The Media Department @ Key Stage 5

Course entry requirements

C or above in English Language or Media Studies

Why study Media Studies?

The media is all around us. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. As audiences we consistently use media and communication, whether this is sending an email, watching videos on YouTube, or settling down with a bag of popcorn at your local multiplex. As a media student, you will analyse the relationships between audience and text, as well as creating your own products which show you understand how existing media communicates.

What will you study?

Reading and listening materials used in the AS/A2 units are drawn from the following broad topic areas, and are firmly rooted in the culture of a target–language country:

AS - Year 12

Unit 1 - Foundation Portfolio

You will design, plan and make a music magazine, including taking photographs and using DeskTop Publishing software

Unit 2 - Key Media Concepts

This unit studies representation in TV Drama, and the production, distribution and marketing of video games.

A2 - Year 13

Unit 3 - Advanced Portfolio

Your own production work will be a viral marketing campaign for a newfilm, to include website homepage, one sheet and teaser trailer.

Unit 4

The first part of this unit asks you to analyse and evaluate your production work. The second part is an investigation into how British film and television help to communicate national identity.

Future prospects
Both employment and future study are available should you pursue an A Level in Media Studies. In choosing the career option, there are a number of entry level positions, such as runners in the TV industry, fromwhere there is an opportunity to progress to editorial and other roles. For students who choose degree options, there is an opportunity to continue to generalise (e.g. Media Studies) or to specialise in areas such as Internet Technologies.