The course will consist of three components across the two years, which will develop skills and understanding in the following areas:

• Media language - how the media through their forms, codes, conventions and techniques communicate meanings including detailed study of genre an narrative.

• Representation - how media forms portray events, issues, individuals and social groups 

• Media institutions – how the media industries' processes of production, distribution and circulation affect media forms and platforms 

• Audiences - how the media forms target, reach and address audiences, how audiences interpret and respond to them and how audiences become producers themselves 

• Media Contexts – how media product have a relationship to key social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts.

These areas of study will consist of carrying out detailed analysis of a range of products including film, television, radio, video games, magazines, podcasts, newspapers, advertising and social media. This will include mainstream, independent and foreign texts to build a wide understanding of the global media world.

There will also be the chance for students to use their knowledge to create their own media products using professional level software and equipment in a choice of media such as film or radio, digital publishing or web design.

Assessment Format

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences.

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (35%)

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth.

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes  (35%)

Component 3: Cross-Media Production

Non exam assessment (30%)

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