Skip to Main Content

Media Studies

Students who take A Level Media Studies find that they are challenged in different ways to other subjects. We study areas of representation including gender, sexuality, age and ethnicity in a range of cultures and how audiences are manipulated by the makers of media products (an important skill in the age of social media!).

We also study the effect of colonialism on African American, British and African cultures, and consider the historical impact of patriarchy on advertising, film and TV using a number of engaging set products such as American hip hop music videos and film. Teachers on the A Level Media Studies course are also examiners with Eduqas, so quality delivery of content and support for our students is assured. The A Level in Media Studies works well in conjunction with other subjects such as Sociology, Business, Politics and History as there is a similar skill- set and range of topic matter, as well as Film Studies, Art and Graphic Design.

The practical component of the course consists of a main product and a linked supporting product that must be created individually. In previous years students have had to make parts of an original magazine, advertising for a film or a music video, with an accompanying website and a short video. There is always a target audience for these briefs which brings the coursework in line with client briefs offered on the BTEC and offers real life experience for students wanting to pursue advertising or business-based media routes after college.

Due to the excellent technician support and facilities here, our students create some of the strongest practical work in the North West.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board EDUQAS
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method 70% Examination, 30% Non- Examined Assessment
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a media student holding a handheld rig

The Eduqas A Level Media Studies at Aquinas College is 30% coursework and 70% exam, over two years.

2 exams will be sat at the end of the second year with the coursework being completed towards the end of the first year.

Component 1: (Products, Industries and Audiences: 35%)

  • Analysis of an unseen print or audio visual text
  • Analysis of set texts. These may be advertising campaigns, music videos such as Riptide by Vance Joy, radio programming or films like ‘Straight Outta Compton’.

Component 2: (Media Forms and Products in Depth: 35%)

  • Apply and evaluate media theories to set texts
  • Television in the Global Age (Humans and The Returned)
  • Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
    (Woman’s Realm and Huck)
    Media in the Online Age: (Zoella and Attitude)

Component 3: (Non- examined assessment: 30%)

Set briefs will be released every March, covering a range of practical and academic bases e.g:

  • Music video
  • Film advertising and website
  • Magazine and accompanying blog

Media Studies offers a variety of pathways such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and degrees. For example, some students have progressed onto Salford University for its close proximity to Media City. There is an increasing number of students who choose to go straight into employment at advertising and design agencies such as McCann. Students also choose practical film making courses from all over the country, journalism, advertising and marketing degrees.

During their first year Media students have visited Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio, in London.

In the second year students have the opportunity to visit New York. For more information about this trip please see the Trips and Travel page

Media students go on cinema trips as well as university and library visits

We have the annual Aquinas Film and TV Awards ceremony (AFTAS) for outstanding students and the Media Conference where industry professionals speak to our students

Related Courses

Skip Courses

Business

Business studies students study a variety of topics related to strategy and decision making. One day you may be a manager in a business related to your chosen subject area[...]

Photograph of a business student

English Literature

If you enjoy reading and discussing literature, you will enjoy this course. You will gain a detailed understanding of a broad range of poetry, prose and drama, while developing different[...]

Photograph of a book

Film Studies

The WJEC Eduqas specification is designed to introduce A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range[...]

Photograph of a student looking through a camera.

History

A level history is a fascinating and engaging subject for those who are intrigued by the past and want to discover how events have impacted the world in which we live[...]

Photograph of a student studying History

Photography

Photography at Aquinas is an exciting and challenging subject that encourages students to be creative and show a more personal understanding of Photography.

Photograph of a photography student taking a photograph outdoors.

Psychology

The Psychology course is an investigation into mind and behaviour. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested in understanding and[...]

Photograph of a Psychology student studying
News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Last night saw the presentation party for the latest, great issue of our student magazine. There was yet again a great selection of articles and stories, all written and designed by our fantastically, talented students.

Photograph of students who worked on the AQ Magazine

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website! This platform marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. Designed to support academic success and enhance the student experience, our new website serves as a central hub for information, events, news, and resources related to life at Aquinas College.

Screenshot of the new website

I am thrilled for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Over 58% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass rate. In addition, 70% of Vocational grades were at Distinction* or Distinction grades with a 100% pass rate. These amazing […]

Aquinas students celebrate their A level results

On Wednesday 19th June the media department took a group of students to visit the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)’s Media Factory. The students were given a tour of the facilities including a state of the art fully functioning TV studio.

Photograph of inside the Media Factory's TV studio control room.