Media Studies

Media Studies
WJEC A-level Media Studies
Have you noticed that media messages are increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives, whether it’s accessing videos on your smartphone, watching TV ads, listening to the radio, looking at posters or listening to music?
Is this course right for me?
Choosing this course will help develop your analytical, creative and evaluative skills concerned with all forms of media production from an audience and institutional perspective.
Being ‘media literate’ is becoming ever more important in today’s rapidly developing society. Throughout your time on this course you will recognise the influence the media has on us, in addition to the up and coming trends in today’s culture from across the globe.
What are the entry requirements?
- Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics
- English Language/Literature/First Language Welsh grade B
- Please check the AS Level Options Grid to see if this subject fits into your chosen programme
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
What will I learn?
A-level Media Studies provides an exciting range of modules that ask critical questions about the media industry: What are they trying to communicate? How obvious is their message? Does the media reflect reality or does it try to control what you think?
You will learn about the history, development, contemporary use and relevance of magazines, newspapers, the internet, radio and advertising.
Our goal is to enable you to form your own personal opinion on a wide range of topics, whilst developing your knowledge and understanding of: communication, culture, politics and citizenship.
Units to be studies will include:
- Investigating the media
- Creating a media production
- Media in the global age
- Creating a cross-media production
Learners also complete the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and are required to develop their essential skills (communication/numeracy and digital skills). Learners will also attend a weekly group tutorial.
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
If you are studying a construction/trade course (brickwork, carpentry, electrical or plumbing):
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) in upskilling / Lessons in Financial Education
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course
- A one year GCSE START upskilling course
Can I do this course in Welsh?
Learners have the option to complete course assessment/assignments or elements of the course through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. Visit our Welsh Language in the College page to find out what else is available to you.
How will I be assessed?
- Written examination
- Completion of a final major project
What can I do next?
This course can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities in a varied range of businesses including: Digital Marketer, Media Buyer, Media Planner, Media Researcher, Music Producer, Public Relations Officer, Runner – Broadcasting/Film/Video, Social Media Manager, Television/Film/Video Producer, Web Content Manager.
If you are thinking about studying at degree level following this course please visit the university websites or UCAS (University Central Admissions Service) www.ucas.com to check any entry requirements.
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
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Online Learning Elements? | Yes |
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Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.