A Level Media Studies

Overview

  • 16-18
  • 19-22 hours per week

Details

To apply for A Levels

Please choose an initial A Level you would like to apply for, then follow the on screen instructions on the online application form.  Add the names of the additional A Levels you would like to study into your personal statement, indicating why you have selected those options.

Course content

You will be introduced to a range of key concepts (representation, audience, ideology, genre, narrative, institutions) and learn how to apply these to analyse a variety of media texts (print, moving image, websites). You will study in detail the issue of representation and how this relates to audience. For example, how men and women, teenagers, old people, issues and events are represented in the media will be examined.

What subjects does it combine with?

This subject can be combined with Sociology, Psychology. English and Politics.

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

This course will lead you into a media based degree or a career in media or the creative arts.

How will I learn?

A-levels are taught in the classrooms and workshops of Paddington Green Campus.

How will I be assessed?

There are two main parts to the exam (each worth 30%).

At the end of the two year course, there will be two exams in June. The first exam involves a comparative analysis of ‘unseen’ media texts set by the Board; an essay on representation that uses the analysis as a starting point but which extends this by using the students’ wider knowledge; and questions on media institutions and audience . The second exam consists of questions on the set media texts analysed throughout the second year. Students will also produce practical coursework consisting of two pieces in two media formats. The practical can be print-based or moving image.

Equipment and other costs

Students must provide their own pens, pencils and stationery, all other equipment will be provided.

For further information please call 020 7258 2721, email customer.services@cwc.ac.uk or come to one of our Open Days.

What qualification do I get on completing this course?

A Level Media Studies

Where have students gone to after completing this course?

University

Is there additional work required by the student?

How much time should I be expected to spend on assignments, projects, field trips etc.?

4-5 hours per week.
 

Which awarding body is the course validation by?

WJEC.

What are the expected employment areas with this course?

Creative Arts, Media

Awarding Body

WJEC logo

Entry Requirements

What qualifications or skills do I need to show I have before I can enrol?

All A-level candidates must have a minimum of 6 GCSEs – and all candidates must have GCSE English at grade 6 and GCSE Maths at grade 5 or above.

English level

GCSE English Language must be a grade 6 or above and candidates should have at least grade 5 in related subjects; eg – History, Sociology, English Literature.

Mathematics level

GCSE Maths grade 5 or above.

Support

Free Meals in FE

If you are aged between 16 and 18 on 31st August (the year you start your studies) and received free school meals when you were at school, you may be eligible to receive a free meal at College. For more information on free school meals, click here.

Further Education Fees (16-18)

All our Further Education (FE) courses (Entry to Level 3) are free to EU residents who are under 19 years old on the 31st August (the year you start your studies). For a few courses you may be expected to contribute towards the cost of specialist materials and resources. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial help from the College’s Learner Support Fund. You should apply for any such financial support as soon as you have been offered a place.

Childcare

Financial support to help with childcare

Care to learn - childcare support for young people aged 16-20

If you are aged under 20 at the beginning of your course, or moving to the 2nd year of a level 3 course, and are caring for your own child you may be entitled to £175.00 maximum per week, per child through Care to Learn. 

Please ensure you register on the Care to Learn website even if you haven’t chosen your childcare provider or the course you want to study.  Once you have registered Care to Learn will confirm financial support in principle.

For further details and help with making an application please visit https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or speak to a Student Advisor.

Childcare support for people aged 20+

Financial support towards the cost of nursery, childminder, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.

If you are aged 20+ when you start a course and need financial support to help with the cost of childcare while you study the college may be able to help.

You will be required to make use of any government NEF or 2+ Funding before requesting any financial support from the college.

It is essential that you speak to a Student Advisor prior to enrolling on a course to discuss your personal circumstances, childcare needs and to find out if there are funds available.

Eligibility for help with childcare costs is based on your personal circumstances.

General eligibility criteria:

  • Aged 20 and over
  • Considered a home student for fee purposes
  • Fully enrolled on a programme of study funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency  or in receipt of a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan
  • Discussed and had confirmation of funding for childcare support before enrolling

Financial eligibility:

 You need to have evidence that you meet general discretionary Learner Support Funds or 19+ Advanced Learning Loan bursary fund criteria:

  • on a low income / a dependent of someone who is on a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, housing benefit etc.

When looking for childcare please be aware:

  • all childcare providers must be OFSTED registered
  • any 2+ or 3+ government funding must be used by the student. Only additional hours needed for study will be funded by the College.
  • childcare will only be paid for days when you are attending College or a mandatory work placement.
  • students on full-time courses will be a priority for childcare funding.
  • childcare places will be subject to a contract between College/student/nursery.
  • childcare payments are made subject to students reaching 85% attendance on a monthly basis.

All childcare applicants approved for funding will be required to sign our Terms & Conditions and MUST inform the College immediately should they stop attending lessons for any reason.

Email learner.services@cwc.ac.uk to put your name on the childcare waiting list.  You MUST speak to a member of the Student Advice or Learner Services team before you enrol on a course.

Financial Support for 16-18 Year-olds and Continuing Learners aged 19

The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependent of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course-related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.

For further information click here.

For further information on financial support for Looked after Children, Care Leavers and estranged young people, click here