top of page

Introduction

Dominican College offers Media Studies at both GCSE and A-level.  The courses allow the pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of different media industries, such as Film, Television, Radio, News in the Online Age, and the impact of digital technologies and social media.

 

Media Studies students need to have a keen interest in the media as well as a willingness to read and research widely and independently, as the qualifications combine research and practical skills.

Staff

Miss F Vallely (HoD)

Mr K O’Neill

Key Stage 4

Media Studies is a dynamic qualification which reflects the changing role and production of media industries in contemporary society.  Whilst the skills required for this subject will be taught and fostered by the teacher throughout the two years, the Media Studies student is required to have a genuine, proactive interest in the subject.  She must have an inquisitive mind, creativity and the ability to research.

​

Component 1: Exploring the Media

 

Section A – Exploring Media Language and Representation:

 

  • Advertising

  • Marketing (film posters)

  • Magazines

  • Newspapers

 

Section B – Exploring Media Industries and Audiences:

 

  • Film

  • Radio

  • Newspapers

  • Video Games

Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products

 

Section A – Television

 

  • Media Language

  • Representations

  • Media Industries

  • Audiences

  • Contexts

​

Section B – Music Video and Online Media

 

  • Media Language

  • Representations

  • Media Industries

  • Audiences

  • Contexts

​

Component 3:

 

Pupils will create an individual media production in response to a set brief.  The brief for this work will incorporate research, development of ideas and the use of original images.

 

There are 60 marks available for Component 3.  It is assessed in the following manner:

​

  • 10 marks for the Statement of Aims.

  • 20 marks for creating a media product that meets the requirements of the set brief, including suitability for the specified form, genre and audience.

  • 30 marks for creating a media product that uses media language to communicate meanings and construct representations.

Key Stage 5

A-level Media Studies students develop a sophisticated understanding of theory, industry and the development of media texts.  This course encourages an in-depth analysis of the media in the 21st Century.  The A-level specification is divided into a total of 4 units, 2 AS units taken in Year 13 and 2 A2 units taken in Year 14.

 

Two units are assessed by written examination (60% of the course).

Two units are assessed by practical and written coursework (40% of the course).

 

Unit 1: Investigating the Media

 

  • Section A: Selling Images, Advertising and Marketing
    One stepped question based on unseen print and audio-visual resource material and requiring reference to the advertising and marketing products studied.

  • Section B: News in the Online Age
    One two-part question requiring reference to the news products studied.

  • Section C: Film Industries, from Wales to Hollywood
    One two-part question requiring reference to the films studied.

 

Unit 2: Creating a Media Production

 

  • A practical media production, including individual research and planning, created in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, and applying knowledge and understanding of key concepts.

  • An individual reflective analysis of the production.

 

Unit 3: Media in the Global Age

 

  • Section A: Television in the Global Age
    One two-part question based on two of the set television programmes studied.

  • Section B: Magazines – Mainstream and Alternative Media
    One two-part question based on two of the magazines studied.

  • Section C: Media in the Digital Age – Video Games
    One two-part question based on two of the video games studied.

Unit 4: Creating a Cross-Media Production

 

  • A cross-media production, including individual investigative research and development, created in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, and applying knowledge and understanding of key concepts and digital convergence

  • An individual critical analysis of the production.

Career Opportunities

Media Studies is a rewarding and worthwhile subject in its own right but also complements a range of other A-level subjects.  Media Studies students have gone on to a wide range of degree subjects and careers including Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Law, Film, Politics, Teaching and Media Production.

Activities

Media Studies students have attended Creative Industries events, interacting with representatives from companies such as:

 

  • Bauer Media

  • Bazaar Voice

  • BBC

  • Belfast City Council

  • Belfast Metropolitan College

  • Into Film

  • Makematic

  • Nerve Belfast

  • OH Yeah Music Centre

  • PSI

  • PwC

  • Sixteen South

 

They also have access to a range of experiences through the ScreenWorks work experience initiative.

​

bottom of page