Media Studies A Level

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A Level Media Studies is a great choice if you are wanting to progress into a career in the media.

The course focuses on different media forms such as the news, social media, advertising, gaming, radio, film and TV. Media Studies A Level takes a holistic approach at looking at the media industry, the creative and design element is studied alongside sociological changes and the business element of the media industry. This wholesome approach prepares you for further study at university or to be ready to go straight in to employment.

The media department at Wyke offers you a unique experience due to the extensive facilities and resources we have on offer. The department has 2 rooms of edit suites offering Premier Pro & Photoshop for working on course work projects. These are used in industry and allows you to prepare your skills for future study or work placements. The department offers a bookable kit to loan including a vast range of DSLR cameras, a drone, dollies, tripods, sliders, a bookable photography studio and much more to make a technical production. The department does not expect you to purchase your own kit to be fully immersed in the media experience.

EXAMINATION

PAPER 1: MEDIA MESSAGES

This section consists of one 2 hour examination in two parts.

SECTION A: NEWS

In depth newspaper study: Set texts studied include in-depth analysis of The Guardian and the Daily Mail.

Social media and online study: Students will explore conventions and differences of online media vs print media. Students will learn how newspapers make profit from on line advertising and subscription based news.

Study of tabloids and broadsheets: students will look at a variety of tabloid and broadsheet papers focusing on political and social differences to prepare for the unseen analysis in the exam.

Media theory: A variety of Media language, representation, audience and industry theorists are studied for 2 theory based questions in the exam.

SECTION B: MEDIA LANGUAGE AND REPRESENTATIONS

Magazine: The Big Issue is a set text, students will analyse and understand the social, cultural and political readings of a variety of covers in preparation for an unseen analysis essay in the exam.

Advertising and marketing: Old Spice aftershave, Lucozade soft drink and Shelter UK charity are the set texts studied. Students will be able to apply theory and deconstruct meanings given from each advert.

Music videos: Students will study both independent and mainstream videos including List A: Corinne Bailey Rae, Massive Attack, Emile Sande. List B: Fatboy Slim, Radiohead, David Guetta are the set texts offered.

PAPER 2: EVOLVING MEDIA

This section consists of one, 2 hour examination in two parts.

SECTION A: MEDIA INDUSTRIES AND AUDIENCES

You will explore media industries and audiences looking at how and why media products are constructed across forms to address audiences. Looking at:

Radio (BBC Radio 1): A study in to how radio engages audiences and is adapting to society’s changing ways of consuming music.

Video games (Minecraft): A study in to how Microsoft purchased Mojang Studios and how the game makes profit in such a competitive industry.

Film (The Jungle Book): a comparative study of the 1967 vs 2016 versions of Jungle Book. Students will explore how Disney continues to make profit and work as one of the most powerful institutions in the media world.

SECTION B: LONG FORM TV DRAMA

In depth study of TV: Students will look at a contemporary English language long form TV drama Stranger Things and a non-English long form TV drama Trapped.

Application of contexts: Students will use the set texts to conduct a comparative essay in relation to: Political, historical, social, cultural and economic contexts.

Application of theory: A variety of Media language, representation, audience and industry theorists are studied for 2 theory based questions in the exam.

COURSEWORK

You will be assessed in one print based practical submission. The brief changes year upon year in terms of the set genre of the magazine. You will have to produce at least 4 print based pages including 2 front covers and 2 contents pages and a supporting webpage with an active link and moving image section.

70% Examination, 30% Coursework

Information on course specific and pathway specific entry criteria can be found on our website.

Upon completing their studies at Wyke, many students progress into media careers or higher education opportunities in areas such as radio broadcast, creative industries such as marketing, advertising and PR, publishing, I-media, video games, print and graphic design and TV and film.