Media Studies

Course Description

How do social media, films, television, advertising and online platforms influence the way we think and communicate? A Level Media Studies gives you the opportunity to explore the media industries that shape modern life while developing your creativity, analytical skills and understanding of digital culture.


Throughout the course, you'll investigate a wide range of media products, exploring how they are created, distributed and consumed by audiences. You'll study topics such as film, television, music videos, advertising, newspapers, magazines and social media, while examining how media reflects and influences society. You'll also create your own media products, developing practical production skills and creative techniques.


A Level Media Studies is an excellent choice if you're interested in popular culture, digital media and current trends.

Ideal for students who are:

  • Interested in social media, film, television and popular culture
  • Curious about how media influences society
  • Enjoy analysing and discussing current trends
  • Keen to develop both creative and communication skills

The course consists of two exam modules;

Component 1 where you will study:

Media Language

Representation

Industry

Audience

Component 2 where you will study:

Television in a Global Age

Magazines

Online Media

Component 3

is the Non examined Assessment where you will make a selection of media forms such as music videos, magazines, television programmes and film marketing campaigns.

Media Studies will help you to develop valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking, analysis, research, planning, skills of enquiry and evaluation, practical skills, creativity, time management, essay writing skills and more.

You will also have the opportunity to apply what you have learned through the production of your own media texts, exploring and creating media forms such as music videos, magazines, television, websites and film marketing.

 

A Level Media Studies can lead to degrees and careers in Journalism, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Television, Film Production, Social Media Management and many other creative and media-related industries.

2 Written examinations are weighted at 70% of the qualification

Non-exam assessment: Cross-Media Production, is worth 30% of qualification

Porfolio development enrichment will support learners in their applications to creative courses.

Short film workshops

Talks and Visits to industry specialists such as Jo Spence from Into Film and Coolbox a video production company in Manchester.

Students are also supported to apply for the British Film Industry Residential programme A variety of courses for 16 to 19-year-olds to develop skills and build a career in the film industry.

 

Media Studies Alumni

Maya Wainwright

A*A*A

Graphic Design, English Language, Media Studies

Advertising and Brand Communications at Manchester Metropolitan University

Elva Mills

AAAB

Media Studies, History, EPQ, Politics

Politics at the University of Glasgow

Charlotte Nowell

BBM

Media Studies, Film Studies, Business Certificate

Media, Culture, Communication at Liverpool John Moores University

Maya Wainwright

A*A*A

Graphic Design, English Language, Media Studies

Advertising and Brand Communications at Manchester Metropolitan University

Elva Mills

AAAB

Media Studies, History, EPQ, Politics

Politics at the University of Glasgow

Charlotte Nowell

BBM

Media Studies, Film Studies, Business Certificate

Media, Culture, Communication at Liverpool John Moores University