Exam Board: AQA    Duration: 2 years    Entry Requirements: Grade 5 in GCSE English
Language or GCSE English Literature and Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.

Reasons to study Media Studies A Level

Through studying Media Studies you will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media.

A level Media Studies gives you transferable skills for future careers and experience that prepares you if you choose to progress with your study.

In addition to the broad coverage of all nine media forms, you will engage in the in-depth study of at least one audio-visual, one print and one online social and participatory media form.

Each in-depth study will link the specified media form to all four areas of the theoretical framework; Genre, Narrative, Representation and Audience.

Course Outline

What sort of work will I be doing?

Analysing a wide range of media products in relation to their key cultural and industrial contexts, using relevant critical theories.

Close study of key media industries such as Television, Magazines and On-line Media.

Training in camera and editing skills including studio filming, advanced DSLR techniques, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop and AfterEffects.

Creating media products according to a set brief (hands-on experience).

Exploring and debating media texts e.g. documentaries, video games and blogs with reference to audience responses, representation and genre.

Assessment Outline

Through a combination of:
Two written examinations (70%)
Coursework (30%).

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes

Section A – Media Language and Representation
Section B – Industry and Audience
Section C – Media Forms and Products in Depth

(35% of qualification)

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Assesses media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts.
It consists of three sections:
Section A – Television in the Global Age
Section B – Magazines: Mainstream / Alternative Media
Section C – Media in the Online Age

(35% of qualification)

Coursework: Non-exam assessment.

An individual cross-media music marketing production based on two forms (music video and music magazine) in response to a brief set by the exam board.

(30% of qualification)

Progression Routes and Career Paths

  • Journalist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Content Creator
  • Film or TV Producer
  • Video Editor
  • Camera Operator
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Marketing Executive
  • Advertising Creative
  • Media Researcher
  • Communications Officer
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Radio Presenter
  • Scriptwriter
  • Graphic Designer
  • Media Planner
  • Event Manager
  • Web Content Manager
  • Broadcast Technician

    • The Romero’s Media Studies Department

    The Media Studies qualification will be led by our experienced team of English and Social Sciences teachers, who have amassed vast experience in leading this qualification successfully in previous college settings, achieving outstanding grades.

    Further Information

    For more information or if you have any questions about the A Level Media Studies course please contact:

    Mr R Noye – Head of Sixth Form [email protected]