About the course
This A Level is included within the following A Level pathways as a RECOMMENDED CORE subject: Design and Media; 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 provides you will the opportunity to develop technical, creative and analytical skills to equip you with the essential skills to succeed in the ever-evolving Digital world.
What will I study over the 2 years?
The theoretical framework is made up of Media Language, Representation, Industry and Audience. Each area enables you to develop critical thinking and media literacy when exploring how media products communicate meaning.
The industries you will explore include; TV, Film, Advertising and Marketing, Video Games, Magazines, Newspapers, Radio, Online Media, and Music Videos.
Each industry includes set texts we study throughout the two years with theoretical concepts to enable you to develop research and independent thinking skills.
During the end of Year One and first term of Year Two, you will undertake the NEA Coursework (30% of the final grade) following a brief set by the exam board. Students either plan, shoot and edit a Music Video with a Magazine to promote their artist, or a TV Sequence with a TV Magazine. The coursework aspect allows you to develop technical skills with Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop and InDesign as well as cinematic camerawork.
You will study the course for 4.5 -5 (first year is 4.5 hours and second year is 5) hours per week and should expect to spend an additional 4.5 hours per on homework and private study. Mock exams are held during the first year (in February), but do not count towards the final A Level. 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.
Where next?
Most of our students go onto University to study Journalism, Marketing, TV/Film Production, Graphic Design, or Media and Communication Degrees. Some of our students have joined the HND at our Institute of Technology to develop their Film Production skills further. Other students have gone onto work in the industry as Directors, Cinematographers and Editors with the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports News, Sandstorm and other well-known production companies.
Work experience and Enrichment
Throughout the two years we have opportunities for our students to apply to the BFI Academy in a Specialist (Producing, Directing, Editing, Cinematography or Screenwriting) Course to work with industry professionals on a short film/documentary. We also have links to Screenology in Bristol where our students learn studio TV/Film Production skills, and visits to Pinewood Studios where Killing Eve and James Bond have been filmed.
We have guest lecturers from the BBFC, The Guardian Newspaper and industry professionals within TV and Film to help mentor and inspire our students who are considering careers within the Creative Industries.
What additional resources will I need?
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 therefore only need a folder, pens and paper as the course requires lots of note taking, research and analysis.
Fees information
This course is free for students aged 16-18 years.
Contact
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing enrolment@newcollege.ac.uk