We offer Media Studies at GCSE and AS/A2 level
Head of department
Ms Jones
GCSE Media Studies (2 Year)
What does the course consist of and how will I be assessed?
Examination - 50%
The examination consists of two sections:
- Print products – students answer a series of questions on a print topic (for example, print advertising) studies in Year 11.
- Moving image – students analyse the codes and conventions of a previously unseen moving image text (for example, television news). Students study similar texts in Year 11.
Coursework 50%
Three assignments demonstrating knowledge and understanding of media concepts and skills used by media practioners. All assignments require written analysis and evaluation. Students will:
- Compare and contrast a modern and historical media test.
- Research, plan and design a mock-up of a media production targeting a specific audience.
- Make a media product.
This course is designed to enable you to develop a critical understanding of the role of the Mass Media in society. Media Studies is the study of the press (newspapers and magazines), film, television, radio and advertising. It may also incorporate the study of other areas such as popular music and the internet. Within these areas, you will investigate the industries behind the media, the products they produce and the audiences that consume them.
There are many reasons why we should study the media:
- We live in the age of mass communication:
- We are bombarded by messages through advertising, the press, television and film.
- Leisure time is dominated by media culture:
- Political and social values are largely shaped by the media who provide
much of the material by which people shape their identity; - The media also cuts across gender, class, race, creed, and nationality to form bonds between groups of people who may exist in totally different circles, bringing us closer to a global culture;
- The media is a powerful force and constantly changing, providing students with endless material for deep and contemporary debate;
- It is necessary for all those thrown into this arena to be able to understand, interpret, and criticise the messages which stem from the media.
Anyone with a genuine interest in the power and workings of the media will find this a stimulating course. Following GCSE students may choose to pursue their interest in the media by sitting the subject at AS or A2 level. All universities recognise Media Studies as a valid A-level as the subject fosters in students the ability to debate, investigate, analyse, research and organise the production of their own media products. Media Studies is particularly attractive to those considering a career in journalism, publishing, radio, television, theatre and the arts.
AS (1 year) and A2 (2 year) courses
Why should I study this subject?
Most of the information you receive in society is communicated via the media. Media Studies teaches the skills needed to deconstruct texts in order to recognise the true nature of the messages and values being broadcast to you. Studying this subject will teach you how social, economic and political factors shape and structure the media and how the media, in return, shapes and structures power relationships in society. In addition, every company worth its salt now requires the kind of communication and marketing skills taught in this subject. Last, but not least, Media Studies is a hugely enjoyable subject that you will find
revealing and relevant to your life.
What qualifications will I need?
You will need grade Cs on the Higher Papers in Media Studies and English Language. We will consider you if you have not taken Media Studies before but you will have to convince us that you are suitable for the subject.
Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Specification
Modern Media Forms
This is the introductory unit where you will learn to analyse and deconstruct a wide range of media texts using media language such as narrative codes, genre and sign systems. You will explore advertising images, the Internet newspapers, magazines, radio, film and TV extracts.
Assessment: 90min exam.Media Representations and Reception
This unit examines the issues and debates the media raises. You will study how gender, race, nation, disability and age are portrayed in the media and the structure of power relations this reflects and perpetuates in society. You will also study how an audience receives and interacts with the media.
Assessment: 90min exam.Making Media Texts (ME3)
For this unit, you will compile a portfolio containing three key pieces of coursework. It will consist of two pieces of research and a production with a 1,200-word evaluation. You will demonstrate your ability to research, plan and execute a media production and comment critically on its success.
Assessment: 2 pieces of research and planning and a creative production piece.
Advanced (A2) Specification
Investigating Media Texts
This unit builds on the knowledge and skills gained at AS. Concentrating on one of the following areas - genre, narrative or representation - you will submit a 2,000 to 3,000-word essay. A typical example might include 'How is masculinity represented in situation comedy?'
Assessment: 2,000-3,000-word research essay.Changing Media Industries
You will study two media industries in depth, looking at the political, economic and social factors that help to shape media products, for example the impact of new media technologies. The focus will be on British media but there will be opportunities to look at the media industries of other countries, too.
Assessment: 90min exam.Text and context
Your exam topic for this module is the crime genre. You will study the codes and conventions of the genre. Using both historical and recent examples, you will examine how these have been influenced by economic, political and social factors.
Assessment: 150min audio-visual exam.
* A-Level Media Studies is not a vocational or practical film-making course.