BTEC
Careers related to studying Media Studies:
If you choose to study Media Studies you will become competent in all elements of both creative and academic media. You will learn the elements involved in creating your own moving image and print products as well as how to analyse key media texts and how their construction targets a particular audience. You will also study the media from a theoretical perspective looking at key theories such as Postmodernism.
You could consider careers in media, publishing, journalism, teaching, advertising, marketing, PR, film and television.
Course content:
Through studying this course, you will increase your power of analysis and further your knowledge of several media formats and their key codes and conventions. You will learn how to critically analyse a range of media texts and look at how their construction is used to entice and manipulate its audience. You will then use this knowledge to create a range of successful media products.
Entry requirements:
You must have achieved at least a grade 5 in English Literature and a grade 5 in English Language at GCSE.
Subject specific events:
You will have the opportunity to take part in a scholarship scheme with Agent Marketing Academy. Agent is a cutting edge marketing company in Liverpool and taking part will allow you to get some real hands on experience of several facets of media marketing. As well as the opportunity to work with industry experts and gain valuable experience for your CV and UCAS application.
Methods of study:
There are five lessons per week which are divided between two subject specialists. Teaching groups tend to be between 20 and 25 in number, and the course is taught through a range of teaching and learning strategies.
These strategies include group discussion (whole group, small group and pairs), close reading and annotation of media texts and the use of audio/visual stimuli. You will also prepare presentations (individual, paired or small group) and will report back on your findings. You will also have to take part in a number of debates.
Much of your work will be produced independently. This includes all practical production work . You should expect to complete approximately 5 hours of independent study outside of your lessons. In order for you to take full advantage of the course it is also recommended that you immerse yourself in the wider viewing and reading of any media texts that interest, inspire or intrigue you.
Methods of assessment:
UNIT 1: Media representations
Learners will consider how different media representations are constructed by media producers, to create meaning, messages and values.
UNIT 4: Pre-production portfolio (coursework)
Learners study the requirements of planning and delivering a digital media product, carrying out essential pre-production tasks and creating a pre-production portfolio.
UNIT 6: Media Campaign (Coursework)
You will learn the building blocks of a successful marketing campaign. Students will then create a marketing campaign across 3 platforms to promote their film to the target audience.
UNIT 8: Responding to a commission (exam)
This unit considers the commissioning process and how media producers respond to clients by generating ideas using a range of skills.
UNIT 10: Film production (coursework)
This unit will focus on the process of producing a short narrative film or film extract.
Unit 14: Digital Publishing (Coursework)
Students will research the codes and conventions of digital publishing and create their own digital publishing product.