1. Media Studies Personal Statements
1. Before my fascination for the media world developed I like everyone else was
subconsciously a part of it. The news that was on TV, the magazines that I read and
the commercials that urged me to buy the products I bought. The media and the
world it creates around us are always there whether we are aware of it or not. Then
becoming a media student was like learning the tricks of the trade, being let in on all
these secrets and I loved knowing why the media did things and how they
accomplished them. By studying media at a degree level I feel I will be able to
enhance my interest for the subject as well as expand my current knowledge and be
able to gain new skills that will enable me to both advance and flourish within this
area as well as taking great pleasure in doing so. I have been involved in different
aspects of media (especially advertising) for a few years. I have studied Media at both
GCSE and A Level. When on these courses I worked on producing a variety of media
projects including creating and airing a community radio station, producing and
starring in an episode of a soap opera and comic book production. Whilst at 6th form
I have worked on publicity shots for a variety of projects such as prospectuses and
open evenings. I am also the design editor of the school paper a feat of which I am
very proud. As well as participating in media related tasks on an educational level, I
have taken my interest out side of just academic projects. For the government run
scheme Connexions I worked on a PR campaign which involved me participating in
many media based tasks such as designing a print based advert which was
distributed throughout all the senior schools and colleges in the Birmingham and
Solihull areas. I also created a website for a local youth club called the Den a council
run scheme.
2. I am hoping to read for a communications, media and culture degree. I find it
remarkable, inspiring and a little bit frightening how the media exercise control over
our lives, whilst offering rich cultural rewards. I am fascinated by the action and
effects of human communications of all kinds and am keen to extend the insight I
have gained so far.
My interest in the subject began through my GCSE Media Studies and my knowledge
of the subject area has expanded at A-level where I am acquiring analytical skills,
helping me unpack and contextualise a wider variety of media forms. My other A-
levels are English Language, Sociology, Critical Thinking and Philosophy &Ethics, and
these are giving me a broad overview of life and human communications and culture.
An example of how these subjects support each other would be studying the marxist
concept of hegemony and applying it to religion, media ownership, the high
culture/low culture debate in sociology and even the bourgeois emphasis on
Standard English.
I've slowly been gaining practical experience alongside my academic learning. Two
years ago, I was lucky enough to get work experience with a television crew on
location as a runner. I learnt the value of working as a member of the team in a
stressful environment and I gained an understanding of the processes of TV
production. I have also been involved in several other media projects, some as
coursework and others undertaken independently. Coursework projects have
included a magazine for young male teenagers; designing a product and advertising
campaign; and producing, directing and presenting a documentary for sixth formers

2. and their parents on the EMA system. As extra-curricular activities, I designed a
poster and Internet campaign for one of the school plays and in the absence of any
existing school publication, I launched a bimonthly newsletter, aimed at Angley's
students. These projects have provided great learning experiences, enabling me to
develop print software skills in a creative way.
What’s good about these personal statements?
What qualities do they have?