Advanced/Advanced Subsidiary GCE Media Studies

Advanced/Advanced Subsidiary GCE Media Studies

Entry Requirements
As you may not have studied media at any level before, there are no special entry qualifications for the course. However, the normal five GCSE grades A - C are required, preferably with a grade C in English.

About the Course
Media Studies is a popular A level which will provide you with an opportunity to study many different aspects of the modern media as well as to produce your own media work.

The AS course introduces you to the basics of media texts, concepts and contexts. It allows you to develop an ability to interpret a media text as well as to study a broad, cross-media topic like broadcast or film fiction, documentary, lifestyle, music, news or sport. Also, it gives you the chance to research, plan, produce and evaluate two examples of products typical of the modern broadcasting, web-based or print media either on your own or as part of a small production group.

There are two examinations, one assessed by written examination and the other by coursework. Each examination is worth 50% of the AS mark (25% of the A level mark).

The A2 course allows you to deepen your understanding of the media, drawing in some media theory and discussing modern media issues and debates. One module will mainly involve you in studying two pre-set topic areas - representations in the media and the impact of new/digital media - whilst the second module will require you to build on your skills from AS study by investigating a media text/theme in some depth as well as producing a linked production piece which will reflect your research in a creative way.

Again, there are two examinations, one assessed by written examination and one by coursework. The first will test your understanding of media concepts, wider contexts, media issues and debates, stimulated by an unseen text; also, the two pre-set topic areas. The second will assess your skills of research and production through the critical investigation and related production piece. Each examination is worth 50% of the A2 mark (25% of the total A level mark).

Lessons will involve a variety of teaching methods and learning activities, including pair and group work, discussion and individual research. Teaching of the theoretical topics will be followed by opportunities to put such theory into practice.

The course provides a sound basis for further work in a media related area, whether academic or vocational. At the same time it will give you access to a wide range of careers and other higher education opportunities, whatever the field. Knowledge of the media is increasingly valued and is becoming an important aspect of work in most institutions in an information society.