Media
The media plays a central role in contemporary society and culture. It shapes our perceptions of the world through representations, viewpoints, and messages it offers. How they do that? Why do they do that? and what is the effect that this has on individuals, communities, and cultures?
These are the issues at the heart of Media Studies. Media studies is the study of nine media forms: Television, film, radio, newspaper, magazine, advertising, online media, video games and music video, focused on the use of language, representation, industry and audience.
What is the exam board and specification?
The exam board is Eduqas.
What will you study?
You will engage in the in-depth study of audio-visual and print media. These close study topics are set yearly by the exam board. The focus of study is the theoretical framework and contexts of media. Media studies requires students to analyse and compare media products in relation to social, cultural, historical, and political contexts. Knowledge and understanding will be developed through the practical analysis and creation of media products as well as through media forms, codes, and conventions.
Through this course, students gain an understanding of the subject, enabling them to question and explore aspects of the media they are familiar with in a critical way. As well as essays, research, and reports, Media Studies also involves practical work, where students learn the techniques involved to produce their own media text.
How will you be assessed?
Component 1 – Exploring the Media (40% Written Exam):
Section A: Exploring Media Language and Representation
This section assesses media language and representation in relation to two of the following print media forms: magazines, marketing (film posters), newspapers, or print advertisements. There are two questions in this section:
• one question assessing media language in relation to one set product (reference to relevant contexts may be required)
• one two-part question assessing representation in relation to one set product and one unseen resource in the same media form. Part (a) is based on media contexts. Part (b) requires comparison through an extended response.
Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences This section assesses two of the following media forms: film, newspapers, radio, video games. It includes:
• one stepped question on media industries
• one stepped question on audiences.
Component 2 – Understanding Media Forms and Products (30% Written Exam):
This component assesses all areas of the theoretical framework and contexts of the media in relation to television and music.
Section A: Television
• one question on either media language or representation, which will be based on an extract from one of the set television programme episodes to be viewed in the examination (reference to relevant contexts may be required)
• one question on media industries, audiences or media contexts.
Section B: Music (music videos and online media)
• one question on either media language or representation (reference to relevant contexts may be required)
• one question on media industries, audiences or media contexts.
Component 3 – Creating Media Products (30% Non Exam Assessment): Students choose from a set of briefs set by the exam board, the work focuses on the application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and the ability to create media products. Work is assessed by teachers and externally moderated by the exam board.
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
This course is for students who have a keen interest in media products and processes. It would suit students with an interest in the deconstruction of popular media texts as well as those with a creative and artistic flair. In fact, anyone who wants to study the way in which the media influences our daily lives should study this course.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
Many creative careers require or need an understanding of Media in all of its forms, such as advertising and marketing, PR, journalism, film and television production and animation.
Who should I contact for further information?
You can contact Ms Briars – n.briars@kwschool.co.uk
BBC bitesize is also very informative and has a range of information that you may find helps you explore the subject further: https://www.bbc.co.