AS/A Level Media Studies

A Level Media Studies

Why choose Media Studies?
The ability to understand mass communication is a vital skill in an era of media saturation. Many students study this subject to develop their understanding of a society dominated by mediated images and information. Some take it to develop their practical and creative skills, others combine it with other subjects to enter into related degree programmes.

Students work in a similar way to real world media professionals by creating and maintaining a publicly available online blog, which, apart from being a piece of assessed coursework, becomes a record of their learning and development throughout the course.


Resources and Facilities
Thirty workstations with professional standard software installed, for both print and video production.
Six digital SLR cameras
Ten digital video cameras


Teaching and Learning Styles
50% of the lessons are based around discussing contemporary issues and exploring the media industry and products. 50% of the AS course is practical and therefore requires you to learn to use new software packages. Teamwork, problem solving, working to deadlines, communication and IT skills will all be developed.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Support and extension programmes
A professional programme available for those students who are determined to work in the media industry, after an appropriate degree.


Assessment
Four modules, two during the AS year and two at A2
One examination and two pieces of coursework per year


Progression Opportunities
Many students go on to study the subject at university. Others combine the subject with Graphics, Business Studies or English to move into areas such as marketing, public relations or journalism.