Media Studies (for examination in 2019)

The mass media is one of the world-changing phenomena of the last 100 years and especially so with the arrival of the internet and digital media. For most people, the mass media is almost impossible to avoid with TV or radio in every room in the house, magazines, newspapers, posters on billboards and so on, yet the emergence of mobile phones, computers, Smart TVs now mean that we live in a digital world constantly surrounded by the media. Therefore the need to understand that the mass media do not only reflect our attitudes and values, they also help to shape them. How they do that, why they do that, and the effect that has on individuals, communities and cultures, are issues at the heart of Media Studies.

• Qualification: GCSE
• Duration: 2 Years
• Exam Board: Eduqas

What will I study?

New for 2017, students will study the 9-1 GCSE qualification following the Eduqas specification. Students will study the following topics:

• Exploring Media Language and Representation
• Exploring Media Industries and Audiences
• Understanding the Television Industry, the use of language, representation, audience and context
• Understanding the Music Industry, the use of music videos and online media, the use of language, representation, audience and context
• Completing an individual media production for an intended audience in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board, applying knowledge and understanding of media language and representation

Assessment: Two exams (70%):

Component 1: Exploring the Media (40%)

Component 2: Understanding Media Forms & Products (30%)

Coursework (30%)

Qualification: A Level

Duration: 2 Years

Exam Board: Eduqas

Media Studies offers learners the chance to study theories and ideas about Media alongside the creation of practical coursework.

The exam component offers a choice of stimulating and engaging set texts from three contrasting media forms: Television, Magazines and Online media. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis, and, demonstrate a critical approach to media issues. The course will develop your appreciation and critical understanding of the in addition to its role historically and currently in society and culture. You will study the dynamic relationships between media forms, products, media industries and audiences.

The course will also consider the global nature of the media and apply theoretical knowledge and specialist subject specific terminology to analyse media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed. Through the course you will engage in critical debate about academic theories used in media studies and learn to appreciate how theoretical understanding supports practice.

Throughout the course you will be encouraged to show your learning in creative and practical activities to develop your production skills in more sophisticated and effective ways.

Practical Coursework allows learners to creatively apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, industry and audience to an original media production. This production will be planned and produced independently. Learners will be offered a choice of set briefs to enable them to explore their interests and develop skills in a specific area of media.

• Assessment: Two exams (70%):
• Component 1: Media Products, Industries & Audiences (35%)
• Component 2: Understanding Media Forms & Products (35%)
• Coursework (30%)

Entry Criteria

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or Literature or Grade 5 in GCSE Media Studies.

Useful Supporting Courses

Film, History, Fine Art, Graphics, English Language, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics, Business Studies, IT and Law.

Careers

TV production, Journalism, Creative Writing, Research, News production, Multimedia design, Advertising and Marketing, Theatre and Events Management, Media Planner, Social Media Manager, Editorial Assistant

2013 data from the Office for National Statistics showed that of all those with an undergraduate degree, media and information studies graduates had the second highest employment rate of all subjects, second only to medicine. 23.2% of Media Studies graduates work in the UK as art, design and media professionals, compared to 5.9% of all graduates. In general, those studying creative arts subjects are more likely to find work related to their degree studies, whilst the transferable skills gained from arts and humanities allow graduates to enter a wide range of sectors. (LOGAN, E & PRITCHARD, E, 2016. What Graduates Do, Manchester: Prospects and the Education Liaison Task Group (ELTG) of AGCAS)