Media Studies

The mass media is one of the most fascinating world-changing phenomena of the last 100 years. Media studies draws on sociology, psychology, art, economics and business studies to provide a valuable insight into the theory and practice of mass communication.

Today it is obvious that the mass media not only reflect our attitudes and values, they also help to shape them.  How they do that, why they do that, and the effect they have on individuals, communities and cultures, are issues at the heart of media studies.

This exciting course aims to provide a range of media skills and knowledge relevant to you as both critical consumers and competent producers of media.  In addition to extending your own understanding and enjoyment of media texts, it would certainly improve your career prospects as communication in all its forms is becoming more sophisticated and calling for a more educated workforce.

Media Studies is a demanding subject.  You are required to have a firm grasp of current affairs, modern technologies and fundamental concepts.  You will explore in detailed written formats, the theoretical framework of media studies: representations, audiences, media forms and institutions.  In addition to contemporary media examples, you will explore historical media texts, and the contexts in which they were produced, in order to develop a sophisticated understanding of the development of the mass media over time.

Method of assessment

Year 13

Component 1: Exam. 2 hours 15 minutes. 35% of the qualification
Component 2: Exam. 2 hours 30 minutes. 35% of the qualification
Component 3: Non Exam Assessment – cross media production based on choice of briefs. 30% of the qualification.

Year 13 coursework:
An individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence.

Topics areas covered

Year 12:
Investigating media language and representation: advertising, marketing, music video, newspapers.
• Investigating media industries and audiences: advertising, marketing, film, newspapers, radio, video games and media contexts
• Investigating media forms and products: television, magazines, online media

Year 13

  • Analysing media language and representation: advertising, marketing, music video, newspapers.
  • Understanding media industries and audiences: advertising, marketing, film, newspapers, radio, video games and media contexts
  • Television in the global age
  • Magazines: mainstream and alternative media
  • Media in the online age

Level: A level

Board: WJEC/Eduqas

Head of department:
Mr K Ferguson

Teachers:
Mrs S Rolling (lead teacher)
Ms E Higgins
Mrs D Caygill-Coombes
Mrs C Baxter