Welcome to the Media Studies Department

Media Studies is the study of the mass media/popular culture including magazines, television, film, radio, comics, popular music, websites and computer games. Thus, the media plays a central role in contemporary society and culture. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, viewpoints and messages 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.

The economic importance of the media is also unquestionable. The media industries employ large numbers of people worldwide and operate as commercial industries on a global scale. The global nature of contemporary media, coupled with ongoing technological developments and more opportunities to interact with the media, suggests that their centrality in contemporary life can only increase.

Through studying media studies, students have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of these key issues and the ability to debate important questions about the media. It introduces them to a theoretical framework for analysing the media, which also underpins the study of the media at A level and beyond.

Students focus predominantly on contemporary media, which is contextualised and enhanced through the exploration of significant products from different historical periods. Through studying both established and evolving media forms, students will gain a real awareness of the role of the media in society and culture. The study of a range of rich and stimulating media products is central to our aims allowing students to develop appreciation and understanding of the media. Learning opportunities enable students to draw on their existing experience of the media but also extend their appreciation and critical understanding through the study of products with which they may be less familiar, including products for different audiences.