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Media

Media Studies has never been more important. In a world where we are surrounded by the media and when on average people spend eight hours a day consuming media, the course offers you the opportunity to be able to develop the critical skills to view media texts in an informed and analytical way. You will analyse how media products use language and representation to create meaning. You will consider who owns the media and how this affects the media products. The course looks at how people consume the media; to do this we study and evaluate a range of audience theories that look at the impact the media has and whether it is a force for good or evil. You will study a range of media forms such as adverts, music videos, games and TV.

The course includes the study of a range of media theories. These theories will give you the language and knowledge to develop your analysis. You will also be able to consider how texts are influenced by the historical, political, social and economic contexts in which they are produced and consumed.

Another very important aspect to the course is the 30% production work. You have the opportunity to choose from a range of briefs. You then plan and construct your chosen media products. This might be, for example, a trailer for a TV show, a music video or magazine pages. During the first year of the course you will learn the skills to construct media texts which you can then employ in your coursework. We use industry standard software, so it will not only enable you to produce work of a very high standard for your A Level, it will also prepare you for higher education and careers in the media industry.

The dynamic nature of the media means there is always something new to discuss in class. This discussion and debate is fundamental to the course as we consider what is currently happening in relation to the media and how this reflects on the media texts and theories we are studying.

“Media is one of my favourite A Levels. I find it so interesting and relevant to the world today. I want to become a journalist, so this subject is perfect for me.”

Next Steps

There are a range of options for students who have achieved a Media Studies A Level. Many students go on to University to study subjects such as Media Studies, journalism, advertising and marketing, film and TV production. Students can also use the A Level for entry to a range of other degree subjects from English Literature to Sciences. Some students choose to take up apprenticeships or enter employment, both within the media and outside of it. The skills that students have developed within the course such as essay writing, analysis and creative skills all mean that they are prepared and ready for their next steps.