Media Studies, A Level

Students should ensure that they meet the entry requirements for the courses they are applying for (available on subject pages) as well as the overall entry requirements (5 grades at level 4 or above but must include English and Maths).

Students need to choose a minimum of three subjects to study. Please note that all of our BTEC courses are single BTEC's and equivalent to 1 A Level, you will need to choose two further subjects if choosing a BTEC course.

Please ensure you have put contact details for yourself and a parent should we need to contact you.

If you are interested in how television, newspapers, films, music videos, radio, magazines, computer games, social media and the internet influence and shape the way the world we live in, then A Level Media Studies may be for you!

Media Studies allows students to view and analyse a variety of media products and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms.

We look closely and analytically at a range of media products such as television crime dramas, music videos and magazines. To do so, we apply theories about the media (sociological, psychological, and political) and debate the theories’ usefulness and relevance today. For example, we look at the ownership of newspapers and the impact that might have on the news we are receiving; and we look at how gender and ethnicity are represented in video games.

As well as studying media products, students have the opportunity to make their own. This means that students apply their knowledge of media products studied in the course to their own creative work.

Assessment is through a combination of two examinations at the end of the course (70%) and a coursework component involving the creation of media products (30%).

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature

You need to be predicted and achieve all the grades listed above in order to undertake this subject.

You could move on to a Media Studies, or related, degree such as journalism, marketing, broadcast media, or public relations course. There are also apprenticeship opportunities in a range of media sectors. You'll have transferable skills including analysis, visual communication, problem solving, presentation and organizational skills as well as technical skills such as using creative media software.