GCSE Media Studies

Course information:
GCSE Media Studies

Course content:
The media play an increasingly important role in contemporary society. They provide us with information and entertainment and communicate social values both explicitly and implicitly. This course offers students opportunities to develop a critical understanding of media.

Syllabus Outline (Welsh Joint Education Committee)
The Course covers three broad, interrelated areas.

1. Media Forms and Representations
Students are required to explore how the media communicate with their audiences
a) The meaning and relevance of the basic concept of media
language.
b) An analysis of the ways in which the media offer particular
viewpoints.
c) The methods and modes of narrative.
d) Conventions of genre.
e) The ways in which images of people, ideas, issues and
events are constructed by the media.
f) The production and reproduction of stereotypes by the media. g) The methods of representation and stereotyping within
narrative and genres.

2. Media Organisations
a) Analyses of the methods and technologies of production used
in the various media.
b) The extent to which ownership, control and financing of the
media influences its content.
c) Current and historical developments in media technologies and
organisations.

3. Media Audiences
a) The ways in which audiences relate to media texts.
b) The ways in which genres and narratives are understood by
audiences.
c) The influence of the media on individual and social behaviour,
attitudes and values.
d) The social conditions of media consumption.
e) Issues in audience study.

Assessment procedure:
Final assessment consists of a written examination paper (50%)
Examination Paper: This is taken at the end of the course and has two sections, each worth 25% of the total.

Section A:
Questions which focus on audio-visual stimulus material, e.g. television series, documentaries, types of film.

Section B:
Questions which focus on still images or print drawn from newspapers, magazines, comics or advertisements.
Candidates are required to submit three pieces of coursework, including at least one and no more than two practically based activities.


Qualifications achieved:
GCSE Media Studies

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course. We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, eg travel, childcare, equipment, books etc. In addition, if you have just left school, you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please ask us about â€-Money Matters†for more details.