A Level Media Studies

Media Studies is an extremely enjoyable and worthwhile subject to study. Not only will it change the way you interpret the media, but it will also challenge you to think in new ways and question or change your perspective.

Duration 2 years
Qualification A Level (or equivalent)
Start Date Thursday 3rd September 2026
Course Code ALMEDIA26T
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TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Future-proof creative skills
  • Academic & technical
  • Growing media industries sector
Over the shoulder shot of a student editing a video on a computer.

Prepare for employment

Studying Media enables you to see the world in a different light and develop a wide range of transferable skills for further education, work, and life, including creative & critical thinking, emotional intelligence, analytical & research skills, and technical competencies (e.g., web design, filming and editing.)

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Experienced, friendly and creative staff

The Media, Film & Photography team are friendly, supportive, and hardworking; they offer high level pastoral, academic and technical support to help you realise your creative potential.

Contemporary & historical context

Explore how media products relate to their wider historical contexts, including those produced by or for a minority group, non-mainstream and non-English language products.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society, and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas, and points of view they offer. The media have real relevance and importance in our lives today, providing us with ways to communicate, with forms of cultural expression and the ability to participate in key aspects of society. In addition, the development of deeper critical and creative thinking gained by studying the media can enhance many different career paths and is a much sought-after transferable skill in both employment and further study. Expect to be constantly challenged and excited by the course.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You will cover a broad range of media through both theoretical and practical modules. You will develop an understanding of cross media production by producing a website for a new band/artist or television programme which will also include audio visual material which may be either a music video or sequence of a television programme.

This will enable you to develop moving image and editing skills using Adobe Premiere as well as Photoshop and web building skills. Marks are awarded for research skills, technical ability and self-evaluation. The examination modules include textual analysis of an unseen media text, as well as the analysis of set texts in relation to media language, representation, media industries and audiences.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?

Successful completion of the course can lead to further study in all areas of the media such as a variety of degree courses at university such as journalism, graphic design, advertising, and P.R. You will not only develop practical skills and a critical awareness of the media but also employability skills such as communication and Interpersonal skills, organisational and problem-solving skills as well as research and presentation skills.

You will take two written examinations in June in the second year, each worth 35% of the full A Level mark. You will submit two practical coursework submissions, worth 30% of the full A Level mark.

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Course code: ALMEDIA26T
Duration 2 years
Qualification A Level (or equivalent)