Media Studies

Exam Board:OCR
What is this subject about?
Media Studies is a subject that integrates theoretical and practical approaches. Media Studies involves the close analysis of the images, sounds and text that we experience via the media. It is the study of individual media texts (such as films, TV Drama, magazines, websites, documentaries etc.) and on a wider scale, you will be required to question how the media impact upon contemporary society. It also enables you to develop some of the practical skills that you might use in a media-based or design career. The new 2008 specification has been designed in close consultation with industry professionals.
For the AS level you will study:
A major part of this qualification will require you to produce a coursework portfolio. You will design two paired media artefacts from a series of briefs: including a music magazine. On a theoretical level, for the examination, you will learn the skills of textual analysis. This will involve deconstructing television dramas in terms of their technical features and how these features are used to create meanings for audiences. You will explore and debate issues such as race, class and gender representation. In the examination you will write an essay deconstructing an unseen extract. In addition, you will investigate the magazine industry and write an essay answer on this in the examination.
For the A2 level you will study:
In the A2 year you will engage with contemporary media technologies to produce
a media portfolio. You will use cameras, editing equipment and publishing software to produce, for example: a film extract and marketing materials to accompany it. In the examination you will write an essay evaluating and reflecting upon your coursework in the context of a major media theory and you will also write a critical essay on a contemporary media issue. This might involve looking at the role of the media in creating a democracy or in developing identity.

How is the course assessed?

Over the two years, practical coursework is worth 50% and written examinations are worth 50% but you have to write about the coursework in the examination so technically, it is worth more.
What skills will I need and develop in this course?
You will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of texts, developing skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection, as well as developing your creativity and practical skills in desktop publishing, filmmaking and editing.
Subject combination advice:
Media Studies is a subject that by its nature requires candidates to consider
ethical, social, cultural and contemporary issues. We strongly advise that you do not take Media and Film Studies together as there is some overlap in the skills that you will develop: particularly textual deconstruction. If you wish to go into journalism then taking English Language as at least one of your other subjects, is advisable.
What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?
With regards to progression, this course does not guarantee a career in the media industry, but many students do go on to read media or film at university. It also provides a good analytical and creative A level which would support other subjects for university entry. Students who have studied either AS or A level Media Studies have gone on to study a wide variety of subjects at university.
What are the formal entry requirements for this course?
Aside from the general entry requirements that the College requires, you will also need a C grade in GCSE English.
What extra support / enrichment activities are on offer?
The department usually offers a residential trip to a film festival and we have strong links with the British Film Institute (BFI) and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). Students attend film screenings and Q & A's with cast and crew (where possible) at London cinemas. We also have guest speakers throughout the year who come in to talk to students, and we run workshops during Wider Skills Week to broaden practical skills. At the end of the A2 year we celebrate student achievement with the Esher Oscars and a post-Oscars party. We also take an annual trip to Southampton Solent University for some workshops.
What is the difference between Media Studies and Film Studies?
Media Studies is more practical and technically challenging than Film with all students producing a magazine in the AS year and a video portfolio in the A2 year. The practical work in Media Studies will involve a lot of IT work - developing skills in Adobe In-Design, Photoshop and I-Movie film editing software. You will also have to complete your evaluations for coursework in the form of a comprehensive blog. Media also deals with a range of texts whereas Film purely focuses on that medium.