The CIE Media Studies A level (2024 cohort onwards) provides an integrated introduction to the study of the media and the contemporary international media landscape. The content of the two-year course is underpinned by a set of key media concepts:
- Language How the media communicate meanings through their forms, codes, conventions and techniques
- Representation How the media construct the social world including the portrayal of ideas, individuals and groups
- Industry How and why media texts are produced, distributed and circulated
- Audience How audiences are constructed and addressed by media texts and how audiences interpret and respond to media texts.
Our media studies A level course online students will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms. Topics covered are contemporary, and diverse, encouraging development of research and problem-solving skills as well as creativity. Students will develop critical understanding of international media through engagement with the creative application of practical skills. This course also offers the opportunity to refine debating skills and knowledge of the political and cultural landscape through discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives.
Media studies A level students sit two written papers. There are also two non-examination assessment components, in the form of coursework, worth 50% of the qualification.
Prior learning
Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied media studies previously.
Progression
A level media studies provides a suitable foundation for the study of media or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in media, or as part of a course of general education.
