Media Studies is a successful, popular subject at A Level, offering a quality program of study.
We also offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, such as Film Club and attending the student Media conference.
The subject is academic and practical, allowing for students to apply critical theoretical knowledge alongside being creative and developing technical skills.
Courses Offered
A Level Media Studies (OCR)
Syllabus Breakdown
Exams-
Media messages (01), 2 hour exam, weighting 35%
- Students study news and online, social and participatory media in depth and learn about how media language is used to construct representations and meaning in a variety of set media products.
Evolving media (02), 2 hour exam, weighting 35%
- Students consider how media industries are evolving and using technology to reach, target and address audiences through a variety of set media products. Students also consider the media language, representations and messages and values communicated by long-form television drama and how these dramas are produced and consumed globally.
Coursework
Creating media (03/04), non-exam assessment, weighting 30%
- Students create a cross-media product for an intended audience in response to a set brief. This gives them the opportunity to work independently and develop expertise built from their study in components 01 and 02.
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Media Language or Film Form #2 Audience #3 Industry #4 Representation
#5 Context #6 Theory #7 Ideology #8 Narrative #9 Genre
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Curriculum Overview
Please click here for a PDF of curriculum overview.
Minimum Entry Requirements
In addition to our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, students will need to achieve a grade 5 in GCSE Media or English in order to choose this subject.
Why Study Media Studies?
A-Level Media Studies allows students to engage in a theoretical and practical exploration of the many media that are now so crucial to daily life and to develop a genuine understanding of the position and role of the media. It develops knowledge and understanding about the wider world, modern society and allows creativity to flourish and analytical skills to be developed.
The subject also develops a wide range of other important skills which will be valuable no matter what you do after A Levels, including: communication, critical thinking, problem solving, a wide range of technical and digital skills, creativity and political understanding.
Wider Opportunities
Media Studies students have access to a wide array of trip and visits, which help to advance understanding and enrich a student’s experience in the subject. These include visits to Sky Studios, study days at the British Film Institute, various university taster days, Universal Studios, The Making of Harry Potter, the opportunity to be involved in student produced media activities such as producing material for school projects and highlights throughout the year. There is also access to a range of industry links to bring the subject to life.
What Our Students Say:
'80% of the coursework I’m doing for my apprenticeship is relevant to what I studied in A Level Media Studies.’
'Media Studies is really easy to pick up, and it’s quite satisfying.’
'I really enjoy Media Studies because it’s exciting and we cover lots of interesting material, which is really good fun.’
'The work we did on Film Noir was really cool.’
'The department is the best in the school – the teachers are always willing to devote extra time and help to students.'
What Can I Do Next?
Successful completion of Media Studies could open up opportunities to study a number of university degree programmes, such as English, Sociology, Philosophy, Media and Humanities, as well as Film, Television or Media Studies. The media industry has experienced change over the last few years, as the expansion of digital media over print media has seen a need for people with skills in visual effects and the film industry. Locally, there is a vast range of opportunities for careers in the media and film industries with local links including Elstree, Pinewood, Warner Bros, Cardington Studios and the announcement of Sunset Studio coming soon.
