What is Media studies?
This subject gives you an opportunity to study many different examples of media: social media, TV, magazines and newspapers as well as music and gaming. As an academic subject, the course critically explores issues such as representation in the media. You also develop research skills with regards to the media industries and audiences, and practical skills in order to successfully produce your own media products for specific audiences.
Why study Media studies?
In the modern world we are exposed to media more than we ever have been, and this course allows us to investigate the role of the media in our lives and the effects that it is having. We explore some of the hidden meanings in media texts and the ways that they can influence us, whether we realise it or not! If you want to develop analytical, research and practical skills then this may be the course for you.
Is Media studies right for you?
The more interested you are in media texts, such as TV, Film, Music and current affairs, the more relevant the course will be to you. You are expected to keep up to date with media events, reading newspapers and watching the news regularly will help you. You need to be a competent user of IT as we use industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere (all software will be taught if you have not used it before).
What will you study?
- Media products, industries and audiences
Analysis of media language and representations within media products, media industries and audiences. Course areas: advertising, film, music video, video games, radio and the news industry - Coursework
An individual cross-media production from a set brief, including an audio-visual element such as a music video or a sequence from a YouTube channel, with related print material - Media forms and products in depth
Television in the global age (set texts: British television versus the world), magazines (mainstream and alternative media), and online and participatory media (social media, YouTube and vlogging)
What happens outside lessons?
Over the two years, you will have opportunities to explore your skills in technical workshops looking at the tools (software and hardware) of media production and filmmaking as well as question and answer sessions with industry professionals. Media enrichments such as podcast creation are a way to develop your abilities outside of class.
Visits to and workshops with the nearby Northern School of Art’s film and television production course give a taster of what the progression into a career in media might involve..
“Coming to college to study media was one of the decisions I felt most certain about, and it’s become one of the most memorable parts of my experience. I’ve really enjoyed the creative side of the course, especially taking photos for coursework. The way we engage as a class feels fun, relaxed, and something I genuinely look forward to.”
Scarlett H, Year 13
Where can Media studies take you?
Past students have gone on to study a range of courses at university leading to careers in:
· media production · journalism (print, broadcast and online) · marketing and advertising · graphic design · public relations · events management · education
What subjects go well with Media studies?
Media can combine with a number of practical and academic subjects including:
· graphic communication · film · photography · drama and theatre · sociology · business studies
What are the entry requirements?
- General requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
- Subject specific: You need to be a competent user of IT.