Media A Level

Campus
Leicester
Level
A Level

A Level Media is part of a package of courses. Within the local area there are a number of employers who are looking to recruit people with initiative, creativity and imagination.

Course Duration

A-Level (two Years)

Standard Entry Requirements

Assessment of A-Level (2 Years)

30% coursework and 70% external examinations.

Component 1: Meanings and Representations in the Media. Written examination: 2 hours. 30% of qualification 

This component covers all of the following media forms: music videos, video games, advertising, film marketing, newspapers and radio news/current affairs programmes.

The exam consists of three sections.

Section A: Media Language and Meanings

One extended response question based on two media products, either from the same form or from two different forms.

Section B: Representations and Meanings

One extended response question based on two media products, either from the same form or from two different forms. There will be a choice of two questions. One question in Section A or Section B will be based on evaluation of relevant theories.

Section C: Contextual Study – Representations

One extended response question based on two media products, either from the same form or from two different forms.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth. Written examination: 3 hours. 40% of qualification

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, industry and audiences. The exam consists of three sections:

Section A – Television in the Global Age

Study one option from a choice of three including two set products One two-part question based on both of the set products studied.

Section B – Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media

Study one option from a choice of three including two set products. One two-part question based on both of the set products studied.

Section C – Media in the Online Age

Study one option from a choice of three including two set products. One two-part question based on both of the set products studied.

Component 3: Cross-Media Production. Non exam assessment. 30% of qualification

An individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence.

Course Overview

This A Level Media Studies specification offers a broad, engaging and stimulating course of study which offers learners the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the media and to develop analytical and practical production skills.

Learners study a wide range of media forms and products through the theoretical framework of media, which encompasses media language, representations, media industries and audiences. Media products are also studied in relation to relevant contexts, and learners will study, apply and evaluate a range of theories and theoretical approaches. Learners also develop practical production skills and apply their knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to a cross-media production in two forms. 

Some media forms are studied in relation to key areas and aspects of the theoretical framework, others (Television, Magazines and Online Media) are studied in relation to all areas of the framework. There are set products for study in every form; however, teachers may select additional products to develop learners’ understanding of the form and to prepare for unseen analysis in the examination. Teachers are also able to select the products for the in-depth studies from a choice of options in the specification. Assessment is based on two written examinations (totalling 70% of the qualification) and non-exam assessment (cross-media production, 30% of the qualification).

Career Progression

This qualification could lead to careers in the following sectors: Media, Business, Education, Creative Arts, Administration and Social Work.

Further Information

Teachers on this course have substantial experience in examining and have published several Media textbooks. Plans for next year’s course include a two-day trip to London where we will visit a range of media-related organisations, such as Warner Brothers (The Harry Potter Experience) and BBC TV production studios.

A Level Media is part of a package of courses. Within the local area there are a number of employers who are looking to recruit people with initiative, creativity and imagination.