Media Studies

Course summary

Media studies is designed to allow media students to draw on their existing experience of the media and to develop their abilities to respond critically to the media. It enables students to explore a wide variety of media, including digital media technologies, drawing on the fundamental concepts informing the study of the media: texts, industry and audiences. The specification also encourages creative work to enable students to gain a greater appreciation of the media through their own production work and to develop their own production skills. At A Level in particular, students are given the opportunity to research a topic which will then form the basis for their production, thus encouraging them to create productions informed by an awareness of contemporary media issues. The WJEC Eduqas A Level in media studies offers a broad, engaging and stimulating course of study which enables learners to: • demonstrate skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis • demonstrate a critical approach to media issues • demonstrate appreciation and critical understanding of the media and their role both historically and currently in society, culture, politics and the economy • develop an understanding of the dynamic and changing relationships between media forms, products, industries and audiences • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the global nature of the media • apply theoretical knowledge and specialist subject specific terminology to • analyse and compare media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed • make informed arguments, reach substantiated judgements and draw conclusions about media issues • engage in critical debate about academic theories used in media studies • appreciate how theoretical understanding supports practice and practice supports theoretical understanding • demonstrate sophisticated practical skills by providing opportunities for creative media production.