AS/A Level Media Studies
Key Details
- Available at:Rhos-on-Sea, Rhyl
- Study Mode:Full-time
- Course Length:
1-2 years
AS/A Level Media StudiesFull-Time (Further Education)
Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.
Course Description
This course focuses on the critical debates associated with the media.
You can study a combination of:
- AVCEs
- BTEC National Diplomas
- A levels
- AS levels
- NVQs
Unit information
WJEC 'A' Level in Media Studies is designed to allow media students to draw on their existing experience of the media and to develop their abilities to respond critically to the media. It enabled students to explore a wide variety of media, including digital media technologies, drawing on the fundamental concepts informing the study of the media: texts, industry and audiences. The specification also encourages creative work to enable students to gain a greater appreciation of the media through their own production work and to develop their own production skills. At A2 in particular, students are given the opportunity to research a topic which will then form the basis for their production, thus encouraging them to create productions informed by an awareness of contemporary media issues. Candidates are encouraged to:
- develop their interest and enjoyment in media texts
- examine the development of media institutions
- analyse the ways in which different media represent the world
- apply their knowledge and understanding about media issues and practices to their own practical work
- examine the ways in which media texts have been produced, circulated, consumed and interpreted by audiences
- appraise the historical development and current organisation of selected media institutions
- develop investigative and research skills
- use their knowledge and understanding of different media texts to explore comparisons and connections between them.
Entry Criteria
Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.
In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:
- 6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.
Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.
Delivery
The course is delivered by a variety of teaching methods:
- classroom learning
- discussions
- visits to appropriate media-related organisations etc.
Your programme will include a combination of:
- Essential Skills qualifications and/or
- GCSE resits and/or
- The Welsh Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.
The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.
As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.
Essential Skills
This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills
GCSE resits
This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.
Maths & Welsh/English
If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.
Assessment
At AS level, students are assessed through one practical module and one exam-based module.
The practical module consists of three pieces of work:
- one pre-production
- one production which develops from the pre-production
- one report on the production process
The exam consists of three compulsory questions, including one question on unseen audio-visual or print-based material.
The second year of the course follows a similar pattern with two modules:
- The coursework module is a written investigation into media text(s) based on one or more of the key media concepts
- The written exam consists of three questions from a choice of six
Progression
- Candidates who complete only the AS specification will have acquired the necessary practical and intellectual skills to progress to advanced level study in Media (A2) or to apply their learning to a variety of related subjects.
- Candidates who complete the whole specification will have an excellent grounding for a whole range of Higher Education courses currently available.
- Apprenticeship Level 3 in Creative and Digital Media
Other details
Course type: Full-Time (Further Education)
Level:
3
Bilingual:
n/a