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.