Key details
- Course areas
- A LevelsMedia, Digital and Photography
- Student types
- 16 - 18 coursesA Levels
- Course type
-
A Level course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
- Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000514
Course introduction
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 will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.
Read moreCourse information
2 years
WJEC A Level Media Studies
- To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English 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
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.
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.
Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
Careers related to this course
Select career:
Advertising and Marketing Associate Professionals
Potential Earnings
£52,828.90
Average Earnings
£26,330.52
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Marketing and Sales
People in these occupations conduct market research, create advertising content, sell goods, services, or property, and provide customer support.
Retailing and Wholesaling
People in these occupations sell goods and services to customers or businesses.
Art, Performance and Design
People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.
Media, Publishing and Information Services
People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.
Skills
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
Related courses
A Level Film Studies
Course Areas:
A LevelsMedia, Digital and Photography
Student Types:
16 - 18 coursesA Levels
Course Type:
A Level course
A Level Photography
Course Areas:
A LevelsMedia, Digital and Photography
Student Types:
16 - 18 coursesA Levels
Course Type:
A Level course
