The media plays a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics, shaping our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer. This course aims to explore how Media texts create meaning, and how their representations of the world affect audiences. You will also look at the economic and cultural context in which individual media texts operate, through the close analysis of a range of media texts – both ‘traditional’ media (newspapers, television, films,) and digital online media (blogs, websites). You will also develop practical production skills and will be required to produce your own media products. Any student with an interest in the Media and/or thoughts of following a Higher Education course in Media / Film / Communications / Journalism / Cultural Studies would benefit from taking this course. The course works well with many subjects but especially English Language, English Literature, DT (Graphics), Photography, Film Studies and Sociology. This contemporary, accessible and creative course has been designed to allow learners to study the media in an academic context and apply the knowledge and understanding gained to the process of creating their own media production. Macs, video and still cameras, and other necessary equipment are all also freely available to students for all creative projects that you undertake during the course. Media Studies is designed to widen the intellectual horizons of the learner through the analysis of a wide range of media forms and contexts. It will enable students to develop a wider understanding and appreciation of the media in both an historical and contemporary context. Over the two year ‘A’ Level, students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding across a range of different media forms and will develop a critical understanding of the media and of media products. Students will respond to a short, unseen moving image extract in exam conditions and will apply their knowledge and understanding of the media to the creation of their own media product.