A/AS Media Studies

A/AS Media Studies

What is Media Studies?
Media Studies gives you a chance to learn how to interpret the wealth of media products which surround us. It requires critical skills and the ability to analyse in depth aspects of popular culture. We look at how texts (e.g. programmes, magazines and films) are constructed and explore their social, historical and political context.

Is Media Studies suitable for me?
If you are interested in newspapers, film, advertising and the world of television this course is for you. Students particularly enjoy transferring their analysis into practical work, which they undertake for coursework.

The most demanding aspect of the course is getting to grips with interpreting how messages are packaged for audiences and writing about these matters in an academic way.

Current Media Studies students say :

OEThe technical equipment helps with presentations, making them more visual. This also helps with understanding and learning.

OEThis subject is exciting, interesting and challenging.

How will I learn?
Lessons will vary from formal lecture style teaching to small group work, student research and presentation projects. Teaching is always interactive and due to the subject matter we expect students to bring their own experience of the media to discussions.

The media department is well resourced with its own computers, DTP software, digital cameras and editing software. Homework will include background reading from academic textbooks, essay writing and research projects. We expect a student to undertake a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of independent study a week.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: AS -50%; A2 - 50%

Assessment at AS level
Unit 1 - Media Representations and Responses - Written examination: 2hours 30mins

Unit 2 - Media Production Process - Coursework: Brief, Production Piece and written report

Assessment at A2 level
Unit 3 -Media Investigation and Production - Coursework

Unit 4 -Media- Text, Industry and Audience - Written examination: 2hours 30mins

Progression
The course prepares you for a number of academic or vocational routes. It is a useful grounding in theory for those students who want to take a practical course at university. It should be noted that this AS/A level course is largely an academic course rather than practical media and will not provide you with a portfolio of practical work. Many students go on to study film or cultural studies or more vocational areas such as public relations, advertising and communications.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own stationery. Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential: £20 for textbooks.

Desirable: Material costs for the practical work are estimated to be around £10 per student.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: WJEC 2291/3291

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