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Media Studies

Media Studies

What is it about at sixth-form level?

Media Studies A Level provides you with a broad understanding of many different aspects of the media that you encounter daily. You will also consider how historical, political, social and cultural contexts help to shape the construction of a range of media texts across different media industries as well as how they are perceived by different audiences.

You will analyse how media products use language and representations to create meaning. You will learn about the media industry and how the industry affects how media products are made. You will investigate media audiences, exploring who are the people who watch, read and consume the products, considering how different people might respond to products differently, and why. You will study many different media forms, such as: Television, Online media, Magazines, Newspapers, Music, Radio, Video games and related advertising and marketing

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Why study it and what skills does it develop?

An A Level in Media Studies helps you to progress into higher courses in in Media, Communications and Cultural Studies, as well as to those in other areas such English, Humanities and Social Sciences. Media Studies will help you to develop valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking, analysis, research, planning, skills of enquiry and evaluation, practical skills, creativity, essay writing skills and more. Your studies will complement and assist your learning in other subjects such as English Language and Literature, Humanities, Sociology, Film, ICT and the Extended Project.

There is a huge array of career opportunities in the media, which is an industry that is growing at an exponential rate. If you are looking for a job in this area, studying Media at A Level and at degree level is a route into careers such as TV and film production, advertising, journalism, interactive media, and digital marketing. It could help to provide you with the foundation to secure roles in technical production, special effects, web design and post-production.

What prior knowledge and skills are required?

A good grade in GCSE English (or equivalent) is essential to meet the comprehension, analytical and writing demands of the course.

How is the course assessed?

A level

The A level course is assessed by three components. Component one is a written examination based on Media Products, Industries and Audiences and lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes. Component two is a written examination on Media Forms and Products in Depth and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. Both written exams are each worth 35% of the overall A level qualification. Component three, the cross-media NEA coursework production accounts for the remaining 30% of the overall marks.

Core Texts and Suggested Reading

WJEC/ Eduqas Media Studies for Year 1 + AS
By C. Bell and L. Johnson
Published by Illuminate, ISBN 978-1911208105

WJEC/ Eduqas Media Studies for Year 2 + A2
By C. Bell and L. Johnson
Published by Illuminate, ISBN 978-1911208112

A level Media Studies: The Essential Introduction
By Bennett, P et al.
Published by Routledge, ISBN 978-1138285880

Additional articles on specific case studies, videos and technical codes will also be recommended throughout the two-year course to enhance students knowledge and understanding.

Exam Board and Specification Codes

WJEC Eduqas GCE A level A680QS

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Grades achieved at MPW: A*AA Progressed to: University of York (Law)

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Grades achieved at MPW: A*A*A* Progressed to: University College London (Mathematics and Statistics)

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Grades achieved at MPW: A*AABB Progressed to: King's College London (International Relations)

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