Media Studies A Level

Course code: FTB028

School of Humanities & Science

The Programme

This subject offers you the opportunity to combine a theoretical understanding of the mass media in society and methods for analysing media texts, with practical skills. The course covers a study of media texts, media audiences and media institutions. In year one, focus is on analysing and responding to different audio, audio-visual and print-based media (including film, TV, games, adverts, trailers, magazines, newspapers) and discovering how media texts make meaning to an audience. Students also undertake a production in their first year. Year two looks at the relationship between media texts, their audiences and the industries which produce and distribute them, where focus may be on the film, TV and magazine industries.

The Programme Content

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language.

Costs

There are some variable costs associated with production projects. For instance, video students will need to purchase a DV tape and some blank DVDs (£5-10). All students require a minimum 2GB USB memory stick. Students are offered the opportunity to go on related trips (BBC Television Centre, for example) for which there may be a cost*.

Venue

Barnstaple, Main Site

Progression

The Media Studies A Level prepares students for a wide range of pathways due to the emphasis on analytical and creative processes. Students learn to critically deconstruct messages within the media that they are exposed to on a daily basis in various forms.

Certain areas of the media are flourishing, for example the games industry, and there are a wide range of media studies related university courses at both undergraduate and post graduate level to choose from. Some industries also have in-house training opportunities.

Length of Study

AS Level one year, A Level two years.

Academic Year

This course starts in the 2013 / 2014 academic year.