Media Studies A Level
WHAT DO I NEED TO STUDY THIS COURSE?
To study A Level Media, you will need to have achieved GCSE English Language at grade 5 or better, GCSE Mathematics at grade 5 or better plus at least three additional GCSEs at grades 4 or better. It is advisable that you are interested in analysing texts in the written form and have a general interest in the way the media shapes the world around you.
IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?
A-level Media Studies is suitable for students interested in the analysis and creation of media content, including film, television, magazines, advertising, and digital media. It’s a great choice if you enjoy critical thinking, creativity, and exploring how media shapes our culture and society.
WHERE WILL THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
• Higher Education
• Media and Creative Industries
• Film and Television
• Journalism and Broadcasting
• Marketing and Advertising
• Media Education
• Research and Academia
• Digital Media and Content Creation
YEAR 1
In the first year of the course, you’ll typically focus on building foundational knowledge in media studies. You’ll likely cover topics like media language, representation, and textual analysis. Assessments may include coursework, essays, and exams.
YEAR 2
The second year often involves deeper exploration of media concepts and may include more specialised topics. You might also engage in practical media production projects. Assessment in the second year typically includes coursework, exams, and potentially
a practical project.
WHAT WILL I LEARN
A-level Media Studies with EDUQAS covers a range of topics related to media analysis and production. You will learn about:
• Media Language: Understanding how media texts communicate meaning through techniques like cinematography, editing, sound, and design.
• Media Representation: Exploring how different social groups and ideas are portrayed in media and analysing the impact of these representations.
• Media Audiences: Studying how audiences interpret and engage with media texts, including theories of reception.
• Media Industries: Examining the economic, regulatory, and technological aspects of media production and distribution.
• Media Contexts: Analysing the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which media texts are created and consumed.
• Key Concepts in Media Studies: Learning foundational concepts such as semiotics, narrative theory, genre theory, and intertextuality.
• Media Textual Analysis: Developing skills in dissecting and critically analysing media texts.
• Media Production: Exploring the practical aspects of creating media content, including scriptwriting, filming, and editing.
• Media Regulation and Ethics: Investigating the ethical and legal considerations within the media industry.
• New Media and Digital Technologies: Understanding the impact of digital technologies on media.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
• Examinations (70%): Written exams that assess your knowledge of media theory and analysis.
• Controlled Assessment (30%): Assignments and projects where you research, analyse or create media texts. Creating your own media content, such as short films or advertisements.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
See Mr Nestor/Mrs Lawrence
