Media Studies is an engaging and creative course that explores how media products are created, how they communicate meaning and how they influence and respond to audiences and society. Students develop skills in analysis, critical thinking, research and practical media production, while studying a wide range of media forms including television, newspapers, advertising, magazines, film, music and online media.
The course is assessed through two written examinations and one non-exam assessment, with students applying their knowledge of media language, representation, industries, audiences and contexts throughout the qualification.
Component 1 – Exploring the Media
Written examination – 40% of the qualification
Component 1 introduces students to a broad range of media forms and develops their ability to analyse how media products communicate meaning.
Section A: Media Language and Representation
Students study selected print media forms, including areas such as magazines, film marketing, newspapers and print advertising. They explore how choices such as images, layout, colour, typography and language create meanings and representations. Students will also be asked to analyse an unseen media product.
Section B: Media Industries and Audiences
Students explore how the media industry operates and how media products are produced, distributed and consumed. The section covers media forms including newspapers, radio, film and video games, with a particular focus on media industries and audiences.
Component 2 – Understanding Media Forms and Products
Written examination – 30% of the qualification
Component 2 focuses on television and music, allowing students to develop a more detailed understanding of how media products are constructed and how they relate to their audiences, industries and wider contexts.
Section A: Television
Students study set television programmes and analyse elements such as media language, representation, audiences, industries and contexts. In the examination, students will analyse an extract from a set television programme.
Section B: Music
Students study set music videos alongside online media, including websites and social and participatory media. They consider how artists and music companies use media language and representation to appeal to audiences and promote music.
Component 3 – Creating Media Products
Non-exam assessment – 30% of the qualification
Component 3 gives students the opportunity to become media producers themselves. Students respond to a production brief and create an individual media product for a specific target audience.
They must apply their understanding of media language and representation to create an effective, creative product, supported by a Statement of Aims.
What will students gain?
Throughout the course, students develop the ability to:
- Analyse and evaluate a wide range of media products.
- Understand how media industries operate and target audiences.
- Explore how people, places, groups and issues are represented.
- Understand how social, cultural, historical, political and economic contexts influence media.
- Use specialist media terminology confidently.
- Plan and create their own professional-style media products.
- Develop valuable skills in creative thinking, communication, research, analysis and digital production.
The combination of academic study and practical production makes Media Studies an excellent foundation for further study in Media, Film, Journalism, Digital Media, Advertising, Marketing and related creative subjects.