Social Science - Media Studies

DEPARTMENT |
COURSE NAME |
COURSE LEADER |
EXAM BOARD |
QUALIFICATION |
Social Science | Media Studies | Miss Rana | AQA | A level |
Introduction
We live in a world where we are constantly exposed to the media. Media Studies is designed to help students make sense of the media. Media Studies is a well-established and popular subject and grades have consistently been above the national average.
Course Entry Requirements
In order to study A level Media, students will be expected to have a 5 grade or higher in GCSE English, be proficient in their use of ICT or achieve a grade 5 or higher in GCSE Media Studies.
Course Aims
The aims of Media Studies are as follows:-
- To understand and analyse media products, practices, institutions, representations, media language, audiences, values and ideologies, genres and narrative;
- To develop practical skills and a critical understanding of the processes involved in producing media products;
- To develop independent thinking skills by using critical media theory and analysing media debates.
Course Content and Scheme of Assessment
Unit |
Level of Component |
Name |
Duration |
Weighting of A level |
Paper 1 |
A level |
Exam – analysis of media products |
2 hours |
35% |
Paper 2 |
A level |
Exam - analysis of media products |
2 hours |
35% |
NEA |
A level |
Non-exam assessment creating a cross media production |
|
30% |
Course Structure
A level Media Studies will cover audio-visual/on-line and print forms. The non-exam assessment (NEA) at A level will involve a practical production using media technology.
The A level will analyse media products in relation to four areas: Media Language, Media Representation, Media Industries and Media Audiences.
Progression and Careers
Media Studies is a very useful subject for a student who intends to enter a career where dealing with the Media is a regular occurrence, for example, marketing, public relations and journalism.
Students will also be able to study Media Studies/the arts and humanities at university for their degree.
Exam Board
AQA specification 7572
Contact Name
For further information, please see Miss Rana, Media Studies Co-ordinator.