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Media Studies A-Level

Media Studies A-Level

Qualification: A-Level

This course is designed to allow students to draw on their existing experience of the media and to develop their abilities to respond critically to it.

Students will explore a wide variety of media sources including print journalism, radio, television and online digital media technologies by drawing upon the concepts of text, industry and audience response.

The course also encourages creativity to enable students to gain a greater appreciation of the media through their own production work and to develop their own production skills.

Enrichment trips to the Berlin Film Festival and Prague Febiofest are particular highlights of the last few years.

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Media Studies A-Level

Year one content

Component One: Investigating the Media

This component introduces students to key aspects of the theoretical framework – media language and representation – as an essential basis for analysing media products from a range of forms. In addition, students will study products from specific media industries and for specific audiences to develop their knowledge and understanding of those areas of the theoretical framework.

Component Two:

Investigating Media Forms and Products In this component students are required to study three media forms in depth, exploring all areas of the theoretical framework – media language, representation, media industries, and audiences – in relation to audio-visual, print and online products set by the exam board. The forms to be studied in depth are:

  • Television
  • Magazines
  • Blogs.

Component Three: Media Production.

Students will produce an individual media production comprising a single media product created in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board. Students need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Media theoretical framework.

Media Studies A-Level

Year two content

Component One: Media Products, Industries and Audiences

The examination assesses media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts. It consists of two sections:

  • Section A: Analysing Media Language and Representation
  • This section assesses media language and representation in relation to two of the following media forms: advertising, marketing, music video or newspapers.
  • Section B: Understanding Media Industries and Audiences

This section assesses two of the following media forms – advertising, marketing, film, newspapers, radio, video games – and media contexts.

Component Two:

Media Forms and Products in Depth The examination assesses media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts. It consists of three sections:

  • Section A: Television in the Global Age
  • Section B: Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
  • Section C: Media in the Online Age

Component Three: Cross-Media Production

Students will produce an individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board. Students need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Media theoretical framework and digital convergence.

Additional Information

What does this course prepare me for?

Students who successfully complete this course can expect to gain entry onto university degree programmes in Film, Television or Media Studies or direct entry into the media production industry at junior level.

Course support and enrichment

Students can expect to take part in a variety of support and media-related enrichment activities during their time on the course.

Trips to media institutions such as regional newspapers and radio offices as well as visits from industry speakers are offered to all students on the course. There is the opportunity to be part of the editorial team that produce The Bedford Sixth Form’s student magazine. Enrichment trips to the Berlin Film Festival and Prague Febiofest are particular highlights of the last few years. In the spring term extra revision and study skills sessions are also offered to students to help support them in preparation for their final exam.

Assessment

Students will be assessed internally on a regular basis, including through formal mock exams. There are final exams at the end of the course in Year two.

Year 2 Assessment:

Component One: Media Products, Industries and Audiences

  • Written Exam – 2hours 15 minutes
  • 35% of Qualification

Section A: Analysing Media Language and Representation

Section B: Understanding Media Industries and Audiences

Component Two: Media Forms and Products in Depth

  • Written Exam – 2 hours 30 minutes
  • 35% of Qualification
  • Section A: Television in the Global Age
  • Section B: Magazines – Mainstream and Alternative Media
  • Section C: Media in the Online Age

Component Three: Cross-Media Production

  • Non-Exam Assessment
  • 30% of Qualification
Entry requirements

Subject specific entry requirements

  • 4 in Media (if studied)
  • 4 in both English Literature and Language

Standard entry requirements

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths (one Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted)

AND

  • At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at GCSE and wish to continue studying at Level 3

AND

  • Average GCSE (best 8) of at least 4 (38 on the old points table)

AND

  • Grade 4 (or Merit), at least, in any subject previously studied
  • Students will take either 3 A-Level subjects or 1 AAQ subject with 2 A-Levels
Generic Grand Hall at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021
September 2025

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