OCR A Level Media Studies specification (H409)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Media Studies exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Media Studies specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Media Studies (H409) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
OCR’s A Level in Media Studies qualification develops learners' understanding of media forms, contexts, and audiences, fostering analytical and practical skills. It encourages critical engagement with media products from a range of genres, time periods, and cultures, including contemporary, historical, mainstream, and alternative texts. Through academic theory and practical production, students explore how media reflects and influences society, developing skills in research, debate, textual analysis and creative design. This course supports further study or employment in the media and creative sectors:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 01: Media Messages (H409/01)
Section A: News and Online Media
- In-depth comparative study of Daily Mail and The Guardian print and online platforms
- Includes websites and social/participatory media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Focus on media industries, audiences, language, and representation
Section B: Media Language and Representation
- Set forms: advertising & marketing (Old Spice, Lucozade, Shelter), music videos (one from each of List A and List B), and magazines (The Big Issue)
- Analysis of how language and representations construct meaning in different contexts
Component 02: Evolving Media (H409/02)
Section A: Media Industries and Audiences
- Set forms: radio (BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show), video games (Minecraft), film (The Jungle Book 1967 & 2016)
- Exploration of technological, economic, and social influences on production, distribution and consumption
Section B: Long Form Television Drama
- Comparative study of one English-language and one non-English language drama (e.g. Mr Robot & Deutschland 83)
- Investigates globalisation, genre hybridity, narrative, representation, and audience reception
Component 03/04: Making Media (H409/03/04)
- NEA cross-media production in response to one OCR-set brief (e.g. TV + website, magazine + website)
- Must apply media theoretical framework (language, representation, industry, audience)
- Includes a 500-word Statement of Intent
- Practical use of media technologies and original content creation:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 01: Media Messages (H409/01)
Section A: News and Online Media
- In-depth comparative study of Daily Mail and The Guardian print and online platforms
- Includes websites and social/participatory media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Focus on media industries, audiences, language, and representation
Section B: Media Language and Representation
- Set forms: advertising & marketing (Old Spice, Lucozade, Shelter), music videos (one from each of List A and List B), and magazines (The Big Issue)
- Analysis of how language and representations construct meaning in different contexts
Component 02: Evolving Media (H409/02)
Section A: Media Industries and Audiences
- Set forms: radio (BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show), video games (Minecraft), film (The Jungle Book 1967 & 2016)
- Exploration of technological, economic, and social influences on production, distribution and consumption
Section B: Long Form Television Drama
- Comparative study of one English-language and one non-English language drama (e.g. Mr Robot & Deutschland 83)
- Investigates globalisation, genre hybridity, narrative, representation, and audience reception
Component 03/04: Making Media (H409/03/04)
- NEA cross-media production in response to one OCR-set brief (e.g. TV + website, magazine + website)
- Must apply media theoretical framework (language, representation, industry, audience)
- Includes a 500-word Statement of Intent
- Practical use of media technologies and original content creation:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Media Studies isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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