Media Studies

What You Will Learn About:  

• The Role of Media in Society: Understand how media shapes culture, influences public opinion, and reflects societal values.  

• Media Text Analysis: Learn to analyse a range of media forms such as films, television programmes, social media, and advertisements.  

• Media Production: Develop practical skills in creating your own media content, from film-making to digital media projects.  

• The Impact of New Technologies: Investigate how digital platforms and social media are changing the way we consume and produce media.  

Choose Media Studies and dive into the fascinating world of how we communicate, share stories, and consume information in today’s digital age!  

Course Content & Assessment

Paper 1: Media Issues and Debates 

This paper focuses on current media issues and debates. You’ll be given a topic ahead of the exam, and your job will be to explore it using relevant theories and ideas you’ve learned throughout the course. 

How It’s Assessed 

• Written exam: 2 hours 

• 35% of the total A Level 

Paper 2: Media Products and Audiences 

In this paper, you’ll analyse different media products using the theoretical framework. You’ll need to refer to the Close Study Products (CSPs) provided by AQA, along with other media products you’ve studied. You’ll also demonstrate an understanding of the contexts in which these products were created. 

How It’s Assessed 

• Written exam: 2 hours 

• 35% of the total A Level 

Non-Exam Assessment: Creating a Media Product 

For this practical assessment, you’ll apply your knowledge of media theory to create your own media product. This could be a cross-media project, designed for an intended audience, based on an annually changing theme. 

How It’s Assessed 

• Practical project: 30% of the total A Level 

• Assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA 

Teaching

Media Studies offers a dynamic blend of practical work and theoretical analysis. You’ll be actively involved in discussions, leading seminars, and carrying out independent research tasks.  

The course isn’t just about what happens in the classroom; it encourages you to engage with real-world media, current affairs, and social issues. You’ll be expected to think critically, question the media around you, and challenge both your own and others’ viewpoints.  

Through a range of practical activities, media analysis, and creative projects, you will develop essential skills that will serve you in both academic and professional environments. Expect to be pushed to think deeply, create compelling media content, and analyse the media landscape from multiple perspectives.  

Your Future

The media industry is booming, with major players like the BBC relocating key departments to the North West, including Children’s, Sport, and Research & Development. This shift is making media a significant employer in the region, offering exciting opportunities for future careers.  

A qualification in Media Studies opens doors to a range of careers, particularly in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, and other communications-based professions.  

The blend of practical skills and theoretical understanding developed in this course will also prepare you for university courses in media technology, communication studies, or academic media research. Whether you’re interested in creating content or analysing the impact of media on society, this course is a great stepping stone for your future career.  

Apply Now