(Academic) A Level Media Studies

Through studying Media Studies students will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms. Students will find contemporary, diverse topics and varied and engaging content, helping to develop research, problem-solving skills as well as creativity. They’ll also refine their debating skills through the  discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives.

A-level Media Studies engages students in the in  depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework:

• media language

• media representation

• media industries

• media audiences.

Students are required to study media products

from all of the following media forms:

• television

• film

• radio

• newspapers

• magazines

• advertising and marketing

• online, social and participatory media

• video games

• music video

Component 1

Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section will test the following forms:

• advertising and marketing 

• music video

Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences.

Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:

• radio

• newspapers

• film (industries only)

How it’s assessed

written exam: 2 hours

84 marks / 35% of A-level

Questions

A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products.

Two essay questions (20 marks), one of which is an extended response question.