AS Level Media Studies

Media Studies (AS and A Level)

MEDIA STUDIES

AS and A Level (WJEC)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple

(26.09.08)

Course overview

The course will enable you to draw on your existing experience of the media and will develop your abilities to analyse a wide variety of media, including digital media technologies.

You will be able to develop your creative skills through the production of two practical pieces of work. One to be completed in your AS year and the other in your second year.

During your second year you will also study specific media industries like television and music in more detail and explore the contexts in which they operate.

AS Level (year one)

Unit One

Media Representations and Responses

This unit is designed to develop your analytical skills. The exam will include the analysis of an unseen text such as a film extract or newspaper front cover and two questions relating to the concepts of representation and audience.

Unit Two

Media Production Processes

This coursework unit is designed to develop your practical skills, although it will also expect you to plan and evaluate your work. You will have the option of choosing either print or video based technology in the production of your work. Possible options might include producing a print based advertising campaign or a film trailer.

A Level (year two)

Unit Three

Media Investigation and Production

This coursework unit develops your understanding of the key concepts and expects you to produce a mixture of essay based investigation and linked practical work.

Unit Four

Media -Text, Industry and Audience

This is an essay based unit and will focus on three different media industries, from which you will be expected to answer three exam questions.

How you will learn

You will learn through a variety of learning experiences including class discussion, group work, individual research, class and individual analysis of media texts and practical workshops. There are also opportunities to go and see contemporary films at the cinema.

How you will be assessed

In addition to one examination, 50% of the AS course is made up coursework.

At AS Level your marks are divided between coursework consisting of a written investigation of 1800 words, a practical product and an evaluation of 750 words, and a two and half hour written exam.

Special entry requirements

You will need at least a grade C in GCSE English.

What the students say

The course is fun to do if you like designing your own products, but you have to be prepared to do a lot of work.

Media Studies allows students to be independent and creative, whilst learning about and analysing contemporary issues.

Other useful information

The majority of our students go on to study at University and many pursue media-related courses/careers in PR, advertising, journalism and media production.