Media Studies

Examination Board: Eduqas

Course Code: A680QS

• Paper 1 Media products, industries and audiences

• Paper 2 media forms and products in depth

• Paper 3 Cross-Media production

Entry Requirements: Grade 5 in English Language at GCSE

Why study Media Studies?

The media is the most dynamic, innovative and influential method of mass communication of modern times. It has been reported that adults in Great Britain are consuming media for almost eight hours a day. That’s eight hours a day watching films and television, reading newspapers, and sifting through online media. Within that time, we are bombarded by other people’s representations of the world and how we respond to these representations can affect our perceptions of people, places and society, of politics and culture, of ourselves and of our place in the world. Media Studies is a vital tool necessary to understanding the media’s significance and its power.

“In our media-saturated age, it’s vital that young people can evaluate competing sources of information,and communicate effectively within a fast-changing digital environment. This isn’t just a matter of easy-to-learn skills. They need critical knowledge of media texts, audiences and digital culture, and of the complex political economy and technology which underpin them.” Professor Sonia Livingstone, OBE, London School of Economics and Political Science.

What will I study?

You will study a Theoretical Framework encompassing a wide range of concepts, theories and studies, within the following areas:

• Media Representations
• Media Audiences
• Media Language Media Industries 

To demonstrate your knowledge you will study a range of set texts, in preparation for the exams at the end of the A level course. In the second year, you will produce a piece of practical coursework (the NEA, or non-exam assessed component) from a range of options offered by the exam board as well as continuing your study of the set texts and the Theoretical Framework.

How will I study?

During teacher-led sessions there will be issue generated discussion and opportunities for oral responses and debate, but the course also requires individual background research to aid your understanding of the media. You will be expected to regularly produce set essays in your own time and during lessons. Your coursework will allow you to use technology to produce audio visual and print texts.

How will my work be assessed?

70% of the course will consist of two external examinations at the end of the two-year course, and 30% will be in the form of internally assessed coursework.