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Media

Lead(s): Mr Patel & Mr Sutcliffe
Email: bpatel63.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
csutcliffe10.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview

A Level Media Studies will give you an excellent understanding of how the creative industries (the fastest growing part of the UK economy) operate. This includes questions of ownership, means of production and distribution, regulation as well as targeting and reaching national and global audiences. You will develop a deep understanding of how media texts are encoded with meanings and messages by their producers, and how audiences receive and respond to these messages according to their situated contexts. The study of theoretical perspectives will focus your analysis on ways in which social groups, issues and events are portrayed, and the ideological effects of these representations. You will learn about both the disruptive and innovate impact of digital technologies on a range of media industries. At the same time, you will learn some practical skills in photography, video production and editing, culminating in an audio-visual cross-media production.

“Studying Media has forced me to look again at the ways we are constantly bombarded with messages without realising it. It helps me understand how and why some ideologies become common sense and how we need to question and challenge them. I now realise that the creative industries have a powerful influence on society.” - Student

Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas

Course Specification: 603/1149/6

Qualification obtained: WJEC Eduqas GCE A Level in Media Studies

Entry requirements:

Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.

If studied Grade 5 in Media

What you will study

Year 12

Topics covered:

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences

  • Advertising and Marketing
  •  Newspaper industry
  • Music Videos
  • Film Industry

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth

  • Magazine Industry
  • TV industry – drama

Component 3: Cross-Media Production

  • NEA – Responding to a practical brief (Print or Audio – visual)

Year 13

Topics covered:

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences

  • Film Industry
  • Radio
  • Video Games

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth

  • Magazine Industry
  • Online Magazines and vlogs

Component 3: Cross-Media Production

  • Print and audio-visual portfolio

Assessment

Assessment percentage:

70% Exam

30% Coursework

Unit Code Unit Title Assessment Weight
01 Media Products, Industries and Audiences Written Examination: 2hr 15min 35%
02 Media Forms and Products in Depth

Written Examination: 2hr 30min

35%
03 Cross-Media Production Non-exam assessment: Print and audio-visual portfolio 30%

 

Progression routes

Studying media studies at university can give you a whole host of exciting career options, including Advertising, Journalism, Marketing, Designer, cinematographer, editor etc in the TV, film, radio or digital sector, Academia However, because part of the content is humanities-based, studying this subject can also open a range of pathways including law, forensic, social work, teaching, the arts etc.

The skills and cultural capital, including around current affairs, you acquire will help you no matter what degree course you choose.

Additional Information

Course specific equipment:

  • A4 Lever Arch Folder
  •  Paper

Essential Reading Material:

WJEC/EDUQAS MEDIA STUDIES FOR AL YR 1 & AS: STUDENT BOOK ISBN: 978-1-911208-10-5

WJEC/EDUQAS MEDIA STUDIES FOR AL YR 2 & A2: STUDENT BOOK ISBN: 978-1-911208-11-2

Recommended resources:

http://bbcsfx.acropolis.org.uk/

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/a-level/subjects/media-studies/

Enrichment:

Trips to relevant exhibitions, places of work and to see lectures.