Media Studies

Course summary

The media plays a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer. A’ level Media Studies offers learners the opportunity to develop a thorough and in-depth understanding and critical exploration of these key issues. The course allows students to study a rich and stimulating range of media products to analyse how producers use media language and represent social groups (gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age and class). Students explore these texts to debate critical questions related to social, historical, political and economic contexts. Students will also explore media industries (film, radio, gaming, news, magazine, TV and online media) exploring how these industries have adapted to technological and social change as well as developing a strong understanding of ownership, marketing and production of media products on both a national and global scale. In addition, the course offers an understanding of audience consumption habits, responses to media texts and why different media products appeal to both mainstream and specialised groups.