Media Studies — Solihull Sixth Form College

Media Studies

Why study Media Studies?

Media Studies

  • The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics, shaping our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer. This course aims to explore how media texts create meaning, and how their representations of the world affect audiences.
  • You will also look at the economic and cultural context in which individual media texts operate, through the close analysis of a range of media texts – both ‘traditional’ media (newspapers, television, films,) and digital online media (blogs, websites). You will also develop practical production skills and will be required to produce your own media products.
Why study Media Studies at Solihull Sixth Form College?
  • This course focuses on studying a range of different media forms and industries.
  • This is one of the few subjects to allow students to develop practical skills to create their own media products as part of their coursework.
  • You will also develop the ability to interpret and understand how media texts have been created, and the social and/or political aspects of media texts.
  • Media Studies combines well with Photography, Art and Design, Sociology and History, for example.
Course Outline

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences (Examined)
Section A: Analysing Media Language and representation
You will look at advertising, marketing, music videos and newspapers and will answer two questions:
• one question assessing media language in relation to an unseen audio-visual or print resource
• one extended response comparison question assessing representation in one set product and an unseen audio-visual or print resource in relation to media contexts.
Section B: Understanding Media Industries and Audiences
You will look at advertising, marketing, film, radio, video games, and newspapers.
In the exam you will answer two questions:
• one stepped question on media industries
• one stepped question on audiences.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth (Examined)
The examination assesses media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts. It consists of three sections:
Section A – Television in the Global Age
You will apply the theoretical areas to two texts (eg Peaky Blinders and The Bridge)
There will be one two-part question or one extended response question.
Section B – Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
You will apply the theoretical areas to two texts (eg Vogue and The Big Issue)
There will be one two-part question or one extended response question.
Section C – Media in the Online Age
You will apply the theoretical areas to two texts (eg. Zoella and Attitude)
There will be one two-part question or one extended response question.

Component 3: Cross-Media Production (Coursework – 30% of the overall marks)
You will produce, individually, a cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set externally, applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence. An example would be: Create a music video and an article for a music magazine promoting a new band or artist.

Assessment

Coursework (30%)
Examination (70%)
Examining Board – EDUQAS.

Special Entry Requirements

It is not necessary to have studied GCSE Media Studies. Standard A level entry requirements apply.

Recommendation

It is not compulsory, but we do recommend that learners have access to a MAC or PC at home and you have the Adobe CC suite, 2018 version or newer

Prohibited Options

BTEC National Diploma Creative Digital Media Production (Film & Television Production) (2 A level equivalent course).

What do our learners go on to do?

The course is relevant to learners considering a career in Media. It can lead directly to training, or to a place on a Media degree course. You will develop a range of skills on the course, which could lead to a number of different options in employment or Higher Education.

Cost Implications

You will have to purchase a copy of The Mirror and The Times from the same day. You will also need to subscribe to The Times website for a Month. We also offer trips that will require payment for transport.

Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses

Media Studies learners take the subject with a range of other courses. Learners may wish to be involved in the Student Magazine or Creating Writing enrichments.

This information is correct for September 2024 entry.

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