Media Studies

Course summary

Media literacy is arguably one of the most important skills for students to possess. The contemporary media landscape is transient and fluid; Media Studies provides learners with the knowledge and understanding to navigate complex sets of messages and ideologies. In order to achieve this students will engage with both historical and contemporary media products in order to fully appreciate the media in terms of its past, present and future. Textual analysis, theoretical approaches and critical debate underpin the course across two years of study. Students will extend their practical skills, build their capacity for independent research, and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day-to-day life. Through studying Media Studies students will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms. Students will study contemporary, diverse and varied texts coupled with and engaging content, helping students to develop research, problem-solving skills as well as their creativity. They’ll also refine their debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives. Core content will focus on the following aspects which form the theoretical framework: 1. Media language 2. Media representation 3. Media industries 4. Media audiences 5. Media theory 6. Media issues and debates