A Levels - Communication and Culture, Film Studies and Media Studies

Communication and Culture

Communication and Culture is a wide ranging subject which develops your own communication skills by studying many different types of communication in our culture.

You will study the process of communication and how there can be certain barriers to communication which can often distort messages and information. Within the subject you will study a variety of topics including the concept of identity and how individuals can communicate their personal identity through non-verbal communication, the language they use and also the clothes they wear and so on. The course combines theoretical and practical activities drawn from real life situations.

You will learn to analyse body language, the spoken word, traditional printed and written texts, as well as modern forms of on-line media.

Why choose Communication and Culture?

Because Communication and Culture focuses on a broad range of communication and is deeply analytical, the skills gained in this A Level are transferable across a range of degree programmes and exciting careers, including those in the media industries.

Media Studies

Media Studies is a challenging subject which encourages you to critically engage and evaluate a broad range of media.

The world of the media is the world we work and dream in. Wherever we turn, we are surrounded by all types of media and this subject questions what meaning these everyday experiences communicate to us. Media Studies focuses on how the media – television, film, advertising, radio, magazines, the Internet, music and newspapers – affects the way we view the world. The media is the most powerful industry in the world and this course is both challenging and thought provoking. If you enjoy subjects that have both a theoretical and a practical side and involve high levels of creativity and analysis, you will enjoy Media Studies.

Why choose Media Studies?

With an A Level in Media Studies you could go on to university to study for a degree in Media, Cultural Studies, Film and TV, Advertising or a wide range of degree programmes related to media studies. As the course is both theoretical and practical, you will also have a good grounding for a career in the media industries.

Film Studies

If you enjoy watching films and analysing messages, Film Studies is an interesting subject which will challenge the boundaries of your understanding. You will examine the language and structure of film along with its social and industrial contexts, looking at audiences, producers, individual directors and genres.

You will also be asked to analyse film screenings, scripts and screenplays and develop an understanding not only of the film making process, but also marketing, censorship and distribution. Whilst studying cinema as a medium, an art form and a social and economic institution, you will also engage with a wide range of different films, developing your skills in observation, critical analysis and personal reflection.

Why choose Film Studies?

The analytical skills gained in this subject are transferable across a broad range of degree programmes such as Film Studies, Media Studies, Scriptwriting, Film and Television Production or any other humanities-based degrees and could lead to a career in this exciting and challenging industry.

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