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.