Media Studies, Years 12 - 13

 

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
In order to take this course it is essential to have a good GCSE qualification in English but all applications will be considered on their merits. It is not necessary to have a GCSE in Media Studies to take this course, although it would be extremely helpful. You will need to be prepared to study a variety of Media, including Radio, TV, Film and the Press. Additionally, familiarity with British Media would be an advantage.

What is Media Studies?

  • Media Studies is the study of different forms of the mass media
  • It is designed to enable students to gain a critical understanding necessary to carry out individual readings and investigations
  • The subject will allow students to engage in theory, research and independent study of the media as a whole
  • Most importantly, the Media studies course will build on and develop candidates’ own knowledge and enjoyment of media texts and technologies

What will I learn on this AS Level course?

The course will enable you to:

  • understand how different media texts work
  • apply a conceptual framework to the reading of media texts
  • engage with theory, research and ideas relating to two chosen media topics
  • produce your own media texts using an appropriate technology

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

The course will appeal to students who:

  • have an interest in reading a wide variety of media texts
  • want to learn more about an aspect of daily life that affects every citizen in almost any society
  • desire to apply their knowledge in both a theoretical and more practical manner
  • wish to pursue a career in a media-related field

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?

AS
AS is short for Advanced Subsidiary. At this stage in the school’s development, A level will not be offered, therefore AS Media Studies is a two year course. The AS course consists of two modules of assessment.

Module 1 – Investigating the Media (examination assessment) 50%
You will apply tools known as Key Concepts to a wide variety of media texts such as extracts from film, television, advertising, digital media and print.

The Key Concepts are:

  • Media Forms
  • Media Representations
  • Media Institutions
  • Media Audiences

Module 2 – Creating Media (Coursework assessment) 50%
This module will give you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills which you have developed throughout the course.

  • You will be asked to produce two linked production pieces taken from two of the media platforms e.g. print and digital media.
  • You will be asked to evaluate both production pieces.
  • When completing this module you will apply the knowledge you have learnt during your studies of Module 1 in order to create a range of pre-production tasks and to submit two fully realised products. This is designed to replicate the true experience of working in the media industry.

How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this course?
As well as covering the AS level of Media Studies, this course will enable you to develop certain skills which will be essential to you whatever you choose to do in the future.

  • Communication
  • Contribute to discussions
  • Make a presentation on aspects of media, such as film genre.

Information Technology

  • Use different sources to search for information
  • Present information from different sources
  • Experience a range of different software and equipment

Working with others

  • Plan your coursework production in groups
  • Work together on agreed objectives

Improving own learning and performance

  • Review progress
  • Seek feedback and support concerning coursework production

What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Media Studies is rapidly becoming a more important area of study as societies recognise that media is the most important means by which information, ideas and beliefs are transmitted to citizens and consumers. Therefore, in doing the course you will be better equipped to decode the media around you in your daily life and be more successful at interacting with it.

With this qualification you can go on to study Media at University (without the need for an A level at the present time) with a view to pursuing a career in this field. Media Studies complements other arts-related subjects such as English Literature, History, Philosophy, Law and Politics.