Media Studies

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Media Studies

Media forms are becoming ever more relevant in the ‘online’ age for every individual and every industry. This subject gives you the skills to access and understand the exciting and rapidly evolving media landscape, whilst applying ideas from great thinkers such as Marx, Gilroy and Mulvey. 

Examination Board AQA

Specification Number 7572

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Media Studies

Media forms are becoming ever more relevant in the ‘online’ age for every individual and every industry. This subject gives you the skills to access and understand the exciting and rapidly evolving media landscape, whilst applying ideas from great thinkers such as Marx, Gilroy and Mulvey. 

Examination Board AQA

Specification Number 7572

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Course Overview

Media forms are becoming ever more relevant in the ‘online’ age for every individual and every industry. This subject gives you the skills to access and understand the exciting and rapidly evolving media landscape, whilst applying ideas from great thinkers such as Marx, Gilroy and Mulvey. You will study a range of products from War of the Worlds (1938) to Teen Vogue, improving your written and spoken communication skills through your powers of analysis, discussion and debate. You will also have the opportunity to explore your practical and creative skills through media production.

 
Core Content
  • Media Language – how the media through their forms, codes, conventions and techniques communicate meaning.

    Media Representation – how the media portray events, issues, individuals and social groups.

    Media Industries – how the media industries’ processes of ownership, production, distribution and circulation affect media forms and platforms.

    Media Audiences – how media forms target, reach and address audiences, how audiences interpret and respond to them, and how members of audiences become producers themselves.

 
Course Leader of Media Studies

Ms Lyttle

Entry Requirements

Sixth Form Entry Criteria: 

A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature. 

 
Special Entry Requirements:
  • GCSE Media Studies 5+ (if studied) 

 

Previous study of social science or a creative subject to GCSE level would be beneficial if you have not studied Media before. Previous experience of studying Media Studies is not required but would be advantageous.

 

Submission of a piece of work to the Head of Media Studies one week before Sixth Form Interviews is not compulsory but will provide you with an opportunity to showcase your ideas. The work should be no longer than 1000 words or 3 minutes (dependant on format) and should be an analysis and commentary on one of the following: the impact of social media; the representation of class; gender as a social construction; boxsets versus films.

Assessment Information

Assessment Topic Area Duration Value
Paper 1Media Language and Media Representations2 hour written exam35%
Paper 2Media in Television, Magazine and Online2 hour written exam35%
AssessmentCourseworkPractical media product in the format of their choice from a selection of annually changing pre-set briefs.30%

Progression Route

Media Studies is the ideal course for anyone interested in any aspect of the media. It provides a great basis for anyone aiming for a career within a wide range of industries: advertising; marketing; magazine or film production to name a few. Media Studies also allows you to further your skills in communication, analysis, ICT and working with other people.

How do I prepare? 

Recommended Reads
The Essential Introduction: Media StudiesRayner, Wall & Kruger
MythologiesBarthes
An Introduction: Media StudiesDutton
Ways of SeeingBerger
Reading TelevisionFiske & Hartley
Understanding TelevisionGoodwin & Whannel
Manufacturing ConsentHerman & Chomsky
Useful Websites
A Level Media StudiesExplore Website
OfcomExplore Website
Screen OnlineExplore Website
Download Wider Reading List for Media Studies

    Course Leader of Media Studies

    Ms Lyttle

    stacey.lyttle@woodgreenacademy.co.uk

    Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.

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