This document provides an overview of the BTEC Media Studies course. It explains that students will study and explore many aspects of the media through coursework rather than exams. Students can complete a Certificate, equivalent to 2 GCSEs, or a Diploma, equivalent to 4 GCSEs. The course is made up of core units that all students complete and specialist units in areas like video production, audio production, and reviewing computer games. Students are assessed on their coursework portfolio and can achieve a PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION for each unit.

1. Media Studies BTEC An overview of your course

2. Why BTEC Media Studies? During this course you will have the chance to study, discuss and explore many aspects of the media, from advertising to computer gaming. You will learn vital vocational skills that will help you should you choose to work in the media industry in the future.

3. How is the course organised? You can complete a Certificate or a Diploma in BTEC Media Studies. There are no exams for this course, all students are assessed on the coursework portfolio you produce for each Unit of Study. The course is split into Core Study Units and Specialist Study Units. If you are studying for a Certificate you will complete ONE Core Unit and TWO Specialist Units. If you are studying for a Diploma you will complete THREE Core Units and FOUR Specialist Units.

4. How is the course organised? If you are successful in gaining a Certificate your qualification will be worth 2 GCSE’s at grade A*-C. If you are successful in gaining a Diploma your qualification will be worth 4 GCSE’s at grade A*-C. You are marked against different success criteria for each unit and can gain either a PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION.

5. Core Units - Introduction to Media Industries - Research for Media Production - Introduction to Media Audiences and Products

6. Specialist Units - Video Production - Audio Production Print Production Advertising Production Reviewing Computer Games

7. So, how does it all work then? Each unit is split into Assignment Briefs which give you the instructions for each piece of work you must produce. There will be a variety of different projects and tasks such as presentations, essays, practical work and projects. You will have to do lots of independent research to help you.