Media A Level

Media Studies is a valuable qualification that focuses on real media forms such as magazines, vlogs, radio, television and advertising and marketing, among others. It teaches students how to ‘read’ media in order to understand how information is being controlled and communicated. By knowing how the media operates, students are able to skilfully decode messages.

The media is likely to continue its growth as a major element of 21st-century life. The practise of production gives students the chance to develop a real understanding of media platforms, the contemporary and historic media landscape and the influential role of the media in society.

A wide range of transferable skills can also be harnessed through the study of the media, such as: research, communication, team-working, time management, critical thinking, project management, independence and self-motivation.

A Level Media Studies engages students in the in-depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework:

Media Language

Media Representation

Media Audience

Media Industries

Students are required to study media products in a variety of forms:

Television

Film (Industry)

Radio

Newspapers

Magazines

Advertising and Marketing

Online, Social and Participatory Media

Video Games

Music Videos

Students will apply the theoretical framework to a set of Close Study Products (CSPs) provided by the exam board which will allow them to gain an understanding of the contexts of the media, as well as produce extended and synoptic responses.

Through the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) students will follow a brief, gain practical production skills and develop a cross-media production for a specific audience.

There are two written exam papers at the end of Year 13, as well as a coursework element.

Paper 1: 2h (35%)

Includes a range of questions relating to an unseen source and the close study products, together with two essay questions.

Paper 2: 2h (35%)

Focuses on the in-depth media forms of television, magazine and online, social and participatory media/video games. Includes one medium-length unseen analysis question and three essay questions.

NEA: (30%)

Assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA. Based around a choice of six annually changing briefs. Students produce a statement of intent and a cross-media production made for an intended audience.

5 GCSE at grade 5 or above. Students must have achieved grade 5 or above in Maths and English. Students do not have to have studied Media Studies before.

Media Studies is a valuable qualification that focuses on real media forms such as magazines, vlogs, radio, television and advertising and marketing, among others. It teaches students how to ‘read’ media in order to understand how information is being controlled and communicated. By knowing how the media operates, students are able to skilfully decode messages.

The media is likely to continue its growth as a major element of 21st-century life. The practise of production gives students the chance to develop a real understanding of media platforms, the contemporary and historic media landscape and the influential role of the media in society.

A wide range of transferable skills can also be harnessed through the study of the media, such as: research, communication, team-working, time management, critical thinking, project management, independence and self-motivation.