Media Studies - A Level

Unit 1: Investigating the Media
In this unit, learners will study three topics, developing knowledge and understanding of the key concepts within media studies - media language, representations, media industries and audiences – and using them as a framework for analysing the media.

The areas to be studied are:
● Selling Images – Advertising and Music Video
● News in the Online Age
● Film Industries – from Wales to Hollywood.

Learners will explore these topics through close analysis and comparison of a range of media products, considering aspects such as their use of media language, genre and narrative features, and the representations they offer. Learners will study the role of media industries in shaping media products, as well as considering the way in which audiences are targeted and interpret the media.

Unit 2: Creating a Media Production
This unit requires learners to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of media concepts through practical production.

Learners will complete the following:
● Research and planning
● Production
● Reflective analysis on how representations have been constructed and how conventions have been used to target the specified audience.

Unit 3: Media in the Global Age
In this unit learners are required to study a range of contrasting media forms in depth, exploring all of the key concepts – media language, representation, media industries, and audiences.

The areas to be studied are:
● Television in the Global Age
● Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
● Media in the Digital Age - Video Games

Learners will explore these areas through close analysis and comparison of media products, considering how representations of social and cultural groups are constructed through media language. Context is also an important part of this study. Learners will develop an understanding of how relevant social, cultural, historical and industry contexts shape media products.

Unit 4: Creating a Cross-Media Production
This unit builds on previous learning by requiring learners to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the media through a practical cross-media production. In this A2 unit, the emphasis of production development will be on investigative research.

Learners will complete the following:
● Investigative research
● A development outline, demonstrating how their research will inform their production
● A critical analysis of how a key media concept researched has been applied in the production.