Media Studies
EXAM BOARD: Eduqas
HEAD OF MEDIA: Miss Riley
STAFF: Ms Bartler, Mrs Birtles, Mrs Dempsey
Media Studies is an engaging, creative and thought-provoking subject. Students develop an understanding of how media shapes the world around us and influences how we see people, events and ideas. This course combines analysis and creativity, allowing students to explore a wide range of media products and create their own media work.
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Requirements: A positive attitude and interest in media and communication; A willingness to analyse and write about the meanings of media products; Good organisation and independence, including meeting deadlines; Good attendance, as lessons introduce key terms, theories, and set products.
Component 1: Exploring Media Products
Students analyse a range of set media products across different media forms, including advertising, magazines, newspapers, television and online media.
They develop understanding of:
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Media language - how media texts are constructed using images, sound, layout and technical codes
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Representation - how people, groups, events and issues are portrayed
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Media industries - ownership, production, distribution and regulation
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Media audiences - how audiences are targeted, engaged and respond to media products
Students learn how these elements work together to create meaning.
Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Contexts
Students study specific media forms in more depth, including television, music video, film marketing and online / participatory media.
They explore:
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How media products are shaped by social, cultural, historical and political contexts
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How meanings change over time
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How audiences interact with and respond to different media forms
This component develops deeper understanding of how media reflects and influences society.
Component 3: Creating Media
Students complete a practical media production task set by Eduqas in response to a brief.
They will:
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Research and plan a media product for a specified audience and purpose
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Create their own media product using appropriate media language and conventions
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Evaluate how their product communicates meaning and meets the brief
This component allows students to apply theory in a creative and practical way.
Pathways:
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TV, film and media production
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Journalism and publishing
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Advertising, marketing and PR
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Digital and social media
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Design, web and interactive media
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Games, animation and visual effects
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Radio, audio and podcasting
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Further study in Media, Film, English and related subjects
Why study Media Studies?
Media Studies helps students understand the powerful role the media plays in shaping ideas about people, places, politics, culture and identity. Students become confident critical thinkers, creative producers and informed consumers of media. The subject supports progression into further study and careers in areas such as film and television, journalism, advertising, digital marketing, web design, social media. With the media industry continuing to grow, Media Studies offers valuable and transferable skills for the future.
ASSESSMENT:
UNIT 1: Exploring the Media
Written exam. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
40%
UNIT 2: Understanding Film and Television
30%
Written exam. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
UNIT 3: Creating Media
Non-examined assessment (coursework).
30%