Media Studies

Media Studies – A-Level Qualification

Examining Body:

AQA

Entry Criteria:

Level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements

Course Leader:

Mr S Mullinger

Why? :

Media skills and knowledge can be used in careers such as journalism, game design, advertising and broadcasting. This course is for creative and practical people who are seeking to stretch their abilities through the application of research and academic knowledge. Prospective students should be open to experiencing forms of media outside their usual habits and should expect to become active rather than passive media consumers. Self-motivation, problem solving, determination and a willingness to develop organisational skills are essential throughout the course.

Course Structure:

Students are taught how to analyse media texts through the application of the theoretical framework (Industry, Audiences, Representations and Media Languages) and critical debate. Students are also introduced to the production processes, involved in different media platforms (Online, Audio-Visual and Print). Students will be required to have an investigative mind-set to build up their awareness of media issues and debates. A deep level of academic theory will be explored, advancing the students audio-visual literacy. Beyond this, students will be expected to critically investigate chosen close study products (CSP’s) set by the exam board, advancing their research skills and preparing them for higher levels of education. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) component provides students with the opportunity to create near professional, fully realised, audiovisual, print or online products that have a clear justification within the media world. The NEA will be based on a pre-set brief set by the exam board and will be worth 30% of the whole A Level in Media Studies. Investigations into culturally and historically close study products throughout the two years will culminate in two written examinations. The exam will take the form of short answer and extended response questions which will concentrate on the theoretical frameworks exploring issues surrounding the close study products. Students will comment on the cross-cultural factors and the contexts in which the media products were created. The exams will be worth 70% of the whole A Level in Media Studies.

Extended Learning:

There will be regular practical and analytical tasks to complete outside of lessons. Students are also expected to keep themselves up to date with contemporary media issues and debates.