Media Studies in the Sixth Form
AS and A2 Level Media Studies
A Level Media Studies introduces students to a wide range of contemporary media issues and debates. Students are required to study a number of areas of the media in depth. Students also produce a substantial practical project that involves the production of a film trailer and magazine feature articles. Their knowledge, understanding and analysis of the media are also assessed through examination.
The most important qualities students need to take this course are a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the media, a willingness to explore new ideas and to communicate effectively. It is necessary to have at least a grade C in GCSE English Language as well as 5 A* - C grades in total in 5 different subjects.
Media Studies offers students the opportunity to combine an analysis of the mass media in society with the development of practical skills for media production. The balance of theory and practical work means that students will learn about how media industries operate and are affected by changes in technology, research and debate the role of media in society, analyse both print and film texts and produce print and film based practical work.
Students will need a genuine interest in popular culture. For most people, the media is a source of entertainment and pleasure, but the media student learns to look beyond a superficial response to media texts and consider a broad range of issues and ideas relating not only to the text itself, but also to its production and consumption. A willingness to engage in group work and debate is important to develop analytical skills and confidence. Teamwork is particularly important for film production which demands commitment, flexibility and reliability. Students must also be aware of the academic demands of the course, the majority of the work you will be assessed on will be in the form of essays
Students can progress to a media related degree course or vocational training. Several former students have successfully gained places at universities such as Sussex, Bournemouth and Plymouth to read a variety of courses specialising in multi-media journalism and film studies and production. One enterprising student successfully applied for management training with Virgin Media. Media Studies also provides you with a very broad range of transferable skills, both creative and academic, that would be of use in a any number of career or higher education choices.
The most important qualities students need to take this course are a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the media, a willingness to explore new ideas and to communicate effectively. It is necessary to have at least a grade C in GCSE English Language as well as 5 A* - C grades in total in 5 different subjects.
Media Studies offers students the opportunity to combine an analysis of the mass media in society with the development of practical skills for media production. The balance of theory and practical work means that students will learn about how media industries operate and are affected by changes in technology, research and debate the role of media in society, analyse both print and film texts and produce print and film based practical work.
Students will need a genuine interest in popular culture. For most people, the media is a source of entertainment and pleasure, but the media student learns to look beyond a superficial response to media texts and consider a broad range of issues and ideas relating not only to the text itself, but also to its production and consumption. A willingness to engage in group work and debate is important to develop analytical skills and confidence. Teamwork is particularly important for film production which demands commitment, flexibility and reliability. Students must also be aware of the academic demands of the course, the majority of the work you will be assessed on will be in the form of essays
Students can progress to a media related degree course or vocational training. Several former students have successfully gained places at universities such as Sussex, Bournemouth and Plymouth to read a variety of courses specialising in multi-media journalism and film studies and production. One enterprising student successfully applied for management training with Virgin Media. Media Studies also provides you with a very broad range of transferable skills, both creative and academic, that would be of use in a any number of career or higher education choices.
