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Head of Department
Ms A Collins
Why choose the subject?
From television to cinema, radio to podcasts, social media to blogs and vlogs, and everything in between – media studies plays a big part of our every day. And it’s never been so relevant than in the internet age, where actors, singers, and personalities can make their own celebrity online using their media skills. As technology, creativity, and competition increases, these skills become more in demand all over the world.
Who is eligible?
We ask that you meet the BSG Sixth form requirements and we would prefer you to have grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language.
Qualification Type: A Level only (2 year)
Specification: Year 2023/25 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: OCR
You will study nine media forms and associated set products using a theoretical framework covering media language, media representations, media industries and media audiences. You will also consider the social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts of media products. The course teaches academic theories to underpin your understanding of these products. Media forms include, film, music videos, television, video gaming, radio, newspapers, magazines and marketing.
Media Studies is a creative subject. We will be using the technology available to make our own versions of the above and you can expect to develop creative and practical skills during the course. Through practical work you will deepen your understanding of Media Theory. You will also be taught to use a variety of programs to create your medium. This will also form part of an NEA where you will design, create and edit your own product.
PAPER 1 – MEDIA MESSAGES
TWO HOUR EXAMINATION
35% OF FINAL A LEVEL GRADE
SECTION A – NEWS Students are required to study TWO media forms in-depth: Newspapers Online, social and participatory media Students must answer THREE 10 mark questions and ONE 15 mark question Some questions will relate to unseen sources on newspapers and/or online, social and participatory media Questions will focus on media language, media representations, media industries, media audiences, media contexts, academic ideas and arguments.
SECTION B – MEDIA LANGUAGE AND REPRESENTATION Students are required to study THREE media forms: Advertising and marketing, Magazines, Music videos.
Students must answer ONE 10 mark question and ONE 15 mark question. Some questions will related to unseen sources on advertising and marketing, and/or magazines. Questions will focus on media language, media representations and media contexts.
PAPER 2 – EVOLVING MEDIA
TWO HOUR EXAMINATION
35% OF FINAL A LEVEL GRADE
SECTION A – MEDIA INDUSTRIES AND AUDIENCES
Students are required to study THREE media forms: Radio, Video games, Film. Students must answer TWO 15 mark questions Questions will focus on media industries, media audiences (but not for film), media contexts.
SECTION B – LONG FORM TELEVISION DRAMA Students are required to study ONE media form: Television. Students must answer ONE 30 mark question and ONE 10 mark question, PLUS a SYNOPTIC question, which will focus on media language, media representations, media industries, media audiences, media contexts, academic ideas and arguments.
PAPER 3 – MAKING MEDIA
NEA (COURSEWORK)
30% OF FINAL A LEVEL GRADE
This paper is externally set, internally assessed and externally moderated. It is worth 60 marks. Students are expected to complete both elements of the cross media production.
The media industry is a creative landscape with a wide range of exciting opportunities for professionals from different backgrounds. It’s important that you have the right set of skills and qualifications to secure a successful career in this highly competitive field.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, media complements several other A-Level courses, including English language or literature, business, politics, computer science and art and design.
Future Careers:
Media studies graduates typically enter careers in the media, cultural and creative industries. Areas of work include television and radio, film and video, digital media, computer games, journalism, writing and publishing, PR, marketing and media practice.