Being media literate is essential skill in modern society to develop independent, socially, politically, economically and technologically-informed critical thinkers who can help to design, create and shape the future. On this course, students are encouraged to explore and reflect critically on a wide range of media platforms including television, newspapers, magazines, music videos, film, websites, social media and a wealth of other digital products, such as podcasts and on-line audio-visual content. The intellectual skills you will develop through analysis, debate, research and evaluation will then inform your development of creative and digital skills, where you will learn how to develop your own cross-media platform production, which will contribute to your development of a portfolio for progression to Higher Education and industry. Media Studies is an extremely popular and successful course that has an excellent blend of academic and practical content that works well alongside a range of other courses, owing to its diverse content.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5.

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences 35% of qualification 
Using the media framework -media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts in relation to the following media forms: advertising, marketing, music video, gaming and newspapers.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth 35% of qualification
Media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts. It consists of three sections: 

Section A – Television in the Global Age 
Section B – Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media. 
Section C – Media in the Online Age

Component 3: Cross-Media Production Non exam assessment 30% of qualification
An individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence.

This highly rewarding course enables you to explore various media industries to understand how they respond to audience needs and successfully make a profit. You will also explore various interesting representations and social groups and how they are presented by the media, the relationship between producers and audiences, and issues relating to the impact of new technology on wider society. The course also recognises the fundamental relationship between theoretical understanding and practical work, providing you with exciting opportunities to develop media production skills in different forms, apply your knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to media products and become creators of content yourself. To complement the theoretical work, you will complete a cross-media production and be offered a choice of briefs and forms within which to work, enabling you to explore and pursue your own media interests. English skills are developed naturally as the course is 70% theoretical and covers a wide range of theory from different academic disciplines. You will also develop your communication skills and many desired employability skills through the various teaching and learning methods used. 

Future students would benefit from researching the following theorists in preparation for the course: Clay Shirky, Van Zoonen and Stuart Hall.

Component 1: Media products and industries - written examination 35%. 

Component 2: Media forms and products - written examination 35%. 

Component 3: Cross-media production /coursework. Internally assessed and externally moderated 30%.

Exam Board: Eduqas

For those looking to enhance their media experience, there are opportunities to carry out work experience placements at the end of the academic year. We also encourage you to work on projects throughout the two years to create your media portfolio and to build on confidence in working with others on media projects. There are always plenty of opportunities to get involved in some media projects. There are clubs and extra-curricular activities and we offer a variety of enrichment including contributing to the media magazine, short film awards, screenwriting workshops, workshops with broadcast producers, script writing for radio and presenting on radio (Bolton FM). Recent trips have included a four night trip to Disneyland Paris to attend the Media and Film Live conference, BBC tour at Media City, Industry Day at the BBC to create podcasts and gain skills in editing, as well as a media industry day in Leeds. Our staff will help and encourage you to obtain work experience within the local media industry, we have links with Bolton FM, Media City, Chief Productions, Bolton News and the BBC.

Results for Media Studies are amongst the top 1% in the country. The subject develops a creative approach to study, an ability to work both as an individual and in groups, and will develop confidence in your own ability to communicate in a variety of social, business and commercial situations, as well as analyse a wide variety of media and social contexts.

Many students pursue careers within media, but the skills developed are essential to a variety of other professions such as teaching, social work, journalism or TV and film production. It is respected by higher education institutions and provides a range of transferable skills. With the growth of Media City in Manchester, there are a wide range of potential career pathways available.

To support your studies, you will be required to purchase relevant materials including: SD card 16GB minimum and a SD card reader, tabloid newspapers including The Daily Mirror (published from 2017 onwards), British Broadsheet, The Times (published from 2017 onwards).