Courses > Arts > Media Studies
Media Studies

Media Studies at AS and A2 level offers a mixture of theory and practice.  You will have the opportunity to produce your own practical work using professional hardware and software and over the course will study a range of different media ranging from TV Drama to Film and Magazines.

AS Topics

G321 (Coursework) Plan, Construct and Evaluate a Practical Production

The briefs include creating a front cover and article for a  new music magazine or filming and editing a short sequence from an imagined fiction film.

G322 (Examination) Key Media Concepts

Section A of this unit will include the study of film language so you can undertake textual analysis of the moving image. You will also study the concept of representation in television drama. For Section B (Institutions and Audiences) you will undertake a case study of the British film industry.

A2 Topics

G323 (Coursework) Production of three media products across video, print, web design or audio

Where does it lead?

A range of opportunities are opened up by studying A Level Media Studies. There are now many university degrees which allow you to specialise in both practical and theoretical aspects of the media. There are numerous vocational professions that can be accessed by the subject at degree level including journalism, media law and teaching.  As with all A Level qualifications it can form part of the entry requirements at university level for a wide range of other degrees. The course also offers an ideal overview of the media for those hoping to enter specific media industries.

Why you should study Media Studies?

The mass media surround our lives and this course offers the chance to study and critically analyse a comprehensive range of media forms and texts. There are topics on TV drama, the British music industry and film genre. Both the AS and A2 are strongly rooted in your own practical work. You will learn to use a range of professional software programs (e.g. Photoshop, InDesign, Final Cut, Dreamweaver) to produce your own films, websites and magazines.

What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

Interest in the range of media (film, television, popular music, web, newspapers, magazines and video games), willingness to work hard to learn and use media technology for a range of practical work, openness in working in both individual and group environments, the willingness to undertake independent study and the ability to meet deadlines and manage your time effectively.

Assessment

Coursework – 50% for both AS and A2 courses
Examination – 50% for both AS and A2 courses
Examination structure and questions.  At AS, one examination of 2 hours with three questions. At A2 one examination of 2 hours with three questions.

Enrichment Activities

COSMAT conference for Media students
Trip to the University of Sussex library

Preparing to Study

AS Media Studies for OCR Hodder & Stoughton 0340801301
A2 Media Studies for OCR Hodder & Stoughton 0340847778

OCR website

Other Information

Access to a digital camera/camcorder would be useful but not essential.