Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
In a world shaped by digital content, social media, and 24/7 news cycles, A Level Media Studies offers you a powerful lens through which to understand and critique the media that surrounds us.
You will study the theoretical framework of media - genre, representation, audience, institutions, narrative and language - through critical analysis of media texts and practical production work. Through the analysis of both contemporary, global and historical media, you will appreciate how important the media is in our lives, both as consumers and producers.
You will explore nine media forms: television, film, radio, newspaper, magazine, advertising and marketing, online, social and participatory media, video games and music videos. You will also create a media product, developing practical production skills and using contemporary media technologies. You will be supported by experienced staff and have use of high quality DSLR cameras, Adobe Creative Cloud software, and access to a TV studio.
You are likely to do well in this subject if you are interested in the media, not just for the content, but also for the organisation/institution and meanings behind them. You will also need to be creative and well-organised to complete your practical work. Media Studies can be taken with any other subject, but students often choose to combine it with English, Film, Art, Photography, Textiles, Sociology, History, Business Studies, Drama and Psychology.
Why Choose Paston College?
A wide range of subjects
We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses
Student progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years
Excellent results
Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s
Entry Requirements
You will need to achieve a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and three GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You will also need to achieve grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed through exams - 70% of overall grade - and coursework - 30% of overall grade.
Course Progression
The course will support progression to university or study for a professional qualification in a wide range of degrees, including media production, media studies, film studies, digital film production, television production, journalism, advertising/marketing, events and exhibition management.
Where Your Course Can Take You
Media Studies A Level can lead to a wide range of exciting and creative careers. You could consider working as a director, screenwriter, broadcast technician, editor, magazine feature writer, content creator, digital marketing executive, email marketing coordinator, graphic designer, animator, web designer, public relations officer or event coordinator.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop
