Level 3
Media, A Level
Level 3
Media, A Level
If you’re passionate about storytelling, technology, and the influence of media in today’s world, A Level Media is the perfect launchpad into a dynamic and creative career.
This course will help you understand how media shapes culture, society, and politics, while developing real-world production skills.
Course Overview
In this course, you’ll explore key media concepts, theories, and practices, covering areas such as media production, analysis, representation, media industries, and audience behaviour. This will give you both creative and critical insights into the world of media.
You’ll learn in a hands-on way, using professional equipment and software in our dedicated media classrooms, editing suites, and production labs. You will be expected to stay up to date with current affairs and media issues. You will also create your own media artefact, allowing you to pursue your interests in forms such as television, online news, magazines, film, music video, or advertising.
Through our Career Excellence Hub, you’ll benefit from strong industry links, internships, and work placements with media organisations, production companies, and advertising agencies. You will be taught by passionate, industry-experienced teachers who encourage critical thinking, creative expression, and collaboration. Additional support from Tutor Learning Mentors will help you develop study skills and prepare for your AS and A Level assessments.
In Year 1, you will work towards an AS qualification, providing a solid foundation for Year 2 and offering flexibility, particularly if you are considering taking four A Levels initially. During this first year, you can follow a pathway aligned with your career aspirations in the media industry. Options such as media, creative, and creative writing pathways will give you extra skills and experiences to further enhance your career prospects.
What will I study?
You will explore:
- Media theory: understanding how media messages are constructed and why they matter
- Media production: making your own media artefacts in formats such as music videos, short films, online content, or advertising
- Media industries: how media businesses work, how media is distributed, and who decides what audiences see
- Media representation: how people, groups, ideas, and events are portrayed in media, and why that matters
- Current media topics: you’ll look at contemporary issues and keep up to date with changes in digital media and media behaviour.
You’ll also produce an original media artefact – choosing from formats like television, online news, advertising, film, or music video. This lets you apply your theoretical understanding in a creative way.
Exciting Opportunities
By choosing Media A Level and automatically joining our Career Excellence Hub, you’ll:
- Work on live briefs and real-world media projects
- Get work experience through placements or supported internships with production companies and media organisations
- Meet media professionals through guest lectures and workshops
- Visit media companies, broadcasters, and agencies
- Build your personal media portfolio – essential for university applications or creative jobs
- Study career-focused pathways
Where will I study?
You will study at Loxton Campus, our Sixth Form campus, where you will use:
- Dedicated media classrooms
- Video editing suites
- Production equipment and studio resources
- Industry-standard software for editing and media creation
How do AS and A Levels work?
You’ll study three or four A Levels over two years. In Year 1, you’ll complete an AS Level, which gives you a recognised qualification and helps you build confidence.
In Year 2, you complete the full A Level in Media. This structure gives you flexibility and supports your career plans.
How will I be assessed?
- Written exams make up 70% of the assessment.
- Nonexamined assessment (NEA), where you create a media artefact, accounts for 30%.
What can I do after this course?
After completing this course, you could:
- Study media or film-related degrees at university – such as BA (Hons) Film & Media Arts Production at University Centre Weston.
- Pursue careers in television, film production, advertising, journalism, or digital media.
- Work in social media content creation, media strategy, or production roles.
Entry requirements
You need at least five GCSEs at grade 9–4, including English and maths
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
