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Academic Departments - Media Studies
The subject is available at AS and A2 levels and is suitable for students wishing to develop their interest in the mass media, which are defined predominantly as television, radio, film, the press and associated forms such as advertising and the internet. A GCSE in the subject is not a requirement, but any knowledge of the areas listed would obviously be useful.
“In today’s society, the media are the most important means by which information, ideas, experiences and entertainment are transmitted to consumers”.
| Aims |
To provide students with a conceptual framework which will give them the critical tools necessary to carry out their own readings and investigations, and generate their own questions of the mass media. |
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To enable students to engage with theory, research and ideas relating to the media, to develop research skills, show evidence of independent study and to communicate effectively both via a media technology, and in written form. |
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To develop students’ ability to explore the historical, social, political and economic contexts relevant to the critical reading of media texts and an understanding of media issues. |
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To build on, develop and extend students’ own interests, knowledge and enjoyment of media texts and technologies. |
Media Studies provides a unique opportunity for students to work together on a wide range of stimulating, thought provoking material. Self discipline and the ability to co-operate as a group on practical projects or research are essential qualities, as are curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
AS Modules
| Module 1 |
Reading the Media. Introduction of key concepts, which are then applied to a wide range of media texts. Written paper one and a quarter hours.
15% of total A Level. |
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| Module 2 |
Textual Topics in Contemporary Media. A detailed study of two topics, chosen from the following:
Film and Broadcast Fiction
Documentary
Advertising and Marketing
British Newspapers
The Emphasis is on the analysis of contemporary texts. Written paper one and a half hours. 15% of total A Level. |
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| Module 3 |
Practical Production. A practical production project involving a media technology, e.g. a short original film or video. 20% of total A Level. |
A2 Modules
| Module 4 |
Texts and Contexts in the Media. A study of two further topics in detail. Emphasis on applying key concepts to a variety of texts and a range of relevant wider contexts. Written paper one and a half hours. 15% of total A Level. |
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| Module 5 |
Independent Study. Individual research into an area of study, which will deal with a contemporary text, topic or issue. 20% of total A Level. |
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| Module 6 |
Comparative Critical Analysis. Comparative study of texts and their relevant contexts. This is assessed by an unseen exercise. Written paper one and a half hours (including 30 minutes reading/viewing time). 15% of total A Level. |
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