This subject offers you the opportunity to combine an understanding of the theory of the mass media in society, with detailed analysis of contemporary media texts, personal research and practical skills for a media production.

Entry requirements

• You should have a keen interest in many aspects of mass media.
• You should have at least 5 GCSEs at C or above, one of which should be English
• You should be prepared to do your own research and read around the topic.
• You do not need to have taken GCSE Media Studies.

Course content

The course is made up of 4 units, 2 to be studied at AS, and 2 more at A2.To get a certificate for A level, you need to have studied all 4 units.

AS Units:

Units 1 & 2 provide an integrated and complementary introduction to the study of the media and the contemporary media landscape, underpinned by key media concepts and media platforms.

Media Concepts:
Media Forms
Media Representations
Media Institutions
Media Audiences

Media Platforms
Broadcasting
Digital/web-based media (e-media)
Print

Unit 1: MEST 1 – Investigating Media – 2 hour written exam

Candidates carry out a cross-media study for an unseen exam. The study will then be used to inform their work on Unit 2.

Unit2: MEST 2 – Creating Media – Practical Unit – Internally assessed, externally moderated.

Candidates produce two linked media artefacts taken from two of three media platforms studied in unit 1, with a single, accompanying evaluation and pre-production materials for both pieces, to demonstrate understanding of media concepts.

A2 Units:

Unit 3: MEST 3 – Critical Perspectives – 2 hour written exam
This synoptic unit allows candidates to demonstrate a holistic understanding of the media. They will be required to study two pre-set media topics on at least one of the three media studies platforms. Candidates examine media issues and debates, theory and wider contexts, and consolidate their understanding of the media concepts by production of an individual case study for each pre-set topic.

The first two pre-set topic areas are:

• Representations in the media
• The impact of new/digital media

Unit 4: MEST 4 – Research and Production – Practical Unit - Internally assessed, externally moderated.

Candidates will produce a media product linked to their own research for an individual critical investigation. They will investigate a media theme/text in more depth and realise a production piece reflecting this research.

The unit has two sections:

1. Critical Investigation
2. Linked production piece

As the unit is holistic, the link between the two elements must be evident and appropriate. The Critical Investigation is individual and should be presented in the form of a report of approximately 2000 words, word processed and accompanied by a detailed bibliography/source list citing both primary and secondary sources.

Outcomes and Progression

• The course will give you insight and practical understanding of the processes and techniques of media communication, plus valuable transferable skills e.g. research and communication.
• Other subjects which would go well with Media Studies are English Language or Literature, Psychology, Sociology, Art, Film Studies and Politics.
• Combined with other A-Levels, Media Studies will qualify you for university entrance and careers with A-level entrance requirements. I would be a useful qualification for jobs in media production, publishing and public relations.