A Level - Media Studies

People today learn more from the media than any other single source of information. If we want to understand what is going on in our society in the 21st century, we have to understand media. Media Studies helps you to critique the media that you consume, to identify and explore how the media is shaped and manipulated by powerful media moguls. The subject will change the way you watch and read media - you will become a more active and critical participant in a world where media saturates our lives. Media Studies will develop your skills of analysis as well as enabling you to become an effective and creative producer of media products.

You will study a range of rich and stimulating media products such as advertisements, music videos, newspapers, radio, video games, television, online media and magazines offering opportunities for detailed analysis of how media communicate meanings in a variety of forms. Through this course, you will gain a developed understanding of key theoretical approaches, theories, issues and debates within the subject. You will engage with products from different historical periods and global settings, those produced outside the commercial mainstream and those aimed at or produced by minority groups.

Assessment consists of two written examinations and a non-examined assessment (NEA). Component one assesses understanding of media language, representations, industries and audiences. Component two consists of three sections: Television in the Global Age; Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media; and Media in the Online Age. For the NEA, students are required to use their knowledge and understanding of media production techniques and the digitally convergent nature of the media in an individual production for an intended audience. Students are required to produce two linked productions based on a brief set by the examination board. Options available for the briefs will always include: television, music marketing, film marketing and magazines.

If you wish to apply to join our Sixth Form please complete the application process through Kent Choices.