Media Studies
If you are at all interested in TV, films, advertising, magazines and the music industry, Media Studies could be the right option for you. In addition, if you’d like to produce a video, write for a magazine, design a computer game or create web pages, the opportunity exists on this course.
Media Studies will add breadth to your studies, as well as enhance your research, analytical and evaluative skills. A deeper understanding of media theory will be gained through practical application of learning.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
Media Studies is an analysis of the information available in our lives – where it comes from, how we receive it and the effect it has on our view of the world.
Media Studies is an analysis of the information available in our lives – where it comes from, how we receive it and the effect it has on our view of the world.
Media Studies has close links with many other subjects; a film can be studied like a novel in English Literature. The practical elements of the course reference areas such as Photography, IT, Graphics and Performing Arts. We study, as students of Sociology might, who watches particular programmes and why. Media links with History, Economics, Geography, Politics and Business Studies. It considers Media industries in the UK and USA as well as exploring issues world-wide.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
A combination of theoretical and practical work - there will be analysis of films, TV programmes, magazines and newspapers. Practical sessions in video and desktop publishing will help you with your practical units. There will be group discussion, essay work and individual research projects. Trips to TV studios will be encouraged as well as making use of off-site locations for production work.
A combination of theoretical and practical work - there will be analysis of films, TV programmes, magazines and newspapers. Practical sessions in video and desktop publishing will help you with your practical units. There will be group discussion, essay work and individual research projects. Trips to TV studios will be encouraged as well as making use of off-site locations for production work.
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The two AS units are:
· Media Representations and Responses: externally assessed written examination worth 50% of AS (25% of A level)
· Media Production Processes: internally assessed coursework worth 50% of AS (25% of A level)
The AS units will cover: analysing a range of media including film, television, internet and newspaper and magazine publishing; exploring visual codes through which producers can convey certain messages to his/her audience; how people and groups are represented and how audiences respond to them; practical work - print production (magazines, advertising), web-design, video game design; an evaluation of the practical work, which could be a discursive essay, an illustrated report or a suitably edited blog; media ownership.
The two A2 units are:
· Media Investigation and Product: internally assessed coursework worth 25% of A level
· Text, Industry and Audience: externally assessed written examination worth 25% of A level
The A2 units will cover: media industries (film, television, advertising, music, videogames, magazines, newspapers, radio); an individual investigation into a specific media and area of interest; practical work – including video production; an evaluation of the practical work.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade C in English Language together with a strong interest in the Media. You will need enthusiasm and a willingness to work as part of a team and as an individual as well as a commitment to developing both research and practical skills.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH MEDIA STUDIES?
Media Studies combines well with any subject combination, including Film Studies. The subject combines particularly well with English Literature, Business Studies, Psychology, Photography, Information and Communication Technology and Art (Graphic Design).
You should have at least a grade C in English Language together with a strong interest in the Media. You will need enthusiasm and a willingness to work as part of a team and as an individual as well as a commitment to developing both research and practical skills.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH MEDIA STUDIES?
Media Studies combines well with any subject combination, including Film Studies. The subject combines particularly well with English Literature, Business Studies, Psychology, Photography, Information and Communication Technology and Art (Graphic Design).
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Many students go on to study Media in Higher Education and the subject is welcome as an acceptable entrance qualification for other degree level courses. The subject encourages the analytical and practical skills appropriate for a career in the Film and Media industries as well as in a range of other vocational areas.
Many students go on to study Media in Higher Education and the subject is welcome as an acceptable entrance qualification for other degree level courses. The subject encourages the analytical and practical skills appropriate for a career in the Film and Media industries as well as in a range of other vocational areas.
View the Media Studies page on the WJEC Website.
