Media Studies
The media surrounds our everyday lives. Media Studies looks at the institutions of the press, cinema, broadcasting, advertising, multimedia and the music industry. Media reflects society and even affects and changes society. If you are interested in broadcasting (tv and radio), film, the press, advertising or the music industry, media studies could be a good choice. In this subject students are encouraged to develop an understanding of media products and how they are produced, distributed and consumed. Theoretical understanding, the ability to analyse critically and basic practical and technical skills are developed.
Course Content
The AS course is divided into two equally weighted components; a coursework module and an examination module. The exam module introduces students to the key concepts of Media Studies through studying ideology, target audiences and the construction of representations. These concepts will be examined in relation to a range of media texts such as newspapers, magazines, websites, films and television programmes. Students will be required to analyse how and why media products are constructed in different ways and will apply their theoretical knowledge to a coursework project using the print medium.
Work at A2 will develop this knowledge to look further at audience consumption and reception and at media institutions. The practical and theoretical units are again equally weighted.
What Will I Learn?
You would be expected to undertake theoretical analysis as well as applying knowledge creatively through the creation of a graphic design product in the first year and the construction of a moving image product in the second year.
The course has an emphasis on deconstructing the messages and values of the Media and on understanding the relationship between audience and institutions.
Entry Requirements
We would normally require candidates to have the standard sixth form entry requirements. A GCSE in Media is not required but you would be expected to have read different kinds of newspapers, viewed a range of television channels and seen a variety of types of film. You will need to be inquisitive, analytical and have an interest in creating new and challenging representations through creative work.
Career Opportunities
This is a good A Level for many areas of work involving communication skills. However, the media industries are difficult to get into. To get into the film, television or journalism industries may mean starting at the bottom and working your way up. You will need further qualifications and experience. There are, however, other openings in advertising, pubic relations, marketing, sound recording/editing and research.
Sources of Information
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