Media Studies
WJEC AS/A2 Media
This specification is divided into a total of 4 units: 2 AS units and 2 A2 units. Weightings noted below are expressed in terms of the full A level qualification.
AS Course Content – Year 12 (40% of overall A Level)
Unit 1 – Investigating the Media (24%):
2 hour 15 minute written examination.
Section A: Selling Images - Advertising and Marketing. One stepped question based on unseen print and audio-visual resource material and requiring reference to the advertising and marketing products studied.
Section B: News in the Online Age. One two-part question requiring reference to the news products studied. There is a choice of question in the second part.
Section C: Film Industries – from Wales to Hollywood. One two-part question requiring reference to the films studied.
Unit 2 – Creating a Media Product (16%):
Coursework - Planning a Practical Media Project
A media production, including individual research and planning, created in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, and applying knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
A2 Course Content
Unit 3 – Media in the Global Age (36%):
2 hour 30 minute written examination
This unit assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, media industries and audiences. The exam consists of three sections.
Section A: Television in the Global Age. One two-part question based on both of the set television programmes studied. There is a choice of question in the second part.
Section B: Magazines – Mainstream and Alternative Media. One two-part question based on both of the magazines studied. There is a choice of question in the second part.
Section C: Media in the Digital Age – Video Games. One two-part question based on both of the video games studied. There is a choice of question in the second part.
Unit 4 - Creating a Cross-Media Production (24%):
Coursework - Research, Production & Analysis
A cross-media production, including individual investigative research and development, created in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, and applying knowledge and understanding of key concepts and digital convergence.
At least 5 GCSE’s A*-C including Maths and English. This course combines particularly well with ICT, Maths, English, RE, Geography and Media.
Additional Information:
Skills You Will Develop Through Studying This Subject
Critical Analysis
Creative Writing
Sociological Awareness
Media Targeting
Practical Photographic & DTP Work
Additional Relevant Information
Media Studies has consistently been one of the most successful A level subjects at the school in recent years. Students will have the option to participate in a three-day residential visit to London to study multinational media industries, normally run in conjunction with A Level Art and A Level Business. This subject is often combined with either Art, Business, English, ICT and Psychology.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Students who have achieved 5 A*-C grades at GCSE (Grade B minimum in English Language).
Students who prefer a course with close parity between coursework and examinations.
Students who have a keen interest in exploring social effects of the media and audience targeting.
Students who enjoy learning through creative writing/design and production.
Students who are engaged by the media on a local, national and global scale and have an investigative nature, keen to research and analyse the media and its impact.
Students who want to learn and are eager to succeed, those whose only interaction with the media is via Facebook and Instagram need not apply.