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Media Studies
Is this a Mickey Mouse subject? Yes. With companies like Disney reaching every corner of the earth and making global profits in the billions, the power, influence and effects of the media are certainly worth studying.
Taking Media Studies requires an inquisitive mind and is suitable for anyone who asks questions about the world in which we live.
You will study the following:
• How various media products are constructed;
• Why media products are made and who they are made for;
• The effects media products have on society and culture;
• The power of the media and the people behind it.
Lessons will involve analysing media products from broadcast, print and e-media platforms. We learn how and why they are constructed, in order to make our own products and to evaluate the effects of this mass communication on the audience and society.
Entry Criteria
4 in GCSE English Language.
Companion Subjects
Career Paths
- Broadcast Journalism
- Television Producer
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Communications
- Teaching
Subject Intent
Media Studies empowers students to think critically, decode messages, and create their own digital stories. Through analysis and production, learners explore how media shapes culture, politics, and identity, while building skills in enquiry, debate, creativity, and digital production. It’s all about understanding the world—and your role in it—through the lens of film, TV, online platforms, and more.
Course Overview
You’ll explore an exciting mix of analysis and production across three components:
Component 1: Investigating the Media (35%)
- A written exam (1h 45m) covering media language, representation, industries, audiences, and contexts
- Focus on forms like advertising, music videos, newspapers, film, radio, and video games
Component 2: Investigating Media Forms & Products (35%)
- A written exam (2h 15m) diving deeper into three forms — typically television, magazines, and online media
- Apply analytical frameworks across a range of set and unseen products
Component 3: Media Production (30%)
- A creative, non-exam coursework project
- Respond to an annual brief (e.g. TV extract + publicity, film trailer + poster, music marketing, online content)
- Demonstrate practical skills, theoretical insight, and understanding of how media engages audiences
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Theoretical Framework
All components use a structured framework:
- Media Language – How codes and conventions create meaning
- Representation – How people and ideas are portrayed
- Media Industries – The processes behind production, distribution, and regulation
- Audiences – How viewers respond, interpret, and interact with media
You’ll apply this framework to both analyse existing media and produce your own, blending theory with practice
Homework & Independent Study
Expect to:
- Analyse case studies and set products (films, shows, online platforms, magazines)
- Read around key debates in media (representation, power, digital culture)
- Plan and produce coursework with annotated reasoning
- Stay updated with current media trends and industry practices
Enrichment Opportunities
- Watch and discuss documentaries, TV series, and online content
- Attend guest sessions or workshops with media professionals
- Participate in practical studios, editing tutorials, production clinics
- Visit media hubs, theatres, festivals, or studios
- Join film clubs, debates, production groups, and competitions
Where Can Media Studies Take You?
This course opens doors to careers in journalism, marketing, film/TV production, digital media, advertising, and more. You’ll graduate with analytical thinking, creative skills, research ability, and digital fluency—talents valued in every field.