Media Studies AS / A2

Media Studies AS and A2

Subject category:
Art, Design, Media and E Media

What will I study?
You will focus on the products, their audiences and the institutions that own and/or control these media. You will have the opportunity to develop analytical skills and a critical awareness of issues relating to media criticism and theory, along with relevant practical skills in all areas of media production and research.

Duration:
One year for AS and a further year to complete A2.

Do I need any additional qualifications/ skills?
The exam board for this qualification is WJEC.

How will I be assessed?
AS: MS1 Media Representations and Responses (Exam) Written paper based on material covered across the year. Externally assessed 2 1/2 hours.MS2 Media Production Processes (Coursework). A practical unit in which students demonstrate a range of technical skills and understanding of media concepts by creating their own production. For example, pages from a magazine. Internally assessed and represents 50 percent of overall marks for the AS Level A2: MS3 Media Investigation and Production (Coursework)- This unit is aimed at assessing a students ability to originate and construct a media text, demonstrating technical skills and conceptual understanding. It is more advanced than the foundation production in that students must make connections between the key conceptual areas of the course. Internally asessed. MS4 Media: Text, Industry and Audience (Exam 2 1/2 hours). The purpose of this unit is to assess how students are able to develop critical arguments about a range of media debates and issues covered by the syllabus over the full two years of the course. Students answer three questions on different media industries. Externally assessed examination.

What can I do afterwards?
Media Studies is appropriate for almost all Higher Education courses, employment opportunities generally and within the media industry at an appropriate level. Enrichment benefits have previously included a trip to the U.S. to consider the impact of the country on American cinema and TV. Other recent small scale trips have included a Games exhibition at The Science Museum and trips to the Duke of Yorks cinema in Brighton.

Are there any additional costs involved?
The standard text book used costs approximately £20.Costs for trips vary. The US Trip is approximately £800.

Location:
Park College