[iamsam]

Starting September, my school is offering A Level Media Studies. So I talked to both the teacher in charge of the timetable and one of the teachers, and they're going to let me drop-in on lessons that fit into my timetable, and maybe do the AS if I can handle the workload.

Thing is, I'm in Year 13 now. This year I've got a full Further Maths A Level, A2 Physics and A2 Economics. Last year I did Critical Thinking and a single Computing (coursework) module, along with AS Physics, AS Economics and A Level Maths. So I can certainly cope with at least a bit of extra work, but as I understand it media studies coursework is not only difficult but also time-consuming.

I'm also looking for a break from my mostly maths-based subjects. Don't get me wrong, I love maths, but constant, never-ending maths gets to me after a while. Something like media studies can give me an outlet for my energy which isn't problem-solving, theoretical or even logical.

So I suppose what I'm asking is, how hard is AS Media Studies?

Also, should I go for the AS Level, or just take the opportunity to learn more about (in this case) film?

P.S: This ain't about getting into university. I know unis don't like this as a qualification, but I've got plenty of other A Levels for them.

[JocastaJackal]

AS level Media was really enjoyable and engaging for me, so I'd highly recommend it. It's extremely easy too, so it's an easy A in the bag. My teacher on the first lesson literally said 'Welcome to Media Studies, here's some A's.'

I was accepted to QMUL and Cardiff among my UCAS choices whilst having Media up to A2, so I think it's a slight misconception that unis don't like it. However I did it to complement the fact that I did English Lit as it seemed appropriate.

[TimInTheNorth]

I thought it was an excellent subject, very interesing with lots of engaging and easy work. (To be honest my main teacher in Year 12 was Welsh and very relaxed, cue a year of watching films). I didn't expect awesome results because of the amount of preparation I put in (although I secured an A on the coursework prior to the exams), however I cruised through the papers with straight A's, 293/300 marks.

You do have to have interest in Films, Television etc. It is not a 'mickey mouse' subject, it does require some attention, but you can enjoy it and have a laugh. If you are doing A2 you should be able to cope with the work load, it's not strenous by any means. I say go for it, you'll learn more than you think you will to be honest.

,Tim

[Vjyrik]

Originally Posted by iamsam

Starting September, my school is offering A Level Media Studies. So I talked to both the teacher in charge of the timetable and one of the teachers, and they're going to let me drop-in on lessons that fit into my timetable, and maybe do the AS if I can handle the workload.

Thing is, I'm in Year 13 now. This year I've got a full Further Maths A Level, A2 Physics and A2 Economics. Last year I did Critical Thinking and a single Computing (coursework) module, along with AS Physics, AS Economics and A Level Maths. So I can certainly cope with at least a bit of extra work, but as I understand it media studies coursework is not only difficult but also time-consuming.

I'm also looking for a break from my mostly maths-based subjects. Don't get me wrong, I love maths, but constant, never-ending maths gets to me after a while. Something like media studies can give me an outlet for my energy which isn't problem-solving, theoretical or even logical.

So I suppose what I'm asking is, how hard is AS Media Studies?

Also, should I go for the AS Level, or just take the opportunity to learn more about (in this case) film?

P.S: This ain't about getting into university. I know unis don't like this as a qualification, but I've got plenty of other A Levels for them.

I don't know about the subject myself, so it might be good for you to study. But, really, what I think would be best for you (since you're not doing mainly science subjects) is that you could get into more traditional extracurriculars (reading books, playing a musical instrument, founding a school club or so).

But, yeah, since it's a drop-in thing, you should go in and try your best; I'm sure universities won't mind one soft AS Level !