Media Studies

Media Studies
A Level
Introduction
Media Studies encourages you to expand your interest in all areas of the media, including film, internet, television and print. This course allows you to develop as an independent and confident viewer and reader of the media.
Course Content
In AS, you will learn to read the media by applying analytical concepts to a variety of texts including TV news and current affairs, soap operas, magazines and web sites. There will be a study of key texts representing the documentary genre focused on Super Size Me (2003), Wife Swap (present day text), various web site blogs and 911 (2002). You will then be allowed to focus on a topic of your choice and complete your own cross-media study. There is also a practical element; you will produce a website, film or print based media to add to your coursework portfolio.
In A2, your study widens; you will be placing media texts into their social, historical, economic and political contexts. This is focused around several texts including the French film Amlie
(2001)
, the original Alfie (1966), and The Night of the Living Dead (1968). You will also undertake an Independent Study task allowing you to produce a detailed assignment on a media-related topic of your choice; this, again, leads to a practical assignment where you produce an effective media text of your own.
The practical and analytical skills learned and utilised in the AS modules will have obvious application in the A2 specification, with increasing rigour and supplemented by issues of comparative study.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for A Level Media Studies are 5 GCSE's at grade C or above, preferably including Maths and English. Students who achieve good results on level 2 vocational courses are also able to progress to A Level.
Duration
The A Level Media Studies course is completed over two years. The first year is devoted to AS subject content whilst the second year is A2.
There are five teaching hours per week for both the AS and A2 areas.
Assessment
The course consists of four modules. In AS one is externally examined in June and one consists of a coursework assignment to produce a choice of video, website ot print media.
In A2 one module is, again, externally examined whilst one is a practical product analysed and evaluated by you with support from your course tutor.
Progression
Media Studies is both enjoyable and rewarding, and many students go on to study a Media-related degree at university before going on to pursue a career in the media, which offers many different types of employment opportunities.
Please note that only students successful at AS Level are permitted to continue to A2. AS resits are offered in January to candidates wishing to improve their marks.
Fees
For full time students ages between 16 and 19 the course is free. January resits are charged per unit please contact reception for current rates.