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About the course

Do you have an interest in the creative arts? Are you interested in how Films, Video Games or Television programmes are made? Are you keen to know what the motivations are behind newspaper headlines and websites? Are you considering a career within the media industry? If the answers to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then Media Studies maybe the subject for you!

A Level Media is a combination of theory, analysis and practical skills. You will undertake a critical analysis of a wide range of set products from different media including advertising, print, film, TV, videos and games. By applying theory, you will gain a deeper understanding of how media products change over time and shape audience responses. Students will gain valuable skills through the completion of practical coursework, which requires them to produce a piece of original media content.

A Level Media Studies is taught on the Eduqas Specification. You will complete a piece of Non-Examined Assessment (coursework) in the second year, which is worth 30% of the overall as well as prepare for externally sat examinations. There are two sat papers in Media Studies.

Course content

Year 1

Investigating Media Products, Language and Representations: This unit explores media language and representation which will begin to develop your skills in being able to analyse and evaluate a range of different media forms, from Film and radio to Newspapers, video games and advertising. You will consider how representations relate to social, cultural, historical, political, and economic contexts. You will also explore a range of theorists who present their approaches to these contexts. You will examine case studies such as Black Panther and the Assassins Creed franchise to explore these concepts.

‘Investigating Media Forms and Products’: You will explore three media forms in depth: Television, Magazines, and online media. You will explore the contexts and operations of these industries as well as the works of theorists who have written about these. You will also examine at how audiences interpret, consume, and interact with works in these categories.

‘Media Production’: This unit is a non-examination assessment from a choice of briefs from the Board applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.


Year 2
You will further your understanding and consolidate your learning with further units in:

Media Products, Industries and Audiences: this unit assesses media language, representations and media contexts. This assesses language in two mediums including marketing, advertising, newspapers or music video

Media Forms and Products in-depth: this unit seeks to assess further types of media including film, radio and video games

Cross Media Production’ This unit is a non-examination assessment and is a response from a choice of briefs set applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence.

What do I need to join
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths. A grade 5 in GCSE English Language
What can I do next

An A Level in Media provides a combination of theoretical and practical skills that are widely desired within the creative industries Jobs including Broadcasters, Journalists, and Public Relations Officer.

Media Studies provides students a combination of theoretical and practical skills that are widely desired and they typically either go on to study the subject at university or seek employment within the creative arts or media industries, however the skills you develop in the Media Studies A Level can be transferred to a range of different degrees. Common subject combinations with Media Studies include Art, Politics, Psychology and Sociology.

We offer a fantastic series of media relevant degree options at our WISE campus for those who are looking to stay local to the Bristol/South Gloucestershire area. Our WISE campus offers state of the art facilities, to find out more about this option please visit https://he.sgscol.ac.uk/.

Apply Online

Location
Starting
Apply
FLL30NMM/1
Filton Campus
September 2025

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Sports academies are available only to applicants aged 16-18.

SGS Sport

Join SGS Sport. You can enhance your full-time study programme by joining one of our renowned SGS Sport academies. Train in top-tier facilities, learn from expert coaches, and pursue your passion for sports while you study. Explore the academy options below to add to your course basket and elevate your college experience both academically and athletically.

Location
Academy
Membership fee
Add on
WFLX01TT
WISE Campus
American Football
£300
WFLX023J
WISE Campus
Basketball
£300
WFLX023P
WISE Campus
Boxing
n/a
WFLX0HC7
WISE Campus
Esports
£100
FFLX0G0C
WISE Campus
Female Basketball
£150
WFLX021X
WISE Campus
Female Football
£300
WFLX0CP5
WISE Campus
Female Rugby Union
£400
WFLX021W
WISE Campus
Male Football
£400
WFLX023H
WISE Campus
Male Rugby Union : Elite
£400
WFLX023K
WISE Campus
Netball
£300
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Course information last updated: Wednesday 2nd April 2025 @ 9.30AM

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