Course Components
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Unit 1 : Investigating Media – 50% of
total AS mark
This will focus on developing an understanding
of media texts, concepts and contexts.
We will look at key concepts of Audience,
Representation, Media Language and
institutions across a range of media such as
broadcast fiction, film, documentary, news,
lifestyle and music press.
Exam Paper
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Section A – These will be short
questions of unseen stimulus material
from moving image, digital /web based
or print media
Section B – One essay question from a
choice of two based on a cross media
case study on either TV drama or
Reality Television
Unit 2 – Creating Media
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Coursework is from an externally set
production brief – 50% of total AS marks
Two linked production pieces from either broadcasting,
print or web- based media
A written evaluation of 1500 words on both production
pieces
What does this mean?
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It means that you will have to create two
original pieces of media based on topics that
you have studied in class using photographs
and moving images that you have designed and
created yourself and then edited to give them
a professional finish.
It also means that you will have to evaluate
your work in depth and detail relating what
you have chosen to do to the conventions of
that type of text and to theories of media
analysis
A2 Media Studies
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Unit 3 – Critical perspectives
This is a written paper of 2 hours with
compulsory questions on unseen stimulus
material and an essay question from a choice
of two pre-set topics
It will focus on cross-media debates and
issues, media theories and will be based on
issues such as representations in the media
and the impact of new media .
Unit 4 Research and Production
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This will be a critical investigation of a media
issue or debate (2,000) words
A linked production piece based on the issue
For example – an investigation into men’s
lifestyle magazines and then a mock-up of a
first edition of a new men’s lifestyle magazine
Or – a study into the representation of
disability in television comedy and then a
trailer for a new TV comedy for the BBC.
Style of learning
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Media is a 'learn by doing' subject, and you
compare your own experiences with what the
'professionals' go through and evaluate your
work. This includes lots of research of a wide
variety of media texts.
You will also be expected to give
presentations on topics that you have studied
and explain your work to the rest of the
group.
Media Studies trip to London
December 2011
 BBC
 BBFC
 IMAX
Why is Media Studies important?
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Media Studies about understanding and
appreciating the skill and creativity which
goes into the production of media texts.
Its about developing skills in creating new
texts the are original and well designed
Its about recognising how we are affected by
our media and how it influences our lives –
analysing things
What do I need to be a good media
studies student?
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A real interest in the media in general and not just
the programmes/magazines/films aimed at me
5 GCSEs at grade C and above including English and
Media (if studied previously)
A willingness to discuss texts and evaluate them with
others
The maturity to organise my time effectively to be
able to watch and read as much material as possible
when asked and to spend adequate time on my
coursework – At least 4 hours a week outside of the
lesson
Where could Media Studies lead?
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If you want to go to University there
are courses on a wide variety of media
related topics both specific :
Advertising and marketing
Journalism
Film and television production
Public relations
Animation