A Level Media Studies

MODULAR
Possibly more than any other post-16 course, Media Studies offers a broad examination of contemporary culture. In a world in which the average teenager consumes more than six hours of media per day, and advertising has become ubiquitous, Media Studies provides its students with the ability to recognise and disentangle the influence of these industries on how we live, connect and communicate. The course explores a diverse range of media texts and issues, providing students with the skills to analyse them in depth and understand how a range of readings are possible. The practical element guides you through the research, planning and production of a creative media portfolio. Media Studies complements many of the social sciences and also pairs particularly well with English and Photography.

AS Topics Studied:
A range of media texts, including films; advertising campaigns; television programmes and magazines are explored in relation to issues of representation, narrative, genre and audience. The production portfolio investigates music videos and students will produce both print and moving image work.

A2 Topics studied:
The study of three media industries: Film, TV and Advertising. Also, research into an issue of contemporary media, of the students’ choosing, with a complimentary creative production portfolio.

Assessment details:
50% exam and 50% coursework for both AS and A2 Level.

Entry Requirements:
A grade C or above in Media Studies or English is the required entry point.

Expectations:
The course is both creatively and academically demanding; you will need to be conscientious, committed, organised and well motivated. By the end of the course you will be more aware of the ways in which newspapers, advertisements, films, video games and other media influence contemporary society. You will have created two practical media portfolios containing both print and audio visual material, which will be submitted to the exam board for assessment.

Outside of the Classroom:
It is expected that you will use your study periods to complete homework and further your understanding of studied topics. Reading and viewing lists are provided to help you develop your understanding of topics beyond the taught lessons.

Reasons to Study this:
The media industry is one of the biggest employment sectors in the UK and also continues to be one of the fastest growing; it is now only a small minority of companies across the whole country that do not use media services in some context. Many of our students study media, film or communication studies at university and this course is the first step along that path. Equally significant to where you end up are the skills developed along the way. Students further their ability to express creative ideas in new ways and work collaboratively, as well as experiencing rigorous academic challenge.

Find Out More:
http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/media-studies/