Media Studies A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Media Studies involves the study of a range of areas including Film, Television, Video Gaming, Newspaper, Magazine, Advertising and Marketing, Radio and Online industries. It is focused on industry practices and involves looking at how and why products are produced in the manner they are. It also requires you to challenge your perceptions of the Media as a whole.

The A Level course is made up of 70% examination work and 30% Non-Examined Assessment. In the first examination, learners will explore how media products are used by institutions and consumed by audiences, as well as looking at construction techniques and the representation offered in key products. This will involve looking at a range of media texts from a variety of different forms of media, including advertising, music video, video gaming and radio industries.

The second exam paper involves looking at a series of debates such as censorship, changing technologies, sociological changes in audiences and postmodernism through a series of media texts from a historical perspective, global perspective and within the ‘digital age’.

The course also involves a practical component which makes up the Non-Examined Assessment. This will involve students producing a series of linked media products, covering moving image production, print work, audio/radio broadcasting and the online medium.

Media Studies offers you the opportunity to work creatively, practically, analytically and theoretically. The course allows you the opportunity to advance in your understanding of the media world and to become more aware of the intentions and effects created by one of the most dominant and influential forces in modern life. It can lead to a wide array of opportunities working within the media industry, or become a very strong opportunity to show universities and employers your range of skills and versatility when it comes to learning.

As above.

To study this course for A Level, you should have at least a Grade 5 in any essay based subject at GCSE. Also, at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses such as English, which could lead onto Higher Education to study Media related courses within the Arts and Humanities, or more general Higher Education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Media such as a Journalist, News Reporter, TV Producer, Public Relations Officer. The course also helps you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the Media and Communication sectors.