Media studies gce a level

2. Course description The media affects us all in many ways. We use media technology to connect, investigate, learn and play. This course will develop your practical production skills and understanding of the media. At AS Level, you will study a range of contemporary and historical TV dramas and complete a case study on a key area of the media. Practical work will include designing and writing the front page, contents page and a double page spread for a new magazine. This will teach you the fundamentals of digital photography and Photoshop design and help you sharpen your journalistic writing skills. At A2 level, you will study a range of contemporary media issues and debates as well as completing an extensive cross-media promotion project. This involves working with local musicians and bands to produce a promo package that includes a music video. Past students have worked with Ed Sheeran and The Crookes. Throughout the course you will be supported by experienced staff and have use of HD cameras, digital SLRs (Canon 600D), a TV studio and Adobe Creative Suite. You are likely to do well in this subject if you are interested in the media, not just for their content, but also for its underlying meaning. You will also need to be creative and well-organised to complete your practical work successfully. Assessment is through exams and coursework. A Level Media Studies is useful for anyone wishing to take a Humanities degree or to pursue a career in the industry. The course will also develop skills of critical analysis and interpretation, essay writing and debating. Media Studies can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with Art, English, Film Studies, Photography or Sociology.