Age 16-18
Progress to university, further study or employment.
A Level Media Studies is an excellent preparation for careers in media, journalism, marketing, and advertising, and is a popular university degree choice.
Course Overview
Entry requirements
Enrolment on an A Level programme requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 4, including English and maths.
Specific criteria for this subject:
Specific criteria for this subject:
- A minimum average point score of 4.25
- Grade 5 English Language GCSE; Grade 4 Maths GCSE
Course information
This course is studied alongside 2 other A Levels or alongside 1 other A Level and 1 Level 3 Extended Certificate.
It develops a critical, applied understanding of contemporary media across platforms and genres. You will analyse how media language, representation, industries and audiences shape meaning and influence society, and you will apply this framework to a wide range of set texts and case studies. Study spans advertising and marketing; film (e.g., Straight Outta Compton, I, Daniel Blake); magazines (Vogue, The Big Issue); music video (Beyoncé, Dizzee Rascal, Vance Joy); newspapers; online media (Zoella, DesiMag); radio; television (Life on Mars, Humans, No Burqas Behind Bars); and video games (Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation). You will also situate media products within their social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts.
Assessment consists of three parts in the second year. Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences is a 2 hour 15 minute written exam worth 35%, with Section A on media language and representation and Section B on media industries and audiences. Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth is a 2 hour 30 minute written exam worth 35%, with Section A on television in the global age, Section B on magazines, and Section C on media in the online age. Component 3: Cross Media Production is an individually produced cross-platform project created over sixteen weeks in response to set briefs, applying the theoretical framework and digital convergence, worth 30% of the final grade.
Key topics
- Media language: forms, codes, conventions and techniques
- Representation: portrayal of events, issues, individuals and social groups
- Media industries: production, distribution and circulation across platforms
- Audiences: targeting, reach, address, interpretation and response
- Television in the global age
- Magazines: mainstream and alternative media
- Media in the online age and digital convergence
- Advertising and marketing
- Film case studies (e.g., Straight Outta Compton, I, Daniel Blake)
- Music video case studies (e.g., Beyoncé, Dizzee Rascal, Vance Joy)
- Newspapers, radio and video games (e.g., Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation)
- Online media (e.g., Zoella, DesiMag)
- Contexts of media: social, cultural, economic, political and historical
- Media platforms: broadcasting, digital and web-based media, print
- Media debates: reality TV, news values, moral panics
- Media theories: gender and ethnicity, consumption and production, genre theories
- Cross media production: planning, creating and evaluating an independent project
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- We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
- Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
- Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
- Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
- One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
- Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
- Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
- Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed
If you’re aiming for university, a top career, or just want to keep your options open, A Levels at New City College give you the perfect springboard.
You’ll study in a focused, supportive environment at our specialist sixth form campuses, choosing from a wide range of subjects to create the right combination for your goals. Alongside your studies, you’ll develop key skills in critical thinking, research, communication and leadership, all highly valued by universities and employers.
With strong links to top universities and regular support from expert tutors, you’ll get the guidance you need to progress to higher education, apprenticeships, or straight into the world of work. Plus, enrichment opportunities like guest speakers, study trips, university visits and societies make your time with us more than just classroom learning.
Select your campus option to apply
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 07/07/2028
What Can This Course Lead To
Life At NCC
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Facilities for Students
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Financial Support
There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.
