Courses / Media Studies
Media Studies
Media is an important area of study because it influences society in many different ways. It changes the way we behave and our attitudes towards things we perceive in the world we live in.
This course will help students explore their interest in modern media forms
Media is all around us, society is constantly interacting with social mediums for their own uses and gratifications. By studying media studies students will have the ability to disseminate the vast amount of media information that we are constantly bombarded with and have a deeper understanding of the messages contained in the texts.
If you choose this course you would benefit from:
- Experienced teachers who possess a genuine interest in the Media analysis and production as well as knowledge of the diverse range of media forms.
- Regular visits by media practitioners and industry professionals throughout your studies. Ken Loach, Jim Hickey and Dan Gage have all given guest lectures over the last few years.
- A close association with Coventry University and their media department.
- Trips related to the subject, which have previously included: residential trips to Paris, Berlin and the Edinburgh International Film Festival (annually).
In the first year you will study:
- How media creates meaning through representation.
- How different audiences respond to various media texts.
- The different ways in which audiences respond to media texts.
- The importance and significance of media industries.
- Component 1- Media Products, Industries and Audiences.
In the second year you will study:
- How to apply critical approaches to a select range of media texts.
- How to apply a number of media theories to a select range of media texts.
- Research methods, production techniques, reflective practices in order to refine your analytical and creative skills to enable students to successfully navigate all aspects of course assessment.
- Component 2 – Media Forms and Products in Depth
- Component 3 – Cross Media Production (throughout yr1 & yr2)
What will I be taught?
The course will be taught using a variety of techniques and approaches. This will involve contextually informative lectures, screenings, reflective group critiques as well as a variety of practical production activities.
Classroom activities will include:
- Viewing short media sequences to demonstrate technical features; such as cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound, lighting and performance.
- The screening of key media texts and the study of approaches to analysis.
- Group and class discussion on the process of formulating conflicting meanings and responses.
- Developing technical production skills for Component 3 (practical application).
- Developing research methods and understanding of the key theoretical approaches.
Based on research into how students learn best, each subject will set independent work to allow you to recap what you have done in the past, consolidate understanding for what you are studying in the present and develop the skills and experiences which will help you for the future. You can read more about the college’s approach to independent study here
The Past
Click here for the suggested ongoing revision activities in this subject which research has shown are most likely to boost your achievement
The Present
Each subject will set weekly homework tasks to help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for your next lesson. This work is typically set through Microsoft Teams, so you will have an electronic log of all your work, notes and feedback.
The Future
A key part of your independent work in this subject will be to prepare for a range of potential jobs and higher education courses when you leave us. To get started, look below at the top higher education courses and jobs which previous students of this course have gone on to do.
Students who complete the course tend to progress on to creative degrees, apprenticeships or workplace employment. This includes employment or study in Media, Journalism, Film, Photography, Advertising, Marketing or Teacher Training. Students who study this course could also combine their knowledge, skills and experience with Business, English or Modern Foreign Languages as part of a wider program of study.
5 x GCSE grades 4-9 (incl. English Language)
Not essential but it will help your success…
An interest in theoretical perspectives of the Media industry is expected. Some practical/creative skills required.
You prefer to do a course based on final exams only. Pairs well with Film Studies, Sociology, English and Art.
Teaching contact time is 4 hours and 20 minutes per subject. Other workshops will be available throughout the year including over some holiday periods. Students are expected to complete up to 4 hours of independent study to complete assignments, homework, extra reading and independent research.
- Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences (Written examination 2 hours 15 minutes) 35%
- Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth (Written examination 2 hours 30 minutes) 35%
- Component 3: Cross Media Production (Non-exam assessment) 30%