The AQA Media Studies A-Level course is designed to develop students' critical understanding of the media and its role in society, while equipping them with the skills to analyse and create media products across various platforms. The course covers a broad range of topics, from traditional media forms like television, film, and print, to emerging digital media, including online content and social media.

Key Features:

1. Media Language and Representation: Students explore how media uses codes and conventions to construct meaning, and how representation (of gender, ethnicity, age, social class, etc.) is created and challenged across different media platforms.
2. Media Industries: The course investigates the relationship between media industries, audiences, and institutions. Students learn about media ownership, regulation, and how technological advancements shape the production, distribution, and consumption of media products.
3. Media Audiences: A key aspect of the course is understanding how different audiences interact with media. This involves studying audience demographics, the impact of media on audiences, and the ways in which media products are tailored to specific groups.
4. Practical Production: The AQA course includes a creative component where students design and produce their own media products, such as a short film, magazine, or website. This allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and develop technical skills in media production.
5. Critical Thinking: Throughout the course, students develop their ability to critically engage with media texts, considering ideological, cultural, and historical contexts. This is supported by a range of academic theories and perspectives that help explain how media operates.

Assessment:

The AQA Media Studies A-Level is assessed through a combination of written exams and practical coursework. The exam papers test students' ability to analyse and critique media products, focusing on areas such as media language, representation, and industry contexts. The non-exam assessment (NEA) allows students to showcase their creativity through the production of their own media work.

Opportunities:

By the end of the course, students will have developed strong analytical, creative, and research skills that are valuable in a wide range of fields, including journalism, film, advertising, public relations, marketing, and digital media industries.

Overall, the AQA Media Studies A-Level offers a comprehensive exploration of the media landscape, providing students with the tools to both critique and create media in the modern world.