Media Studies

What are the Career Opportunities?

Studying Media Studies will provide you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in Media as well as providing you with an excellent foundation for many other courses in further education and at university. Career opportunities include Journalism (print and online), Newspaper Editor/Reporter, Radio and Television presenter, Public Relations Officer, Events Management, Advertising and Marketing, Film and Documentary production, in addition to careers in Law and the Teaching profession.

What will you learn?

Media Studies involves the study of:

Newspapers

Film

Television

Advertising and Marketing

Music Industry

Radio

Magazine Production

Video Games

Online/Social and Participatory Media

Why should you study Media Studies?

• Media Studies is the fastest growing subject in schools and colleges and it enables you to develop your analytical, writing and creative skills. You will learn how to analyse a wide variety of media products such as print newspapers and magazines, television news, advertisements, films and film posters, online media platforms and be part of the digital revolution.

• Studying Media Studies will help you become a more informed user of the Media, understanding social, psychological and political issues.

• Studying Media Studies will help you to lead an informed life.

• Finally, studying Media Studies is interesting and enjoyable. It will allow you to further develop your journalistic, ICT and creative skills.

What can you gain from doing Media Studies at GCSE?

Students have achieved extremely highly in public examinations at both GCSE and A Level Media Studies, and pursued courses in higher education in Arts, Media, Law, Teaching and Journalism. The Media Studies curriculum has shaped students’ futures and provided a pathway to University, Further Education and Employment.

GCSE MEDIA STUDIES

Examination 35% (1.5 hours)

Paper 1 – Theoretical frameworks: media industries, audiences and representation. This will include a study of Film, Television, Newspapers, Magazines, Radio, Music, Video Games, Advertising and Social/Online Media).

Paper 2 – Media language and contexts of the media. Students will be expected to analyse media products both in relation to the theoretical framework and their contexts.

35% (1.5 hours)

External Examinations June 2022

Non-exam Assessment 30%

Media Production

Assessments will be selected from a bank of set assignments. Candidates are required to submit a coursework portfolio selected from Television, Newspapers, Magazines or Advertising/Marketing, in addition to a Statement of Intention and a media product for an intended audience.

Examination Board: AQA

Media is a contemporary and interactive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, analytical, research and communication skills, through exploring a range of media forms and perspectives. Media Studies is the fastest growing area of study in schools and universities.

The subject would be useful for students interested in a wide range of careers, including journalism, media production, music technology, teaching and ICT.

Students following this course, may also be entered for CCEA GCSE Journalism in the Media and Communications Industry.