A Level Media Studies Tutors

Why choose A Level Media Studies?

In our interconnected and digital society, the transfer and consumption of information via media channels has become an integral part of our daily lives. News stories can be generated and spread within minutes, online influencers have the power to shape our habits and preferences, and the rise of fake news and advertising algorithms have profoundly changed the media landscape and have raised some difficult ethical and legal questions about rights to privacy and anonymity.

A Level Media Studies gives students the tools to navigate this fast-changing and sometimes difficult to understand landscape and teaches them to ask critical questions about the accuracy and validity of information. With the help of this course, students will be able to look at media content with new eyes and have a greater appreciation of the important role that information plays in our world.

What is covered in A level Media Studies?

Due to the recent developments in the way in which we create and access news and other types of information, Media Studies has become a very broad subject covering such topics as:

• Advertising and marketing
• Newspapers and magazines (print and online)
• Radio
• Film and TV
• Video games
• Online media

For each sector, students will be encouraged to think critically about such questions as:

• The history of and recent innovations in each platform
• How audiences receive information
• Representation and gender theory
• Regulation and ownership of content

While students will be taught certain theoretical concepts, A Level Media Studies, by its nature, is a highly contemporary and practical subject. Therefore, in addition to textbook reading, students are encouraged to collect and analyse content from different media sources (for example, local and national newspapers, online platforms and radio). Such an approach builds awareness of current events and helps students to apply their academic knowledge in practice.

Due to the in-depth nature of A Level Media Studies, it is recommended that students complete Media Studies as a 2-year course. Since the coursework and exam requires students to demonstrate knowledge gained from the entire course, one year is generally not sufficient to cover all the information.

What GCSEs do you need?

A Level Media Studies is quite an involved subject, requiring a significant degree of reading, critical thinking and strong writing skills. Therefore, in order to do well in this subject, students will ideally have a minimum of five GCSEs grade 9-4 (equivalent to A* -C).

While no specific GCSEs are required in order to study for A Level Media Studies, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the course, the following GCSEs will help prepare you for the topics covered:

• Media Studies
• Sociology
• Film studies
• Politics

In addition, since A Level Media Studies is a subject that places a strong emphasis on essay writing and analytical skills, a good result in GCSE English Literature and History can be helpful.

Where does A Level Media Studies lead?

Due to the broad nature of topics covered under Media Studies, as well as the transferrable skills it fosters, students will be well equipped to pursue a number of degree options at university. For example, students interested in pursuing Media Studies further can take courses in Journalism, Film Studies, Cultural and Media Studies. Alternatively, students can expand on the skills and knowledge gained at A level and pursue related subjects such as Sociology, Law, Liberal Arts and Psychology.

If you are interested in taking Media Studies at A Level but are not sure whether it is the right subject for you, then The Profs can help. We can offer high-quality tutoring at A Level (either in-person or online) to help you achieve the best grades possible. In addition, we offer mentoring and academic consultancy services to give you advice as to your education options, in addition to help with university applications, if that is the route you choose.