AS and A level Media Studies

Course code: MES

Level: AS Level, A Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

This subject involves developing skills in analysing different aspects of the media. You will be encouraged to question what you see, read and hear and to acquire and understanding of how the media work. Current examples are used to explore the main concepts behind Media Studies.

Requirements

 

You will need:

At least five GCSEs at grade C or above to include English Language. You do not need to have a GCSE qualification in Media Studies.

Course Content

In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for an AS level. In Year 2 you will take units 3 and 4 to complete the full A level.

Unit 1:  Media Representations and Responses

In this unit you will learn how to analyse the media. You will be introduced to the key concepts of Media Studies which involves answering the questions:

  • how is something made?
  • who made it?
  • what type of programme/film is it? how are people/places represented?
  • who is the audience?
  • what messages are you being given and what story is being told?

You will learn how to apply the key concepts to television programmes, film, radio programmes, magazines, newspapers, adverts and websites. You will explore the representation of social and cultural groups, events and issues, employing a range of approaches. 
You will be assessed by examination in the form of a written analysis of an unseen text

Unit 2: Media Production Process


In this unit you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learnt in a practical project. You will need to demonstrate that you can use various media technologies, such as video editing and image manipulation.

You will be assessed by coursework

Unit 3: Media Investigation and Production


You will undertake an individual investigation focusing on of the following key concepts, genre, narrative, representation etc.  Using a variety of media technologies you will then submit a production that relates to the investigation and evaluate its effectiveness.
You will be assessed by examination

Unit 4: Media:  Text, Industry and Audience


You will explore a number of different Media Industries such as TV, film, newspapers etc and deconstruct a variety of different texts. 

You will be assessed by examination in the form of a written analysis of two unseen texts

What else do I need to know?

Lessons are taught in a specially-equipped room with a large screen and surround sound. The course is supported by resources in the library and on the college intranet. Access to a video/DVD player is desirable for some of the homework assignments. It is helpful to listen to a variety of radio programmes and read magazines and newspapers. There is an opportunity to undertake practical work during the first year, but there is no practical work at A level – if you want to do a practical course you should consider the BTEC Creative Media Production (Interactive Media) course available at Taunton’s College.

Media Studies combines well with any other subject, including Film Studies and English.

Students from this subject have gone on to a range of degree courses in Media, but also a wide range of other subjects. Media Studies is a useful subject in which to acquire analytical skills.

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