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A Level Media Studies

Course outline

The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer.

The media have real relevance and importance in our lives today, providing us with ways to communicate, with forms of cultural expression and the ability to participate in key aspects of society.

Learners will study a range of media forms in terms of a theoretical framework which consists of media language, representation, media industries and audiences.

The following forms are studied in depth through applying all areas of the framework:

  • newspapers
  • magazines
  • television
  • online, social and participatory media.

Advertising and marketing, film, music video, radio and video games are studied in relation to selected areas of the framework.

We have developed a strong link with the BFI Film Academy Course, and many of our students have successfully gained a place on this additional qualification run at Broadway Cinema. Students develop industry level practical skills in filmmaking by producing a short film that is screened each year to an invited audience.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

Subjects that combine well with Media Studies include English, Sociology, Politics, Film Studies, History and Photography.

You can view the fantastic works of our Media, Photography & Performance students on our showcase website run by our media faculty team.

View showcase

How to apply for this course

Apply now to study an A Level Programme in 2025/26

You will select your individual subjects when you complete the application.

Want to find out more first?

Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.

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Location Date
High Pavement Sixth Form
Chaucer Street
Nottingham
NG1 5LP

Start: Monday 1st September 2025

Course code: C000450 / Q000514

Qualification

A Level Media Studies
Duration

2 years
Level Level 3
Entry requirements
  • To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English at grade 5 or above and Maths at grade 4 or above.
  • To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including GCSE English and Maths at grade 7 or above.

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year.

Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

Applicants who choose 4 subjects but only have the entry requirements to study 3:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements to study 4 A Level subjects, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer for all 4. At your ‘Get Ready for College’ day you will undertake tasters in your subjects and at this point you can discuss your options with subject staff at the event, to help you finalise your subject choices. Final A Level choices however will be made at enrolment in August when your GCSE results are confirmed.
Teaching & assessment

There are two written examinations lasting 2 hours 15 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, worth 70% of the overall qualification.

You can also complete a practical production, following a set brief to create a creative piece of work, for example, a magazine cover and article. This will be worth 30% of the qualification.
Progression

You will develop the ability the articulate complex ideas with confidence. Completing a media studies course will give you skills in critical thinking, decision-making and analysis.

There are lots of job opportunities in the creative and media sector including digital marketing, broadcasting, film, sales, advertising, civil service, teaching, event management and journalism.

Our students have gone on to work for the BBC and freelance in the film industry.

Additional information

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.