Media studies
A Level
WATCH THE VIDEO TO FIND OUT ABOUT MEDIA STUDIES
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE
5+ English language
5+ Media Studies (if studied)
YEAR 12 COURSE SPECIFICATION
Component 1 – Media Products, Industries and Audiences – Written Examination
The following media forms will be studied:
Newspapers
Advertising and marketing
Music video
Radio
Video games
Film – cross media study
Component 2 – Media Forms and Products in Depth – Written Examination
The following media forms will be studied in depth:
Television
Magazines
Online media
YEAR 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION
Component 3 – Cross-media Production – Internally assessed
In this component learners are required to apply their knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, audiences, media industries and the digitally convergent nature of the media via an individual production for an intended audience. The production will be based on two media forms for marketing of a film.
Revision of components 1 and 2 will take place from the Spring term of Year 13.
LEARNING AND SKILLS
The theoretical framework for analysing and creating media provides learners with the tools to develop a critical understanding and appreciation of the media.
The framework consists of four inter-related areas:
Media language: how the media uses forms, codes and conventions to communicate meaning
Representation: how the media portray events, issues, individuals and social groups
Media industries: how the media industries’ processes of production, distribution and circulation affect media forms and platforms
Audiences: how media forms target, reach and address audiences, how audiences interpret and respond to them, and how members of audiences become producers themselves.
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT
EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS
|
UNIT |
TYPE OF ASSESSMENT |
DURATION |
WEIGHTING |
|
Component 1 Media Products, Industries and Audiences
Section A: Analysing Media Language and Representation
Section B Understanding Media Industries and Audiences The examination includes and the use of unseen resource materials |
Written exam |
2 hours 15 mins |
35%
|
|
Component 2 Media Forms and Products in Depth Section A: Television in the Global Age Section B: Magazines – Mainstream and Alternative Media Section C: Media in the Online Age |
Written exam |
2 hours 15 mins |
35%
|
|
Component 3 Cross Media Production An individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a set brief |
Non-exam assessment (Coursework) |
|
30% |
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Students can continue studying Media Studies at Higher Education institutions. The course also supports further study in subjects including English Language, English Literature, Film Studies, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, Marketing, Film and TV Production, Publishing and Digital Media Production. Students could also progress to practical Apprenticeships or employment in Creative Media sectors.