Media Studies

Why Choose this course?

The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer. The media have real relevance and importance in our lives today, providing us with ways to communicate, with forms of cultural expression and the ability to participate in key aspects of society.

The economic importance of the media is also unquestionable. The media industries employ large numbers of people worldwide and generate significant global profit. The globalised nature of the contemporary media, ongoing technological developments and more opportunities to interact with the media suggest their centrality in contemporary life can only increase.

Prospects

Possible career choices include: journalism, media production: TV/Radio/Print/Online, Public Relations, advertising and marketing, business.

Course Content

Component 1
Media Products, Industries and Audiences
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes
35% of qualification

Component 2
Media Forms and Products in Depth Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 35% of qualification

Component 3
Cross-Media Production Non exam assessment 30% of qualification Learners study a range of media forms in terms of a theoretical framework which consists of media language, representation, media industries and audiences. The following forms are studied in depth through applying all areas of the framework: newspapers, magazines, television, online, social and participatory media. Advertising and marketing, film, music video, radio and video games are studied in relation to selected areas of the framework.

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Opportunities to attend film screenings, relevant art installations, the Brand Museum and the National TV and Film museum, as well as guest speakers from the media such as local radio and TV.

Support and Challenge

Some aspects of the course are more challenging such as applying theories accurately and analysing texts from the past and understanding their contextual background. The coursework element of the text allows students to express their creativity and students should be able to use the Adobe suite of software, such as Photoshop.

Student Comment

I love Media Studies because we debate issues in the news and have class discussions about contemporary and texts from the past, developing our confidence and knowledge of the world around us. It has also developed my creative skills as I can use software that I couldn't use before to make short films and magazines.