Media Studies is not a transient or a trendy subject (although it is a popular one!). It has been established as a GCSE and an A Level subject for 15 years now. Nor is it a narrow and trivial syllabus. We focus upon all the key media across the two years of the full A Level, encouraging skills and knowledges that are relevant to a range of other subjects: for example, close analysis of image and language, social and political philosophy, economic and business theory and sociological investigation. At the heart of our specification are the practical projects in which students are given the chance to demonstrate and extend their understanding of the media through the construction of their own products. Creativity, organisation, discipline and teamwork are quickly developed by students, who are always enthusiastic to do well in this part of the course.

"The practical projects are really hard work, but it’s amazing what you can achieve in a few weeks of production."

Why do Media Studies at Hurtwood?

Our aim at Hurtwood is to provide the best Media Studies course of its kind in the country. Our results speak for themselves but we aim to give our students much more than a good pass at A Level. We are able to achieve this with a team of experienced and dedicated Media teachers, who provide students with the best possible education in both the theoretical study of the media and the practical application of the skills learnt.

"One of the best things about the course is getting to use an amazing selection of technology – the digital handicams are brilliant to use on shoot."

We have the kind of resources which are usually seen only in professional environments: a fully equipped video edit suite with several digital editing stations and live vision and sound mixing facilities, a full complement of professional and semi-professional DV cameras and sound recording equipment; a Windows NT network, linked by satellite to the internet, flatbed scanner, two A3 laser printers, and a range of software for DTP and web-based design and publishing; a fully equipped radio station with CD, DAT and minidisc facilities, run through a professional 24 channel mixing desk. Over the next 12 months, we will be integrating all of these facilities in the construction of a brand new Media Centre, which will also house a working TV/video studio.

"Doing Media at Hurtwood has given me a chance to gain the sort of experience that TV companies are looking for – I would definitely like to carry on with it as a career."

The specification which we follow is not a vocational course, but we are able to begin teaching students the kind of technical skills which they will need if they wish to pursue a career in the media or if they wish to carry on into higher education. We offer our students opportunities for work experience in a variety of media institutions and advice on university courses. In addition, we provide specialist training on our fast track courses in film and ICT for those students who have already decided that they wish to work in these fields.

The OCR Media Studies Specification at A Level

The full A Level examination consists of six units; two of these units (equivalent to 40% of the final mark) are coursework units. 50% of the assessment, or three units, will be taken in the first year as an Advanced Subsidiary qualification.

The specification aims to ensure that students are exposed to as wide a range of media as possible, including film, television, print media, radio and ICT. They will learn how to analyse the codes and conventions of the various media, how different groups are represented in the media and by whom, how different audiences consume and make meaning from media texts and how texts are affected by the institutions from which they emerge. Students will learn of the history of various media and speculate about future developments.

Media teachers at Hurtwood adopt a seminar-style approach, which encourages student discussion, criticism and analysis to complement the teacher’s own input. In the second year of the course, students will undertake a large research study, supervised through regular tutorials with their teachers. In addition, the practical projects demand a great range of skills from the students throughout the two years of the course. As you can see, the variety of the course’s content is matched by the variety in its delivery; in this way, we can ensure that the Media Studies A Level at Hurtwood is in a class of its own. This is fully reflected in A-Level results and over the last three years the Department has obtained 69% passes at A and B grades, 94% at C grade and 100% at A-D grades.

Unit 1 – Thematic enquiry

Unit 2 – Expressive study

Unit 3 – Externally set assignment

Unit 4 – Contextual study

Unit 5 – Problem-solving

Unit 6 – Externally set assignment - exam

What skills do I need?

If you are thinking of taking Media Studies at AS or A Level, you do not need to have studied the subject at GCSE, but you should have GCSE passes in English Language and Mathematics. The course does involve regular essays and it is, therefore, essential that you are able to write in a clear, well-structured fashion. You should have the ability to research independently; an analytical mind as well as intellectual curiosity are prerequisite. As all media are closely bound up with ideas, people and events, you are expected to maintain a lively interest in what is happening in the world. Above all, you should love the media!

After A-level

Media Studies can be combined with a wide range of subjects at A Level in the Arts and Sciences. It is especially suited to go with English, Sociology, Theatre Studies, History, Business Studies and Languages. It can also be taken by scientists looking for a fourth AS in the Humanities. It is obviously an ideal choice for students wishing to take a media-related degree at University or wishing to find a job in one of the fields of the media.

Media Studies has a substantial academic content and is an acceptable A Level for a large number of degree courses, but advice should be taken if you are considering applying for Engineering or specialist science courses.

Media Studies is an A Level subject that is totally in touch with the real world. It gives you the opportunity to learn and work in an environment where your individual analytical and creative skills are developed fully. Whether or not you choose a career in the media industry, you will find it a stimulating course and a rewarding qualification.

Why do Media Studies at Hurtwood?

The OCR Media Studies Specification at A Level

What skills do I need?

After A-level

Suggested reading