This A Level is included within the Design and Media A Level pathway as a RECOMMENDED CORE subject. It is included in the following pathways as a RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL SUBJECT: Business and Entrepreneurship; Creative Studies; English and Communications; Performing Arts. However, you can take Media Studies with any A Level/equivalent combination, there is plenty of choice and flexibility.
Media Studies will help you develop the technical, creative and analytical skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving digital world. Over the two years we will cover different areas of the media to help develop your critical thinking and help you understand how media products communicate meaning.
Areas of study include: Language, Representation, Industry and Audience. You will consider these in relation to different elements of the media including: TV, Film, Advertising and Marketing, Video Games, Magazines, Newspapers, Radio, Online Media, and Music Videos.
At the end of Year One and in the first term of Year Two, you will undertake the NEA Coursework (30% of the final grade) following a brief set by the exam board. This involves either planning, shooting and editing a music video with a magazine to promote their artist, or a TV sequence with a TV magazine. The coursework aspect will help develop your technical skills with Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop and InDesign as well as cinematic camerawork.
You will study the course for 4.5 hours a week in the first year and 5 hours a week in the second year. You should expect to spend an additional 4.5 hours per week on homework and private study. There are two written exams (Component 1 35% and Component 2 35%) and The Non-Examination Assessment coursework / practical (30%).
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including GCSE grade 4/C or above in English. You do not need to have studied Media or Film at GCSE.
Future career and study opportunities
Many students progress from this course onto university to study Journalism, Marketing, TV/Film Production, Graphic Design, or Media and Communication Degrees. You can also move onto the HND course at our Institute of Technology to develop your Film Production skills further.
In terms of employment options, previous students have secured jobs as Directors, Cinematographers and Editors with the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports News, Sandstorm and other well-known production companies.
Work experience and Enrichment.
During the course you will have the opportunity to apply to the BFI Academy in a specialist area (Producing, Directing, Editing, Cinematography or Screenwriting) to work with industry professionals on a short film/documentary. We also have links to Screenology in Bristol where you can learn studio TV/Film Production skills, and we offer visits to Pinewood Studios where Killing Eve and James Bond have been filmed.
In addition, we have guest lecturers from the BBFC and The Guardian as well as TV and film industry professionals to help mentor and inspire you if you are considering a career within the Creative Industries.
Additional resources/costs
Our classroom contains access to Adobe Suite, which you will be able to use for the NEA coursework, as well as cameras and lighting equipment. You will just need a folder, pens and paper as the course requires lots of note taking, research and analysis.
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