Media Studies

EXAM board SPECIFICATION

"Studying Media has allowed me to not just learn about the practical aspects of photo and video editing but also learning and applying real-world issues and forms of media that people engage with daily within the content covered." - Jude Maquidato, St Wilfrid's Catholic High School

Qualification

A-level 

Assessment

70% Exam, 30% Coursework

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences (35%)

A two hour and fifteen-minute written examination assessing media language, representation, media industries and media contexts. This component relies on the analysis of unseen and set texts covering advertising, marketing, music videos radio, newspapers or video games.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth (35%)

A two hour and thirty-minute written examination focussing on television, magazines and media in the online age. This component consists of three extended response questions combined with three multiple part short response questions.

Component 3: Cross-Media Production (30%)

An individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board.

Media Studies Specification

What do I need to study this course?

You will need a grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

What will I study?

Year 1: You will learn about the key aspects of the theoretical framework of media language and representation through popular and alternative music videos (including Beyoncé and Vance Joy), historical advertising, and national newspapers. You will also study the film (including Black Panther), video games (including Assassin’s Creed) and radio industries. There will also be a variety of practical tasks, including film production, magazine design and web design.

Year 2: You will use industry standard software and equipment to plan and produce your practical media coursework, which could include a music video, a magazine, a website, a film marketing campaign and a podcast. This counts for 30% of the total A-level. You will examine television drama (including Peaky Blinders), mainstream and alternative magazines (including Vogue), and online media (including YouTubers).

What next?

Media Studies is a rapidly developing subject and a strong growth area for career opportunities. Top universities offer a variety of excellent media related courses with great work experience opportunities. There are also apprenticeships and other working opportunities on offer.