
Film Studies
Course Overview Film Studies will interest anyone who not only enjoys cinema going, but is also curious about how films are put together and how they…
Full course details
Course Overview
It is now more important than ever to understand the role and influence of media within society. Drawing on concepts explored by the social sciences, humanities, cultural studies, philosophy, anthropology and economics, to name but a few, Media Studies is a field that combines both theoretical and practical studies, dealing with the ownership, construction, broadcast, critical theory and wider effects upon both the individual and society.
Media studies teacher, James Ashford has put together a great video unpacking the course and offers some of the great benefits from studying this A Level.
Assessment: |
Coursework (30%) Exam (70%) |
Duration: | 2 years |
Entry requirements: |
Standard entry requirements. |
Exam board: | OCR |
Costs: |
£50 for materials. Optional field trips will be offered also. Students will need regular access to their own HD digital camera (not a smartphone). |
Programme leader: |
You may be required to complete an activity before you start in order to help introduce you to the subject. Check back in the summer term for more details.
Using new-media and real-world examples, you will learn to undertake detailed research, plan, produce and present work, build skills in digital technologies while developing and demonstrating your creativity. The highly transferable skills you will develop can be applied across a wide range of other areas.
This course places contemporary media in a historical context and will provide you with an understanding of the key media concepts of language, representation, narrative, audiences and Institutions. Looking at a variety of media forms, from film to print to the internet, you will engage in discussions, debates, case studies and personal research.
You will also produce an assessed practical project in each year – a music magazine and either a film trailer or music video.
You are also encouraged to supplement your programme with the Extended Project.
Whilst students may continue on to study creative media and communications related subjects at degree level, this course is also highly relevant to those wishing to enter the workplace.
Last year students went on to a variety of destinations including university of places at Newcastle, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, London Metropolitan, Winchester and Oxford Brookes.
There are various options to consider for a career in the field of media including teacher/lecturer, broadcasting, research, sales, marketing and advertising. Students may consider direct entry into related employment.
Whilst students may continue on to study media and communications related subjects, this course is relevant to those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level.
Name: | HESHAM |
Course: | MEDIA STUDIES |
I came to The Henley College from Prospect School in Reading. I chose to do Media Studies as I want to do journalism at university and I love creating magazines and taking photos. Taking A Level Media Studies has allowed me to study the things I enjoy the most! I have already received an unconditional offer from my top university choice and I plan on going there once I have finished college.
I loved doing the photoshoot for my AS coursework, I was able to pay a tribute to one of my idols, David Bowie. I created an avant garde inspired shoot where I was able to portray Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era. Studying this course has also allowed me to receive some work experience from the BBC. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.