A Level Media Studies provides students with an understanding of key media concepts and industries. The course is 50% coursework and 50% exam. Students analyze media representations and audiences at AS level and learn about contemporary media issues and complete a media production project at A2 level. Studying media develops valuable skills such as critical analysis, research, print and moving image production that are applicable to higher education and careers in journalism, marketing, publishing and other media industries.

1. Media Studies Key Con-
‘media graduates cepts:
are in demand by  Representation
many industries’  Audiences
The Guardian, April 2010  Media Institutions
 Media Convention
 Print Media Production
 Moving Image (Film/TV)
The skills and Production
knowledge you devel-  Web-based media
op in A Level Media (blogs and websites)
Studies prepare you
well for higher educa-
tion, and are valued by
employers in a range of
industries. 550,000 peo-
ple are employed in the
media industry in Brit-
ain. Sectors of the in-
dustry include:
Journalism
Broadcasting A Level Media Studies mixes creative production skills in a
Marketing range of media, with a focus on developing analytical skills.
Publishing
You will have a clear understanding of the media industry,
Interactive media
and the role of media in society. The Media Department at
Neale-Wade is well-equipped, and from September 2012 will
To find out more about A Level Media Studies visit the Media Department blog. be based in new purpose-built facilities. The department has
You will be able to view resources, lesson materials, and examples of student
coursework. experienced, subject specialist staff.
mediastudiesnwcc.blogspot.com Media Studies is an enjoyable, engaging subject which will
If you have any other queries about A Level Media Studies at Neale-Wade ensure you develop a valuable set of skills and knowledge
please email Mr Hibbert: HibbertJ@neale-wade.cambs.sch.uk base.

2. AS Media Studies A2 Media Studies Skills and
Knowledge
A2 Media Studies is designed to prepare you
THE SUBJECT IS 50% COURSEWORK, 50% EXAM. Completing an A
for university study. The exam topics encour-
Level in Media
Exam Topics (50%) age you to apply media theory to the analysis Studies will allow
Television Drama of a range of different types of media. You will you to develop a
range of valuable
You will learn how to analyse a television study contemporary films, television pro-
skills and enhance
drama, and develop an understanding of how grammes, web-based and print media, and your knowledge of
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
the media constructs representations of dif- develop an understanding of key issues in a range of
contemporary issues.
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY STUDYING MEDIA ferent groups of people. You will also get the media. Topics covered include contemporary
These include:
YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE A C GRADE AT opportunity to produce your own TV drama media representations of young people, and
sequence. Postmodern Media. Critical analysis
GCSE (OR EQUIVALENT) IN THE SUBJECT. Research
Institutions and Audiences A2 COURSEWORK ENCOURAGES YOU TO Planning
YOU DON’T NEED TO HAVE STUDIED MEDIA
Print media
DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS IN A WIDER RANGE
BEFORE IN ORDER TO TAKE IT AT A LEVEL, This unit focuses on the British and American Photography
Creative writing for
film industries. You will learn how films are different media
AND THIS WOULD NOT EFFECT YOUR ABIL- You are given a choice of briefs at A2, and will
produced, distributed, and marketed. Key create a package of products using a range of
Film production
ITY TO DO WELL IN THE SUBJECT. YOU Video editing
issues include media ownership and the ef- different media. Options include producing a Teamwork
WILL NEED TO ACHIEVE A C GRADE IN music video, album artwork, and a related ad-
fect of new technology on the film industry. A flexible, creative,
vert; or a film trailer, poster, and magazine cov- independent approach
GCSE ENGLISH.
er. to tasks
The ability to work to a
brief and meet deadlines
A S C o u rse w o r k (5 0 % )
The Foundation Portfolio is worth 50% of your AS grade.
You will research, plan, and produce the front cover, contents
page, and a double page article for a new music magazine.
You will learn about the publishing industry, and develop an
understanding of the conventions of magazine layout, and
how to appeal to a specific target audience.