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.