Media Studies A Level
at Varndean College, Brighton · college
What the college says
The Media Studies A Level is an exciting journey into the world of media, offering students the chance to analyse and explore a wide range of media products, forms, and concepts. From websites to music videos, the buzz of radio shows to the digital world of gaming, this course covers it all! Students explore key areas like media language, representation, audiences, and industries, developing a keen understanding of how media shapes and reflects our world. Throughout the course, students build a powerful toolkit of skills—critical analysis, research, practical production, and communication—that are essential for thriving in today’s media landscape. They’ll get hands-on with media theory, dig into real-world industry contexts, and explore the fascinating ways in which media producers connect with their audiences. This isn’t just about theory; it’s about making media, too. With a balance of academic insight and creative application, students are prepared for careers in fields like media, journalism and advertising. Students take on a cross-media production coursework unit (making up 30% of the final grade) where they get to unleash their creativity by planning and producing their own media projects, all while applying their theoretical knowledge to the real world.
What you need to get on
Standard Advanced Level entry requirements
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
VARNDEAN COLLEGE
Surrenden Road, Brighton, BN1 6WQ
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 7 September 2026 · Brighton
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
Lincoln · East Midlands · 2 years
- Their version
Newcastle Upon Tyne · North East · 2 years
- Their version
Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group
Exeter · South West · 165 hours
- Their version
Winchester · South East · 173 hours
- Their version
Westcliff-On-Sea · East of England · 2 years
- Their version
Bury · North West · 2 years
- Their version
Newcastle Upon Tyne · North East · 2 years
- Their version
Pinner · London · 18 months