You will study a wide range of media texts and examine the social, cultural, historical and political contexts that have influenced their creation. You will also develop creative and technical skills as you design and make your own cross-media product for practical coursework. Analysing and evaluating a media text is a sophisticated skill, and is looked upon very favorably by universities, who enjoy working with students who can ‘think critically’. What will I study? The course is divided into theoretical study and practical coursework. As part of your theoretical approach to the subject, you will look at a range of media areas, including newspapers, advertising, music videos, television and radio, video games, and film. You will answer questions like, who creates media products and what impact does this have on the messages contained within them? How are media products put together and how does the audience consume the product? Part of your time will be spent in practical media production producing a cross-media product in video, print, radio or web design. This could be shooting and editing an opening to a TV program or music video, creating a film marketing campaign or making a magazine. Vlogging and podcasting are also an option. Where could it take me? The majority of our students will go on to university to study a related degree course such as media studies, media production, journalism, media technology, television and radio, film and screen studies or even production management. We have had students who have achieved prestigious apprenticeship places at institutions like the BBC. We also have a significant number of students who go on to study at a Russell Group University on unrelated degrees.