Media Studies - A Level

Media Studies is concerned with analysing, creating and evaluating all forms of media product from an audience and institutional perspective. Although there is a focus on television and film, you will also learn about the history, development and contemporary use and relevance of magazines, newspapers, the internet, radio and advertising.

You will soon come to recognise the sheer scope and influence of the media – from forming personal opinion and taste to shaping national and international government policy. Indeed, a key aim of the course is to make you ‘media literate’ – questioning and discovering the ways in which the media govern individuals’ and social groups’ perspectives and attitudes.

Media Studies embraces both the contemporary digital ‘new media’ tastes – for example, multimedia websites – and recognises its early analogue routes – for example, radio. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with others in producing your own media products: for example, filming a short drama will involve learning about screenwriting, camera work and lighting, rehearsing and directing actors, and editing of film, sound effects and music. Lansdowne is well equipped with DV cameras, Macs and an editing suite.

What will I study in Media Studies?

AS Units 1 & 2
Foundation Portfolio: This is comprised of two moving image tasks. The preliminary task is to prepare and film an opening exchange with dialogue between two characters. Focus is on continuity and accurate use of camera. The second, main assignment is to prepare and film the opening of a new fiction film with titles.

TV Drama & Film: There are two questions in this unit. The television drama question requires you to analyse an unseen extract in terms of its construction, for example, use of editing and sound. The second question contextualises the contemporary film product in terms of both institution and audience.

A2 Units 3 & 4
Advanced Portfolio: This is comprised of a main task and two ancillary tasks. The main task involves the filming and editing of a music promo video. The ancillary tasks can be the creation of a website homepage for a band or producing the cover art and script for its release on DVD.

Critical Perspectives: There are two questions in this unit. The first is a synoptic question that assesses the skills development that you have learnt during the portfolio work. The second contextualises contemporary media issues. There are pre-release ‘prompts’ for this essay and you will begin to focus your independent research from these.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by portfolio work and essay based papers – 2 in the AS year and 2 in the A2.

Do I need to have studied Media Studies before?

No, but you should be interested in cultural issues and be willing to engage with a variety of media products.

Who will teach me?

Rob Miller holds an honours degree and PGCE from the Institute of Education. He is an A Level and GCSE examiner, Study Day and Workshop Coordinator for the BFI, and Freelance Writer for the English and Media online resource, Edusites. Rob is new to Lansdowne this year bringing with him a track record of 11 years of outstanding examination success.

Which subjects complement Media Studies?

Media Studies combines well with Film Studies. However common links exist with English Language and/or Literature, Sociology, Art, Theatre Studies and Graphics

Which careers can Media Studies lead to?

Media Studies is suitable for students planning to enter a wide range of careers, but is particularly useful for those planning to enter media-related careers in the TV, film or music industries, journalism, publishing, advertising and PR.