Media Studies AS Level

Media Studies AS Level
Film, television, radio, the press, advertising and the internet are the media through which ideas, attitudes and information are communicated. The AS Media Studies course explores how these media work and how meaning is expressed through sounds, words and images. The course aims to help you understand, criticise and enjoy media products by combining theoretical study with practical projects.

What does the course involve?
Watching and analysing media products; Practical assignments and video skills training; Discussions and presentations; Writing essays and evaluations; Research into the media industries; Devising scripts and schedules and visits to events, studios and screenings. This course links practical work with analysis of media texts and an understanding of the industry. By understanding more about professional practice and how the media industries are run, you will develop a fuller appreciation of the significance of what we see, hear and read. You will also learn to use the College's cameras and digital video edit suites, as well as techniques in audio recording, scripting, lighting and production management.

What will I study?
AS Media Studies is divided into two modules.

MS1 Media Representations and Responses 50% (Examination 2 hours 30 minutes)3 questions, one of them in response to a piece of audio visual or print media material. You will explore the ways the media represent people, places and events and how different audiences respond to media messages. The first question will require skills in textual analysis whilst in questions two and three you will need to refer to media texts studied in class.

MS2 Media Production Processes Practical coursework (50%) divided into three sections. (pre production) This section requires that students research, devise and plan a media production (production) Working individually for print and digital pieces or in groups for video students complete a media production (evaluation) You are required to write an evaluation of both the process and the finished piece.

You will explore films and TV programmes in detail and analyse texts from the perspective of a director. What the media show about the society that produces texts is also a key theme. The study of specific genres is linked to video productions and training in all relevant skills is provided. The impact of digital media on audiences is another key topic and this includes a study of the effect of changes in media technology.

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of the course
• Coursework

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band A (£0 - £50)

Frequently Asked Questions
How much practical work is there?
This course is an AS level and therefore contains a strong and interesting academic element. Essay writing, research and discussion are used to analyse the media. Video training and production form part of the coursework unit (50%) which involves an extended written evaluation of your video work. Around 20% of the course involves practical work.
Exam Board = WJEC

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.

Entry Requirements

You will need grade C in FIVE of the following (inc. short GCSEs) : English Language or Literature/Humanities (History,Geography,RS,Sociology,Psychology)/Business/Science (Core and Additional OR triple)/Maths/Foreign Language - If that does not include GCSE English Language, you must take this course at college and achieve a C to progress to A2.
You must achieve a grade C in any GCSE taken which is directly related to this AS level unless a higher grade is specified.