Exam Board: AQA
Subject contact: Melanie Davies
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
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.
Current exam texts for Section A:
Current exam texts for Section B:
Questions will focus on the in-depth media forms of television, magazines and online games.
How it’s assessed
written exam: 2 hours
84 marks / 35% of A-level
Questions:
One medium length unseen analysis question
Three essay questions (25 marks), one of which is an extended response question and one of which is a synoptic question.
Current exam texts for Paper 2:
Component 3: Non-exam assessment: Creating a cross-media production
Application of knowledge and understanding of
theoretical framework
Ability to create media products
How it’s assessed
A choice of one of 6 annually changing briefs, set by AQA
60 marks / 30% of A-level
Assessed by teachers / Moderated by AQA
Tasks
Students produce a statement of intent and a cross- media production made for an intended audience
Video Editor
Camera Operator / videographer
Broadcast, Sound & Video Technician
Sound Engineer / Audio Engineer
Lighting Engineer
Setting Scout / Set Designer
Journalist / Reporter
Copywriter / Technical Writer
Editor / Copy Editor / Managing Editor
Screenwriter
Video Game Designer
Public Relations (PR) Specialist / Officer / Publicist
Social Media Manager / Specialist
Graphic / Multimedia / Broadcast Designer
Creative Director / Art Director
Content Strategist / Brand Associate
Digital Marketer
Media Analyst / Digital Media Analyst
Producer (TV/Film/Digital)
Location Manager / Production Coordinator
Runner (Entry-level production)
Music Supervisor
And many more…
Media-based jobs are constantly being created and developed. The job you get may not even exist yet.
Student voice:
"Studying Media has helped me ask questions about, and assess the world around me."
"It makes you look at film and other media in a different way."
"I enjoy deconstructing Media texts and knowing how and why choices are made."
"Understanding representation is important to people's identity."
"The course is fun and I'm really looking forward to the coursework and getting to be creative."
"You get to study loads of different forms of Media. My favourite so far has been the music videos and I can't wait to look at video games."
"You analyse texts but also get to be creative."