Media Studies (A Level)
Details
Qualification
A LevelExamination Board
AQASpecification
What Do I Need To Study This Course?
Level 5 in English Language.
What Will I Study?
A Level Media Studies engages students in the in-depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework:
- media language
- media representation
- media industries
- media audiences
Students will study media products from all of the following media forms:
- television
- film
- radio
- newspapers
- magazines
- advertising and marketing
- online, social and participatory media
- video games
- music video
How Will I Be Assessed?
Assessment constitutes two final exams at the end of course that form 35% each of the final grade. The exams involve applying the media studies theoretical framework to a range of close study products specified by the exam board and also a number of unseen media texts. During the course, students complete a Non Exam Assessment (NEA) and this involves producing a cross-media production for and intended audience. The NEA makes up 30% of the final grade.
What Next?
A Level Media Studies provides students with transferable skills for future careers in the creative media industry and experience that prepares them if they choose to progress with their study. Alumni are now working in television and film production, the gaming and on-line media sectors and also journalism. The UK’s creative industries contributed £115.9billion to the economy in 2019, according to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. This is a 43.6% increase since 2010 and means the sector makes up just under 6% of the economy as a whole. A Level Media Studies develops both analytical and practical skills that are highly sought after in the sector.
Suggested Reading List
What is Media Studies? Key concepts explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE-B_XkoAgQ&t=22s
Media Studies – Why everyone should study it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrGzzbOgdJw
Key words list: https://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/media-studies/as-and-a-level/media-studies/a-level/subject-specific-vocabulary
Textbooks for the course: https://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/media-studies/as-and-a-level/media-studies/teach/textbooks