A-Level

Media Studies

Media Studies

Entry Criteria

Five GCSEs

Grade 5

Careers

A-Level Media Studies opens doors to diverse careers in digital and creative industries, from journalism, film, and advertising to social media management, digital marketing, and TV production. With skills in critical analysis, research, and creative production, students are well-prepared for roles in content creation, gaming, and interactive media design. The course’s focus on audience engagement and storytelling is valuable across media-driven fields, making Media Studies a versatile choice, especially when paired with subjects like English, Sociology, Business, or IT.

Can We Help?

If you require any further information about the curriculum we are following in this subject, please click here to contact the Head of Faculty/Department.

Course ID
OCR H409
Faculty
Computing
Department
Computing
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
Head of Department
A. Polyviou
Availability
Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
Media Studies

Course Overview

Unlock your creative potential with the OCR Media Studies course! This dynamic program invites you to explore the fascinating world of media in all its forms, from film and television to digital platforms and advertising. You will dive into the critical analysis of media texts, uncovering the ways they influence and reflect society. With hands-on projects and engaging discussions, you will gain insights into the media landscape while developing the skills to express your unique voice.

Throughout the course, you will get to work with cutting-edge media technologies and techniques, empowering you to create your own original content. Whether it’s producing a short film, designing a magazine layout, or crafting a podcast, you will learn how to bring your ideas to life while mastering the principles of effective storytelling and audience engagement. This is your chance to experiment, innovate, and express your creativity in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. The A-Level Media Studies course has a structured focus on four key areas: media language, representation, industries, and audiences. Each term generally emphasises different aspects of these areas, with studies focusing on diverse media products, including television, music videos, video games, and social media.
 
As you delve deeper into topics like representation, media ethics, and the impact of digital media on our lives, you will be prepared to think critically about the media you consume and produce. By the end of the course, you will not only have a solid foundation for further study in media and communication but also the skills to launch a career in this exciting field. If you are ready to embark on a thrilling journey that blends creativity, analysis, and technology, the OCR Media Studies course is your ticket to an amazing future!

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 & 2 Students typically begin with understanding media language and representation, analysing how meaning is constructed through media techniques and exploring how different groups are represented. This term often includes studying advertising, marketing, and music videos.  
Spring 1 & 2 The focus shifts to media industries and audiences. Here, students examine how media industries operate, including economic models, production processes, and audience engagement. The media forms studied in this term can include newspapers, radio, and aspects of the film industry related to distribution and marketing.  
Summer 1 & 2 Students dive deeper into cross-media studies, learning how various forms of media converge across platforms. This term may also incorporate practice on analysing unseen sources, preparing students for essay questions in exams, and beginning their coursework (the non-exam assessment or NEA).  

 

Year 13

As a new course offered at EBS, further detail for Year 13 will be offered later on in the year. In general, students will complete their NEA, where students create a cross-media production (e.g., a campaign across social and print media), applying their knowledge practically. They also review and synthesise prior topics in preparation for final exams.

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA, 30% of the overall grade):
This is a coursework project where students produce their own media piece, applying theoretical knowledge creatively. The project typically involves creating a media product for a specific audience, like a magazine cover, website, or film poster. This distribution allows students to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical media production skills, preparing them for future studies or careers in media-related fields.
 
Exams (70% of the overall grade):
There are two exam papers, each worth 35%. The exams test students’ understanding of media language, representation, industries, and audiences, and include questions about the Close Study Products (CSPs) specified by AQA.

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
The “BBC Bitesize” Media Studies Section; “Introduction to Media Studies” on YouTube (Crash Course); Media Diversity Institute; British Film Institute (BFI) Industry Resources; Adweek and Pew Research Centre; “Media Audiences” YouTube playlist by the Media Insider “Semiotics: The Basics” by Daniel Chandler; “Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices” by Stuart Hall; “The Media Student’s Book” by Gill Branston and Roy Stafford; “Media and Audiences” by Karen Ross and Virginia Nightingale
Netflix’s Documentary “The Social Dilemma” Ofcom’s Media Reports; Canva and Adobe Spark;  Vimeo Video School; AQA Past NEA Briefs and Examples

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
The “BBC Bitesize” Media Studies Section; “Introduction to Media Studies” on YouTube (Crash Course); Media Diversity Institute; British Film Institute (BFI) Industry Resources; Adweek and Pew Research Centre; “Media Audiences” YouTube playlist by the Media Insider “Semiotics: The Basics” by Daniel Chandler; “Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices” by Stuart Hall; “The Media Student’s Book” by Gill Branston and Roy Stafford; “Media and Audiences” by Karen Ross and Virginia Nightingale
Netflix’s Documentary “The Social Dilemma” Ofcom’s Media Reports; Canva and Adobe Spark;  Vimeo Video School; AQA Past NEA Briefs and Examples