A Level Media Studies

The study of relevant social, cultural, political, economic and historical contexts further enhances and deepens learners’ understanding of the media, as they explore key influences on the products studied. This specification recognises the cross-media, multi-platform nature of the contemporary media and the centrality of online and social media platforms in distributing, accessing and participating in the media. In some instances, specific forms are highlighted for detailed study, but this is in the context of their relationships to other media forms and platforms, recognising their fluidity and the way in which they respond to emerging, contemporary developments in the digital landscape. 

The course is broken down into three parts: 

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences  

Written examination – 2 hours 15 minutes  

35% of qualification  

90 marks 

 Overview In this component, you will develop knowledge and understanding of key aspects of the theoretical framework – media language and representation – as an essential basis for analysing media products from a variety of forms. In addition, you will study products from specific media industries and for specific audiences to develop their knowledge and understanding of those areas of the theoretical framework. You will also explore how media products relate to their social, cultural, historical, political and economic contexts. In this component, you will develop your ability to use relevant subject-specific terminology and theories. Forms covered for this component are – newspaper, advertising, music video, radio, video games and film: cross media marketing. 

The media forms will be explored over to sections –  

Section A – Analysing Media Language and Representation 

Section B – Understanding Media Industries and Audiences 

Component 2  

Media Forms and Products in Depth  

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes  

35% of qualification 90 marks  

Overview In this component learners are required to study three media forms in depth, exploring all areas of the theoretical framework – media language, representation, media industries, and audiences – in relation to audio-visual, print and online products set by WJEC. The forms to be studied in depth are:  

• television 
• magazines 
• blogs and websites. 

Learners will explore these three media forms through close analysis of the set products, comparing their use of media language and the representations they offer in relation to relevant social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts. Learners will study the role of media industries in shaping media products, as well as considering the way in which both mass and specialised audiences are targeted and addressed. Relevant and advanced theories will inform study of the set products and learners will reflect critically upon these theoretical perspectives. Learners should continue to develop their ability to use relevant subject-specific terminology in this component. 

The exam consists of three sections:  

Section A: Television in the Global Age (30 marks) There will be one two-part question or one extended response question. 

Section B – Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media (30 marks) There will be one two-part question or one extended response question.  

Section C – Media in the Online Age (30 marks) 

Component 3  

Cross-Media Production  

30% of qualification 60 marks  

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed and externally moderated by WJEC 

This component synthesises knowledge and understanding of the media theoretical framework gained throughout their course by requiring learners to apply their knowledge and understanding of the media synoptically to practical production. In Components 1 and 2, learners gain a detailed understanding of the theoretical framework in relation to a range of media forms. In this component, learners are required to apply their knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, audiences, media industries and the digitally convergent nature of the media in an individual production for an intended audience. The production must be based on two media forms and completed in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC.