Studying Media Studies at Abbey encourages and develops students' interests in the media industry across a range of exhibition/production platform and brings about ownership of their studies.

Subject Overview

MEST 1 will introduce the students to the fundamental aspects of the Media A-Level through the 4 key concepts and a range of media platforms. We will evaluate a range of media platforms using a variety of examples from film, television, e-media and print. In each case students will be introduced to a variety of media theories and debates together with some complex ideas around the subject of media studies. This is worth 25% of A-Level.

MEST 3 will allow candidates to demonstrate a holistic understanding of media studies. The media concepts will be covered more individually within the framework of this unit, through a wide range of media texts chosen by the student themselves. This is worth 25% of A-Level.

MEST 4 will build upon the students' skills at AS by allowing them to realise a production piece that reflects their chosen research topic. Each student will be able to synthesise theory and production to consider relevant factors such as the globalisation of the media. This is worth 25% of A-Level.

Teaching Approaches

Presentations are often delivered by students based around specific case studies and concepts. Practical coursework involve media production and critical research.

Formative and summative assessments across the two year A-Level course, enable us to gain a realistic understanding of student performance.

Higher Education Opportunities

Media can lead to Degree courses in Radio & Television production, Events Management, Marketing, Advertising, Film Studies and Journalism. Many of these courses can lead directly into employment in and around the media industry or in research. HND (Higher National Diploma) courses in Media Production are also a solid route into media production positions.

Supportive Material

AS/A2 Media Studies by Julia Burton (Editor) Nelson Thornes Ltd

www. IMdB.com

http://www.aqa.org.uk/

Teaching staff: Russell Middleton (Head of Department), Jessie Venegas (International Students' Welfare Co-Ordinator).