Why study Media?
The mass media is one of the world-changing phenomena of the last one hundred years. We are constantly surrounded by media products that compete for our attention and the technology behind the media is changing and advancing all the time. It is easy to argue that the mass media not only reflects our values and attitudes, but also has an influence in shaping them. Placed in this context, it is easy to see that media studies is a fascinating subject, which provides students with the opportunity to assess, analyse and produce a range of different media products.
A-level Media Studies requires you to view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products; and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms. You’ll find contemporary, diverse topics and varied, engaging content, to help you develop research, problem-solving skills, while developing your creativity. You’ll also refine your debating skills through discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives.
The A-level specification offers a smooth progression from GCSE Media Studies and provides you with scope to develop your contemporary thinking in media studies. You will also extend your practical skills in your chosen medium, building your capacity for independent research, while gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day-to-day life.
Subject Content
A-level Media Studies engages you in the in-depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework: media language media representation media industries media audiences.
You will study media products from all of the following media forms:
audio-visual forms (TV, film, radio, advertising and marketing, video games and music video)
online forms (social and participatory media, video games, music video, newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing)
print forms (newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing)
You will undertake at least one cross-media study and must study at least one example of a media product from each form.
AQA will specify a theme for Paper 1 in advance of each exam series. This theme will be released on 1 June of the first year of study. This theme will provide a focus for some of the teaching and learning in the year immediately prior to the exams.
A-level Assessment
The course is assessed by exams (70%) and coursework (30%) which is a non-exam assessment.
Paper 1: 2 hour exam. Worth 35% of total A-level Questions on Paper 1 will focus on issues and debates in the media. A topic will be released in advance of the exam. You will be expected to use relevant elements of the theoretical framework when exploring ideas in the paper.
Paper 2: a 2 hour exam. Worth 35% of A-level
Questions will focus on the analysis of media products, through the lens of the theoretical framework. You will be expected to refer to a range of media
37 Entry Requirements
Students should have achieved at least a Grade C in their GCSE Media Studies. If media was not studied at GCSE a Grade 5 or above in English Language or Literature is required.
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