Media Studies

A Level

In A Level Media Studies, you’ll learn to question the validity of the information you receive from the media, helping you to understand how the world around us is shaped by the information we consume, and how we’ve come to find ourselves in the era of ‘fake news’. This is a dynamic course; you’ll study a range of media disciplines from traditional print media to the contemporary online platforms we use today.

Audience reception, regulation, representation and gender are just some of the themes you will explore. This is an engaging A Level that will see you building both practical and academic skills that support a wide range of career ambitions. You’ll need no prior experience of this subject but a passion for current affairs and an interest in the world around you is a must!

Specific requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway.

For more information about the pathways, please click here.

Your learning experience

Your topics include:

• Semiotics
• Narratology
• Representation
• Genre
• Postmodernism

An enriching experience

Studying A Level Media Studies at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand
out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our A Level Media Studies students enjoy include:

• Visiting TV and Media sets to build work related skills. Media Studies students recently visited the Emmerdale set for a behind the scenes tour
• Participating in inspirational and valuable guest workshops with local industry leaders and university lecturers
• Taking part in lunchtime enrichment opportunities such as creative writing short courses, taking a closer look at the West Yorkshire based and BAFTA award winning Happy
Valley, and writing for the College magazine
• Taking part in residential trips and visits such as the annual trip to the Harry Potter Studios in London and attending a West End show – this year it was Hamilton!

Enlightening opportunities

We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. These will support you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career. Our subject specialists are not only experts within their fields who will stretch and challenge you to build on key academic and employability skills; they’ll also work with you to instil a passion for your studies, helping you to develop a life-long love of learning.

In A Level Media Studies you’ll also use the knowledge you’ve built in the classroom to create your own magazine and website, building key employability skills. Our industry links and high value guest speakers provide plenty of opportunity to network and build connections to support your progression.

How will you be assessed?

Assessment is via examination and coursework.

Where does it lead?

An A Level in Media Studies can support progression to some unique and exciting destinations. This qualification is valued highly for how it develops skills including critical thinking, cultural awareness and communication.
Popular routes for students who have undertaken A Level Media Studies include Media, TV or Film at university. Students often have an interest in professions including media, PR, film and journalism. However, an awareness of how the media works also has a natural link to careers such as law and social work – there are few careers where the skills and knowledge you’ll develop from this course are not an asset.

A Level Media Studies students have recently progressed to university to study subjects such as:

• Marketing
• Law
• Journalism
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Business Studies

Perfect pairings

Watch our lesson taster

Good to Know
There is no requirement to have studied A Level Media Studies or a similar subject at GCSE. Students who opt for this course develop an in depth understanding of key issues, and how the media influences our perspective. Key skills you will gain include analysis, debate, and critical exploration and reflection.
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