Back to all courses

A Level

Media Studies

Media Studies is an interesting course that will inform, enthuse and illuminate. You will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the media and its role in your daily life. You will also learn about the impact the media has on you in social, political and economic contexts.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 5 in English Language or grade 5 in Media Studies (if studied).

Exam Board Specification

Click to find out more

Course Leaflet

Click here to download PDF

Apply now

What you will study

The role of the media both historically and currently in society, culture, politics and the economy
Find out about the changing relationships between media forms, products, media industries and audiences
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the global nature of the media
Apply theoretical knowledge and subject-specific terminology to analyse and compare media products
Make informed arguments, substantiated judgements and draw conclusions about media issues

Assessments

Examination – 70%
Coursework – 30%

Course Support

Dynamic and engaging classes delivered by experienced staff
Additional tutorials to enhance knowledge
Regular revision sessions before exams
Access to a dedicated computer suite with a professional standard design program

Enrichment Activities

Workshops run by industry professionals
Film and journalism competitions (a great addition to university personal statements/job applications)
Trips and visits eg to New York
Talks from guest speakers /ex-students/ universities and external workshops

Facilities

Access to the computer room and classroom.
For media production, we use the Adobe suite which includes InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere Pro that enable our students to manipulate photographs, design magazine and newspaper layouts and edit video footage.
A range of video and still cameras and green screen facilities which students can hire when completing their productions for coursework.

Progression

After this course, you can progress to a Media Studies or related degree or gain points for entry to a range of other degree subjects. You will develop employability skills for a wide range of career areas.

Career Opportunities

Students who have gained Media at Advanced Level have gone on to careers/courses in varied areas. For instance, these areas include IT, Digital Media, Media Production, Journalism, Public Relations, Business and Management to name a few.

“What I really enjoy about Media Studies is the coursework, there are lots of options to choose which means it’s almost a guarantee that you will be able to do something
that you enjoy or have an interest in. Carmel is easy to settle into and to make new friends, because of a few reasons – the staff and students are very friendly and accepting which makes college a great environment where you can truly be yourself without any judgement. I think this is crucial to be able to progress academically and also personally and it is something Carmel does very well.”

Now studying Popular Music Performance and Songwriting at BIMM Music Institute

Sam Leyden

St Margaret's CofE Academy

“Choosing Media Studies at Carmel sent me on a path into the dream job that I have now! I look back at my time at Carmel with fondness.

“I am a full time Production Development Producer at dock10 Studios in Media City working in the Innovation team. My team specializes in Innovation, Virtual Production & Virtual Production Technology, Motion Capture Technology and AI. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the biggest names in UK sport, and some of the flagship and most-loved Television programmes in the UK and beyond. I could name a few but Match of the Day is the one that usually gets people excited! Beforedock10, I was a Producer and Director in Sports Media for nearly 8 years.”

Hannah Robinson, 2009 alumna

De La Salle