Why Study Media Studies?

Are you a Netflix binge watcher, a vlogger, a gamer, a social networker, or simply a casual consumer of media products? Whatever your relationship with the mass media, you will benefit from the insight, knowledge and skills that a course in Media Studies can offer.

You will explore how media products make meaning and represent ‘reality’. You will study the companies that make them and the audiences that consume them. Does the media influence politics and social change? How do creative ideas get produced and distributed? What role does it play in our lives? What is the future of the news
media?

The economic importance of the media is unquestionable. The creative industries are now worth £84.1 billion per year to the UK economy and the sector is now growing at almost twice the rate of the wider UK economy (source: Gov.uk). Studying an A Level in Media Studies is excellent preparation if you want to continue and train to work in the creative industries at higher education or in a vocational context.

Why Study Media Studies at Worcester Sixth Form College?

We have professional Adobe software installed on all of our 25 desktop PCs. We use Full HD video cameras and Digital SLR cameras for print production work. There is an enormous amount of media teaching experience in the department; the College has experience of delivering Media Studies courses for over 25 years. College equipment is available for student use outside lessons and classroom activities.

Students are encouraged to enter relevant competitions and produce production work outside the classroom.

Progression Opportunities

Many students who study Media Studies at A Level go on to study a Media Production course at university. For example, TV Production, Multimedia Journalism, Film Production, and Advertising. You may want to combine the subject with Graphics, Business Studies, English or Law to eventually move into vocational areas such as marketing, events management, public relations or journalism. Recent students have gone on to a range of academic and vocational courses. For example, one student went on to do an apprenticeship in multimedia marketing. This student completed a degree as part of the apprenticeship. Another student has gone on to study Media Performance at Salford University, with a view to performing and directing TV and Film.

Media Studies Adam Wilson

Adam WIlson

Media Studies - Lacon Childe School
I chose Media Studies as the media arguably influences us all (whether we like it or not!). The subject itself also has strong links to my other A-levels. For example, part of the course links to A Level Business Studies, where the structures and types of media companies are explored, as well as A Level Politics, where a large debate lies surrounding the concept of democracy and the arguments for an increase or decrease in the regulation of UK media. During my first year, I undertook the role as the Student Union 'Media and Publicity Co-ordinator', this helped boost my confidence and communication skill. I plan to go on and study Politics and International Relations at University where I aim to overall increase my knowledge on how the media influences politics today.
film dest

Course Specifics / Entry Requirements

Qualification Name Maths GCSE Req. English GCSE Req. Other Req. Desirable Qualifications Skills & Attributes Required for Success Guidance on Costs or Commitments
Media Studies4GCSE English at grade 5 or above.Good level of creativity and willingness to develop new IT skills. Willingness to work as member of team. Good organisational skills.Attendance at extra sessions for additional skills training. Print and/or video production - £5. Optional visits to film showings/ conferences.

Related Courses / Activities