Media Studies A Level

A Level Media Studies is an exciting and dynamic subject which reflects on the roles that newspapers, films, television, online media, advertising and the music industry play in society.

Students can expect to learn how to analyse a wide range of media products and to create their own. The subject will appeal to creative and practical students, as well as those with an interest in the society in which they live.

The Department offers students a range of co-curricular activities. MUN TV broadcasts daily news bulletins, as well as entertainment programmes throughout the Royal Russell MUN Conference. Our students are responsible for the live production of Royal Russell Day and the marketing videos for the School, providing them with invaluable experience.

Course Content

Component 1 - Media Products, Industries and Audiences – External examination – 35% of the qualification

Section A – Analysing Media Language and Representation

Section B – Understanding Media Industries and Audiences

In this component, students develop knowledge and understanding of key aspects of the theoretical framework of media language and representation as an essential basis for analysing media products from a variety of forms. Students study products from a broad range of different media forms and are expected to be able to draw upon their knowledge of theoretical perspectives to analyse an unseen text and criterial respond to essay based examination questions. Students explore how media products relate to their social, cultural, historical, political and economic contexts. In this component, students develop their ability to use relevant subject-specific terminology and theories.

Component 2 - Media Forms and Products in Depth – External examination – 35% of the qualification

Section A: Television in the Global Age

Section B: Magazines – Mainstream and Alternative Media

Section C: Media in the Online Age

In this component, students study three media forms in depth, exploring all areas of the theoretical framework – media language, representation, media industries and audiences. Students explore these three media forms through close analysis of the set products, comparing their use of media language and the representations they offer in relation to relevant social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts. Students study the role of media industries in shaping media products, as well as considering the way in which both mass and specialised audiences are targeted and addressed.

Component 3 – Non-Examined Assessment – Practical production

The NEA is delivered through the use of exam board selected briefs which involve two cross media platform products and a written statement of aims. The statement of aims is a written task that allows students to showcase their theoretical knowledge to explain the choices they made with regards to pre-production planning. Students will then create either:

a music video and accompanying magazine front cover and double page spread to promote a new music artist
an extended print campaign for a new film and an accompanying podcast interview with the director
a new magazine and accompanying podcast to promote it to the provided target audience.

Looking Further Ahead

Every year, our pupils successfully apply to some of the best universities in the country. Those who continue studying Media progress to the most prestigious courses which feed the film, television and advertising industries.

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