Media Studies

Course Overview

Media Studies

Media Studies looks at a broad range of texts from different media areas such as magazines, newspapers, TV programmes and music videos. We investigate issues such as representation in the media and how media industries use language to sell products to specific audiences. Students will study a variety of material, including some pieces of contemporary and historic media featuring challenging issues, to ensure they gain a rounded perspective of the subject.

Course highlights:

Media Studies is split into the following areas:

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences (35% of course content)

You will study all of the following products in terms of media language and representation: advertising, marketing, music video, film, video games or newspapers. You will also study industries and audiences in advertising, marketing, film, newspapers, radio and video games.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products In-Depth (35% of course content)

For this topic you will study media industries, audiences and media contexts, looking at areas such as television in the global age and media in the online age, how the internet has influenced the influx of social media and blogging sites and how the increasing shift online has changed the way traditional media industries operate. You will also study the print industry in contrast, looking at mainstream and alternative magazine productions.

Component 3: Cross-Media Production (30% of course content)

You will create a music video alongside a front page and a double page spread in a magazine. Potential options for coursework are: filming a sequence for a new television programme and creating related print or products to market this, such as a DVD cover, billboard poster and a magazine cover with a two-page spread.

Located at: Barnsley Sixth Form College

Course Start: September 2025

Course length: 2 Years

Study Mode: Full-time

Course Code: QSFCALMEY1

Course Fees and Funding

How much does the course cost?

Full-time Barnsley Sixth Form College students aged 16-18 years old do not have to pay tuition fees.

Other funding information

This course is not eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Course Content

  • GCSE grade 5 in English Language.

Assessment is 70% examination and 30% coursework.

All equipment will be provided.

A Level

You can progress to Higher Education to study a variety of media-related courses such as film and media production, photography, advertising, marketing, PR and media studies. Possible careers include broadcaster, camera operator, computer animator, film producer, film editor, journalist, presenter, production designer, scriptwriter and sound operator.

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

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Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 13 March 2025.