas/debates around the media; producing practical work; working in groups and meeting deadlines. Many of these skills are recognised by universities and employers as being of great value.

Subject Combinations

Media Studies combines well with most AS and A level subjects. There is no barrier to studying AS Media with Film or Communication. Two examples of an interesting and challenging programme of AS subjects may be as follows:

• AS/A2 Media with English Language, English Literature, History and Politics.
• AS/A2 Media with Communication, Art, Theatre Studies and English Literature.

Whether you are interested in studying media-related courses at the higher level of A2 or not, the skills of a critical and practical approach to media issues and debates will offer very appropriate transferable skills.

Entry Requirements

Normal College entry requirements of five GCSEs grade C or above, including at least a grade C in English.