Media Studies
“The media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses.” – Malcolm X
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Grade 6 in GCSE Media Studies, or if not studied, Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or Literature
Subject Leader: Mr C. MacLeod
Examination Board: OCR
A-Level Syllabus: H409
Examinations: 70% (2 x 2hrs)
Non-Exam Assessment: 30%
What is A-Level Media Studies?
The Media bombards us with messages every minute of our waking lives. It is also one of the modern world’s growth employment sectors. Media Students analyse the media; develop and formulate their understanding of the media and its influential role in today’s society. Students study the relationship between producers and consumers of media. Knowledge and understanding of this relationship is gained through close examination of seven media forms: film, magazines, broadcasting (Radio and TV), newspapers, advertising, music videos and video games. By applying theories and theorists’ concepts to context, language, representation and audience, over time, students gain a wider appreciation of the power and impact of the media in today’s society. In practical production coursework, students learn how to use creative software (web design and Photoshop) to create their own media products.
What makes a good Media student?
A good Media student will be an avid consumer of contemporary and older media texts and will be keen to develop opinions on relevant topics and deepen that with academic research. They will also be an active producer of Media texts, developing a personal creative Media portfolio as the course develops. A willingness to question the status quo and explore modern culture and society will be very useful.
What can I expect to learn in Media Studies?
You will develop your essay writing ability by moving towards much greater independence in research and, by bringing secondary academic expert opinion into your work, you will advance your own writing towards undergraduate standard. You will also have to learn to work well in teams. You will learn much about practical Media production, and have the chance to create using video, online software and print.
Where could Media Studies take me?
Media Studies is a subject that is easily combinable with a number of subjects at TBSHS and beyond. English Literature, History, Psychology, Drama, Music, DT and Business Studies are some of the possible complementary subjects. The possibilities at university are almost infinite, allowing access to all straight Media and Film Studies degrees, but also to areas like Advertising/Marketing, PR, Cultural Studies, Sociology and many more. Students who want to do practical production degrees are also able to do so with Media A-Level. Past TBSHS Media students’ names now appear regularly in TV programme credits. You will also have many extra opportunities to add to your portfolio with whole school film projects.