Media Studies encourages students to explore and gain a knowledge of the media in an academic context and apply this to their own media productions. They develop critical thinking skills as they study the media in both global and historical contexts, gaining a progression of understanding about how sections of the media present ideologies and narratives through their product. The progression from Year 12 to Year 13 encompasses a practical task to build resilience and aid personal development, while helping students to understand audiences and the wider media industry

Course Content

Years 12 & 13

Students study a wider range of media texts including both the print and online news industries; magazines; advertising; music videos; radio; film production and marketing; videogames, and the television industry. This is underpinned by the media theoretical framework and supported through an in-depth knowledge of media theory, audience, industry information and media language, exploring media messages and how the media is evolving.

Co-Curricular Opportunities:

The Media Studies course includes an overnight trip to London with a university lecture, experience in a TV studio and a visit to The Hard Rock Cafe; regular visits to The British Film Institute; and visits from industry speakers including television edit producers, directors and producers.

Testimonials

My favourite thing about studying media so far is the music video coursework. We got given lots of independence to be really creative and I had so much fun doing it. I like how relevant media is to the world today, I feel like I’m learning lots about what’s going on in the world as we go through the course. I wasn’t originally planning to take media A level but now I hope to do it at university so I can get the opportunity to do more creative projects. Izzy

Working in groups writing essays together or directing our music videos is some of the highlights for media A level. The small class is an effective environment for class discussions and debates of current affairs as well as other topics like adverts. Charlotte

I would say Media is quite similar to English language, but with analysing film, newspapers, tv, advertisements etc. I think this makes it much more interesting. Although Media is often thought of as an 'easy subject', I think that is definitely incorrect. However, it is very enjoyable! Bea