Media Studies offers a unique blend between the academic and creative. It is a popular qualification at A Level and is offered as a undergraduate degree by 16 Russell Group Universities. The A Level is chosen by students wishing to develop their analytical skills while also honing their creative talents. Its unique course structure enables students to improve their written analysis through study of a rich and rigorous theoretical framework, and then to demonstrate their learning through hands-on, practical creative productions. This dual emphasis on theory and practice prepares students for a higher education in a broad range of disciplines. What will I learn? Through studying Media Studies you will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms, developing research and problem-solving skills as well as their creativity. Underpinning your theoretical study will be a focus on the ideas and concepts of key media theorists, including Judith Butler, Jean Baudrillard and Roland Barthes. You’ll also refine your debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives, thereby gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day-to-day life. The four main areas of in-depth study are: Media Language, Media Representation, Media Industries and Media Audiences. You will study media products from all of the following media forms: television, film radio, newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing, online, social and participatory media, video games and music video.
All offers are then subject to candidates achieving a minimum of seven GCSE Grades 9 - 4 (or equivalent), together with appropriate facilitating grades in subjects related to their choice of A level subjects (see 6th Form prospectus for more information). The A Level does not require any previous study of Media Studies, but a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language at GCSE is necessary.
Assessment consists of two, 2 hour examinations (Media One and Media Two), each worth 35% of the A Level, as well as non-exam assessment (Creating a Cross-Media Production) worth 30% of the A Level. Section A of the first exam focuses on Media Language and Representations, where you are asked to analyse two media forms (advertising/ marketing and music video), while Section B focuses on Media Industries and Audiences, where you will analyse radio, newspapers and/or film. The second exam consists of analysis of the in-depth media forms of television, magazine and online, social and participatory media/video games. The non-exam assessment tests your understanding of the course’s theoretical framework through its application in a practical production in response to one of six annually changing briefs, and you will produce a statement of intent to support your cross-media production made for an intended audience.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Bath and North East Somerset |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £37,770 - £42,735 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Day £25,500 - £26,790 |
| Address | Church Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HG |
Media Studies offers a unique blend between the academic and creative. It is a popular qualification at A Level and is offered as a undergraduate degree by 16 Russell Group Universities. The A Level is chosen by students wishing to develop their analytical skills while also honing their creative talents. Its unique course structure enables students to improve their written analysis through study of a rich and rigorous theoretical framework, and then to demonstrate their learning through hands-on, practical creative productions. This dual emphasis on theory and practice prepares students for a higher education in a broad range of disciplines. What will I learn? Through studying Media Studies you will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms, developing research and problem-solving skills as well as their creativity. Underpinning your theoretical study will be a focus on the ideas and concepts of key media theorists, including Judith Butler, Jean Baudrillard and Roland Barthes. You’ll also refine your debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives, thereby gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day-to-day life. The four main areas of in-depth study are: Media Language, Media Representation, Media Industries and Media Audiences. You will study media products from all of the following media forms: television, film radio, newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing, online, social and participatory media, video games and music video.
All offers are then subject to candidates achieving a minimum of seven GCSE Grades 9 - 4 (or equivalent), together with appropriate facilitating grades in subjects related to their choice of A level subjects (see 6th Form prospectus for more information). The A Level does not require any previous study of Media Studies, but a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language at GCSE is necessary.
Assessment consists of two, 2 hour examinations (Media One and Media Two), each worth 35% of the A Level, as well as non-exam assessment (Creating a Cross-Media Production) worth 30% of the A Level. Section A of the first exam focuses on Media Language and Representations, where you are asked to analyse two media forms (advertising/ marketing and music video), while Section B focuses on Media Industries and Audiences, where you will analyse radio, newspapers and/or film. The second exam consists of analysis of the in-depth media forms of television, magazine and online, social and participatory media/video games. The non-exam assessment tests your understanding of the course’s theoretical framework through its application in a practical production in response to one of six annually changing briefs, and you will produce a statement of intent to support your cross-media production made for an intended audience.