My interest in Media stems from a desire to gain a better understanding of the creative process and improve my technical skills. My parents always encouraged me to explore a variety of mediums and growing up in a house full of old cameras, photography sparked my interest. Having done a photography degree, my mum was more than happy to nurture this interest passing on tips and tricks to fuel my passion.

Media affects and influences everything in the modern world. Everything we consume, whether that be entertainment, advertising, or educational content, is all media! I would like to pursue media at a degree level as it would allow me to explore and experiment across a range of disciplines.

Having not studied any arts subjects since GCSE, I have realised how much I enjoy and have missed studying hands-on practical projects. This has pushed me to peruse artistic endeavours outside of school and I have recently been working on creating a short film based on ‘The Buried Moon’ with a friend, which I believe has improved my ability to collaborate.

I have also completed a MOOC on Media Ethics and Governance by the University of Amsterdam. Media ethics has always fascinated me because of the implications of media involvement in world events and how to approach something from a neutral perspective. I believe portraying information in both an informative yet non-biased way is of the utmost importance and without this neutrality our media becomes sensationalist.

I worked for Wild Rumpus doing Production Design as work experience, which involved me working with a small team creating props and pieces to be used at one of their festivals. I later volunteered at their JustSo Festival; seeing many of the things I had worked on during my work experience in their final place was very rewarding. It was overall a very valuable experience and helped me a lot in realising how much I enjoy working in a team with a common creative goal. Getting to meet a plethora of different people with experience in their field cemented my desire to work in the creative industries.

Sociology has given me valuable skills in investigating theory and seeing a range of perspectives, I believe through doing Sociology I have learnt many skills which helped me while doing my MOOC.

Completing my Geography coursework taught me an array of research and analysis skills such as collecting and analysing data on my subject area of carbon and regeneration.

English Literature has helped me develop my critical thinking and literature analysis skills - for my NEA I wrote about feminism and patriarchy in 'A Doll's House' and 'The Yellow Wallpaper'. Although something I struggle with, I find the more creative aspects of English fascinating and being able to apply theory leant in Sociology as a lens for analysing the texts is extremely rewarding.

Through both NEA projects I have learnt a variety of research and writing skills which I feel will benefit me throughout my time at university.

I have participated in a variety of open days around my school, most recently speaking on behalf of Sociology - this helped with my public speaking skills which is an area I wish to develop. I am also on the VI Form Student Council which has helped me with my organisational skills.

Outside of school I have self-studied both Slovak (A2) and Spanish (B1). Through this I have discovered many films which have broadened my styles and tastes as well as helping me improve my language skills. By visiting family in Spain, I have been able to improve both my speech and comprehension skills.

I work at a local bar; this has helped me develop my confidence and public speaking skills as well as my problem-solving skills with every night being different.

In my free time I’m helping a local band make a music video, although I have little knowledge about music I am eager to learn more.

In this degree, I am most looking forward to learning how to apply my creativity in a variety of ways.

Personal Statement