Media/Film/Tv Studies

Course summary

The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations and points of view they offer. The media have real relevance and importance in our lives today, providing us with ways to communicate, forms of cultural expression and the ability to participate in key aspects of society. The economic importance of the media is also unquestionable. Media industries employ large numbers of people worldwide and generate significant global profit. The Eduqas specification helps learners develop an informed understanding of these issues, using a comprehensive theoretical framework and key theories to support critical exploration, analysis and debate. The primary emphasis is on contemporary media, but learners will also explore how the products relate to wider historical contexts. Study of a range of rich and stimulating media products is central to the course, working from the product outwards to debate key questions related to the social, cultural, political and economic role of the media. Learners will draw on their existing awareness of the media, but also extend their experience and engagement through the study of products with which they may be less familiar. This specification also recognises the fundamental relationship between theoretical understanding and practical work, providing learners with exciting opportunities to develop media production skills, apply their knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to media forms and products, and become creators of meaning themselves. Learners will be offered a choice of briefs and forms within which to work, enabling them to explore and pursue their own media interests.