Media Studies A Level

Applications Open: - Friday 14 November 2025

Applications Close: - 13 February 2026. Applications may be considered after this date but it is strongly advised to apply before this deadline.

Entry Requirements: - Admission to courses - This is based on your needs and staff advice, but you should be aware of these points: 1. You will need to obtain a minimum of six GCSE passes at Level 5 or above including Mathematics and English (a minimum of a grade 5 in the reformed GCSE qualifications in English and Mathematics) and grades 9-6 in their preferred A-Level subjects or nearest equivalents. 2. Subjects have clear entry requirements. You will find these under the course details or from Subject Heads.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices (Internal and External Students)

External Applicants - please click here (This form is for external candidates and parents/carers to book a slot to ask any questions about the admissions process and Sixth Form at Highsted Grammar School). Please be aware that it is first come, first served. We will try our best to accommodate your preferences but this might not always be possible).

Internal candidates - should contact their Head of Year directly.

This course aims to provide candidates with a framework for analysing the media and requires them to explore representations and audience/user responses. Candidates will be encouraged to explore the media through the study of genre, narrative, representation and to make connections between the texts. In the developing area of interactive media, this involves considering users and their interaction with texts. It will be important for candidates to be provided with a range of global examples which will enable them to understand and interpret the media independently. The representations of social/cultural groups, events, issues and their underlying messages and values will be explored, using a range of approaches. A coursework component will challenge candidates to produce their own media texts, demonstrating their command of theoretical content and digital applications.

A Level Media Studies is designed to encourage candidates to:

• Enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of the media and its role in their daily lives

• Develop critical understanding of the media through engagement with media products and concepts and through the creative application of production skills.

• Explore production processes, technologies and other relevant contexts.

• Become independent in research skills and their application in their production work and in developing their own views and interpretations.

Students wishing to study Media Studies A Level should have achieved a grade 6 at GCSE in English Language or English Literature.