Media Studies A Level

Applications Open - 21st November 2025

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

Entry Requirements - Please see our prospectus for grades needed

How to Apply -

ALL applications are to be made via KentChoices - if you do not have log in details, please speak to your school. If you are applying from outside of our area or an Independent school please email ccvioffice@ccgrammarschool.co.uk

**** IMPORTANT ****

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

What is the course about?

Media Studies is the systematic study and analysis of the mass media through the Key Concepts of Narrative, Representation, Audience, Ideology, Media Language and Institutions. We aim to equip you with a critical understanding of the way that media texts communicate, studying anything from computer games, to broadsheet newspapers, to Postmodern TV and cinema and music videos. In addition to the theoretical element, the course is 30% practical and you will learn about print and film/video production, including lighting and composition in photography and cinematography, and editing using DTP and video editing.

For whom is the course suitable?
Contrary to popular belief, Media Studies is a very dense and complex subject with a great deal of critical theory to absorb and use. To do well, you will need to be enthusiastic, motivated, thoughtful and well organised. It is not essential to have taken Media Studies GCSE, but a good grade in English Language (grade 6 or above) is a strong indicator that you will be able to cope with the essay-writing requirements.

Teaching Methods and Homework commitment

The course is split up into practical work and theory. Theory lessons are conventionally teacher led, but you may be called upon to make presentations and lead sessions when discussing your own research. Practical work will be taught through a series of shorter assigned tasks that build confidence in the use of equipment, giving you the independence to produce work individually. You should expect at least one written assignment and one learning assignment per week unless you are working on practical assignments.

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

Media Studies carries the same number of UCAS points as any other A Level subject and is accepted by all universities. The method of study lends itself to both practical/creative subjects and academic/research based subjects. In addition to the more conventional university courses, many institutions now offer practical courses that provide a good springboard into media industries, and OCR Media Studies is well respected by these institutions.

Method of Study and Assessment

A Level Course

Component 1 Media Messages

Students study news and online, social and participatory media in depth and learn how media language is used to construct representations and meaning in a variety of set media products. There are two sections:

Section A - News and online media—students carry out two in-depth studies that focus on contemporary news in the UK, requiring students to explore how and why newspapers and their online counterparts are evolving as media products and the relationship between both online and offline news.

Section B – Media Language and Representation—Students focus on media language and representation and consider how meanings are constructed across different media forms. This covers advertising and marketing, magazines and music videos.

Written paper—35% of A level

Component 2 Evolving Media

Section A — Media Industries and Audiences—Students explore media industries through film, video games and radio and audiences through video games and radio.

Section B — Long Form Television Drama - Students carry out an in-depth study focusing on contemporary long form television dramas, one English and one European (non-English language)

Written paper—35% of A level

Component 3 Creating Media

Students create a cross-media product for an intended audience in response to a set brief. This gives the opportunity to work independently and develop expertise built from components 1 and 2.

Non-exam assessment—30% of A level

Website URL: For more information please go to http://www.ccgrammarschool.co.uk

See Prospectus on school website for details